New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-18
WAR TALK IN LONDON.
LORD ROSEBERY'S -RUSSIA'S
MOVES IN ASIA-A YOUTHFUL HERO.

the news of General Buffers retreat and the
consequent gloomy forecast regarding the entire
phase of the war, but closes with the relief OF
Kimberley and the general belief that the turn
ing point Of the campaign has been reached.
scarcely admits OF any other topic. Quite natu-
rally the news from the front is jublantly told
and retold until subsidiary matters of interest,
such Parliamentary proceedings, secure only
passing notice. OF these the most notable was
Lord Rosebery's vivid analysis of Great Britain's
! isolation
The military programme which was born
this week has droned along toward enactment,
being accepted more in the light of makeshft
than anything else, and is quite oyershadowed
by the former Prenier's remarks, though his
pessimistic views discounted by the al
most simultaneous publication Of Lord Roberts's
success The manner in which Lord Rosebery
delivered this remarkable grafton unusually
theatrical, and in other respects sevored or an
appeal to the gallery. giving Mr. Balrour. the
Government leader in the House OF Commons,
the opportunity the following day to gbe the
ex-Premier with unusual bitterness upon his
tones of trembling emotion" etc.
LORD SALISBURY'S RETICENCE.
Yet Lord Rosebery merely voiced what is I'M
doubtedly the predominant opinion in Great
Britain. But though he may have the majority
behind him in his pessimism IT does not follow
that Lord Rosebery's deductions correct.
The generalsms with which Lord Salisbury
answered. and has answered since the be-
gan thereby keenly irritating such influential
organs of his party 1.-The Times" Standard"
Morning Post and Telegraph are the
studied utterances of an experienced statesman,
who is just much aware of their political
individuality any of his critics, for through
his subordinates he keeps in close touch with
popular feeling. Hence, an underlying motive
must be looked for and there is a growing i'm
preston that Lord Salisbury is sacrificing poll
tics to what he rightly wrongly believes to
be the craftsmanship OF the last quarter of
century. His strength, patriotism and diplomacy
have often been severely tested and not found
wanting. hence the idea that his continued
fusal to take the nation into his confidence at
this crisis is prompted by motives of the highest
Importance The conduct Of the Foreign Of
flee, where there is not the slightest inclination
to underestimate the difficulties overesti-
mate the national capabilities certainly bears
out this solution of the enigma that puzzles the
Conservatives much 1t provides capital
for the Liberals. A reasona BILE suppositon was
suggested by well known peer. who said:
1t is more than likely that Lord Salisbury,
though seeing no immediate likelihood of for
eign complications, wishes to prepare for the
contingency and be able to meet II with free
hand. unfettered by any recent utterances con-
Tossing weakness or exposing strength.
In support Of this it is interesting to observe
that at the moment Lord Salisbury de-
mandng naval mobilization the Admiralty was
engaged in instituting the prelmnaries for that
very move. by ascertaining at all the naval
ports the number of ships that could be immed-
ately commissioned. and issuing orders for three
battleships and three cruisers, all Of the re-
serve, to coal at once in order to be ready for
commissioning in case they required Yet.
from Lord Salisbury's reply to Lord Rosebery.
would have thought this last step was
contemplated
ZULUS AS ALLIES
The possibility of having the Zulus as allies
has come rather a shock the British. But,
on the whole, the logic of their right Of self-de
fence and the duty of Great Britain to help them,
though they savages, taken JUS
LITIGATION for Joseph Chamberlain's Views. 1t
is more than probable that native Indian troops
will eventually be used in South Africa. There
is strong element in the Cabinet in favor of
this step. and it is likely It would have been
taken long ago but for fear OF the NOnconform
list conscience and other religio- political influ
ences for the announcement Of the intention TO
employ Indian troops in the war, coming on top
of the Zulu announcement. would have been a
bitter pill for many people to swallow
FOR THE HOSPITAL SHIP MAINE.
Lady Hesketh is the latest American to take
an active part in the affairs of the hospital ship
Maine. She has been in communication with
John kirkpatrick, OF San Francisco in regard
to the formation of a committee for the Pacific
Coast. and has opened a subscription there with
100. In her letter, Lady Hesketh says:
1t is my particular privilege to forward this
appeal to my native State of California, and TO
the people of Nevada who long honored my
ia William Sharon with
their representative In the Senate. There are
no kinder hearted and more open hand
ed people than those of these States
THE CENTRAL ASIAN PERIL.
What is known in Great Britain the Central
Asian peril more obscures the pacific in
man in the street, the definite news shows that
in spite OF denaIs Russia has advanced strong
force within striking distance of Herat, and
whether she intends this a distinct demon
stration against Afghanstan merely
blind to draw off attention from ultimately
assist her objects in the Persian Gulf is merely
a matter of surmise. Whatever all this really
means large portion of the British public and
press is devoting serious attention to that time
bugbear the menacng shadow OF the
/ Bear Though Lord Salisbury refused TO dis
the question in the House OF Lords, The
Associated Press is able give the opinions of
British Government officials, which in the main
are those OF Lord Salisbury, upon this latest de-
velopment But first OF all, it will be well To
hat hoe ralT.t a.