The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-16
THE BUDGET UNPOPULAR.
Proposal 10 Tax Cheap Colonial Wines
Meets With Opposition.
HERBERT GLADSTONE CHEF LIBERAL WHIP.
VIII Use Hts Prestige TO Reorganizc
the rnrty--Frnncc and Italy
Again on Good Terms.

Copyrighted, 1899. by Associated Press.)
London, April 1.-THE budget pre-
scented BY the chancellor OF the exchequer,
1ir Michael Hicks Beach, in the house OF
commons on Thursday pleased few people.
1t is universally admitted that 1t fell far
below the usual level OF budget state
menis
declares that reduction Of the sinking fund
Is unworthy OF great nation. The pro-
pcsal to increase the duties severely hits
the cheaper wines, especially the colonial
wines aud probably the California wines
The colonial party IN the house OF COM
mons has already decided TO wait upon
the chancellor of the excheauer and urge
him not to levy duty on colonial wines.
as 1t would do a great injury TO young
and growing industry In Australia.
According to the plans of the chancel-
Tor OF the exchequer the cheapest clarets
will pay as much as the highest priced
hooks and sherries
One OF the events Of the parliamentary
week was the re-entry Of Sir william
Vernon Harcourt into the house OF COM
mons. Ringing cheers greeted him from
both sides OF the house as he sat down
beside John Morley. But later in the
evening his successor as leader OF the lib
eral party In the house, Sir Henry Camp
bell Bannermsu moved next to him and
they chatted together Most OF the lead
ers on both sides Of the house conversed
with Sir William Vernon Harcourt, but
be appeared 10 be conscious of his new
position and did not seem to enjoy the
exchange OF civilities.
The acceptance OF the succession TO
Thomas Edward Ellis who died ApTl :,
to the chief liberal whip by Herbert Glad
stone has given keen satisfaction on all
sides. and his action is warmly praised.
BY accepting the post after having filled
important ministerial Offices, Mr.. Glad
stone takes an almost unprecedented step
10 English history. lie yielded TO the
strong representations Of Sir Henry Camp
bell Bannerman, who painted out that the
prestige OF his name, combined with his
popularity would enable him to render
invaluable aid IN tho reconstruction and
reorganization 81 tine liberal party
The Franco Italian demonstrations al
Csglisri Island Of Sardinia are fully in
accord with the impUslve natures OF the
Latin races 4 few weeks ago the Italiens
and French were yea7uing for an oppor-
unity to engage In hostillties but now
they are engaged in exhibitions Of the ut
ma trlendlness. The great feature Of
the festivities WAS the review of the com
hjned Italian and French fleets at Cagiari
bay by the king and queen Of italy Tho
French newspapers are making great
stir over the meeting OF the two fleets
under the eye OF King Humhert, ae testi-
tying to the rHpprochement between the
two countries. According to their reports,
ADMIRAL Fourier in conversation with
King Humbert discussed the balance II
bower in the Mediterranean and dwelt
Upon the necessity that Italy should have
near by powerful French feet. which
would serve as counterpoise to the Brit
Ism forces
The French admiral has expressed him
self as being delighted with he manner
In which King Humbert received him.
The French newspapers have recently
been referring in very friendly terms Ia
Italy and there seems 10 be no doubt that
tho French government is doing It's utmost
70 endeayor to detaoh Italy from Great
Britain.
Another testimonial OF American COM
mercial energy comes in a British consuls
report from Argentina, saying the AMER
leans practically hold the bicycle msrket
and are beating both English and Ger
mar rivals. Out Of 4545 bicycles imported.
$500 were American wheels. which were
far cheaper than those OF their competi-
tcH.