The record-union., 1899-04-23
LaWton's Return to Manila and
Capture Of Yorktown Marines
The Cause of Much Comm ent in the Press
of Great Britain.
Are Fearful That It May Cause
Cooling of Public Opinion Re-
garding the Philippines, and
Have Discouraging Effect
Upon American Expansion
Views.

Copyrighted, 1899. by Associated Press.)
LONDON, April 22.-The news from
the Philippine Islands of the retirement
of General Lawton from the Santa
Cruz district and the capture of the
boats crew Of the U. S. S. Yorktown,
has made a considerable impression
here, and the comments of the press all
reflect anxiety lest the unfavorable
news should have a discouraging effect
upon Americas expansion views.
Prominence is given to dispatches
from America apparently indicating
a cooling of public opinion regarding
the Philippines, and the general tenor
of the British press deprecates this
seeming tendency to gloominess, point
ing out that on innumerable occasions
British arms have met with a check,
only to eventually conquer all obstacles.
I'VE were discouraged after Isan-
dula,' remarks one paper "but we are
beyond the Zambesi all the same
Discussing General Lawtons retire
ment, the Speaker" says: The move
ment appears, ON reflection, natural,
as any other course would be folly. The
American campaign UP to now is justi-
fled by causes. The real significance
of the apparent check is to be looked
for in America itself. There is little
doubt that when the Presidential con-
test occurs the Administration will not
have to reckon with a disorganized and
discredited foe. The cost and sufferings
of the troops will help the Democratic
reaction, and the repatriated troops are
not likely TO be missionaries of imperial
ism In short, Americas setback in the
Philippines may very we'll combine with
ether factors to strengthen the new
-Populist party, which may
make a good fight in 1900, even in the
East"
The spectator praises the United
States Government wise policy in
sending regiments to the Philippines
and telling the volunteers that they
may go as fast as they like
Continuing, the Spectator" says:
Checks there Gn the Philippines only
mean loss of time, and the Americans,
like us. must have their grumble.'
The Economist expresses itself in a
similar strain, and pooh -poohs the idea
that the Americans admit they are in
competent TO perform a task which.
compared with India, is very small" 7"
adding: THE Americans are not the
people to yield while they are openly
defied. They are too vain as we'll as
too resolute.''
According to advices from excellent
authorities, not even the mcst sanguina
of thc Sc concerned now expect any sub
stantial progress to be made at the
coming peace conference toward the
disarmament or even a suspension Of
armamends. The Gar himself and his
encourage are reported to have lost
their illusions on the subject, and it is
said that the treaty or military and
naval questions will be confined to the
merest generalities. None of the deci-
sions will be binding, and even in the
matter of international arbitration, if
anything is agreed to, it will not be alb
solutely obligatory.
The most interesting parliamentary
event this week was the Introduction by
the Lord Chief Justice, Baron Russell
of Killowen. of his bill against illicit
secret commissions in busins SIS. which
custom the report of the Investigating G
committee of the London Chamber of
Commerce recently denounced 50
strongly and urged the adoption Of
legislative measures to correct it. Lord
Russell Numbered against secret COM
missions with an indignation which
awed even the House of Lords. His bill
proposes to extend the law affecting
public bodies to commissions on all bus
mess transactions, making such secret
payments a criminal offenSe. His
Lordship mentioned a number of cases,
some of them very painful, showing the
prevalence of the system and the injury
done thereby to trade and morals.
The increase Of the British garrison at
the Cape, of Good Hope from $500 men
three years ago to 5000 men has been
leading to the impression that some
movement was premedltated against
the Transvaal Republic.
The Liberal papers to-day comment
upon the situation, and ask if Great
Britain is preparing to seize the Trans
vaal. They point out that the perma-
nent establishment of big garrisons in
South Africa is a complete reversal of
the old policy of Withdrawing troops
from the colonies.
The star declares that "hemming in
the Transvaal with British battalions
is sinister move. portending serious
danger in the future"