The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-04-15
THE WEEK IN LONDON.
Spirit of War and Imperialism
Rampant

copyrighted 1900 Associated Press)
LONDON. April l4-Easter eggs this
season are decorated with pictures OF
General Lord Roberts and Union Jacks,
with shamroclIs and Irish harps inter
woven on their grounds. Political af-
fairs are in a dormant state and war
and the spirit of Imperialism is in the
ascendant Had any one dared to
prophesy at this time last year that
those things would have come about
within twelve-month, he would have
been laughed to scorn.
A spirit Of rejoicing pervades the
country. which is not at all justified
by the progress of British arms in
South Africa. Nevertheless. England
needs an outlet for the enthusiasm over
past victories. for the escape Of the
Prince Of Wales and for the prosperous
times that have benefited the coun-
try; so it is small wonder that an un-
precedented flood Of excursionists is
leaving London over Good Friday and
Easter Monday. Every one who can
afford it has gone away and holiday
making is the rage Of the moment.
@ 9
Next week marks the opening of the
Paris exposition. Comparatively few
Britishers are likely to attend. Seven
months ago thousands were planning
TO visit Paris; but since the anti-British
press in France has become so vene-
nous, almost all interest seems to have
been lost in what promised to be one
Of the greatest expositions Of the CEN
tury.
o o o
Punchs cartoon this week represents
Punch bowing to Mistress Paris and
wishing her good fortune: but this
does not represent in the slightest de-
gree popular opinion, for, as the Globe
says The British people are not 60
ing to the show
Speaking of shows, one of the most
ancient occurred this week when the
Royal Maundy Money was distributed
10 old men and women al Westminster
Abbey. The ceremony of giving small
~ QEHcINAU6 ptIEOllS Win
Of the guard in attendance as usual,
attracted large crowds and, according
to an evening paper, the red purses
containing the queens small gift were
eagerly bought up by American visi-
tors, some of whom offered as much
as e5 70 rthem. The number of recip
tents increases with each year Of the
queens life and the eighty-one men
and eighty-one women who the other
day tottered up to the Abbey Chancel
formed a striging, living commentary
on the great age of the empires active
sovereign.
Next week will doubtless be marked
by scenes of enthusiasm over the ar
rival of Sir George White. Despite
what were alleged to be his mistakes,
1t is doubtful if any British general
except Lord Roberts himself is half 50
popular as Is the defender of Lady
smith. Buckles hearing his photograph
are already being generally worn; and
in this connection IT is interesting to
note how what English papers cnce de-
ride as the American button fad" has
come into popularity in England.
The Outlook relates that while Sir
George White stood in the Market
Place at Ladysmith Immediately after
the relief of that place. while cheering
throngs surged around him and as the
congratulatory message Of the queen
was being read out. he said, with emo
tion. England is very kind to me, who
has lost her two regiments"
The simple pathos, readiness to ac-
cept blame and pluck Of this man have
touched the hearts Of the people as
deeply as if he had won hundred bat
ties. Moreoeyr, he is the friend and
pupil OF the beloved idol "Bobs."
Curiously enough, the same day Ser
geant Patrick CampbelPs name APP
peared on the list Of killed in South |
Africa, the husband Of another actress |
was numbered in the same columns. |
He was Captain Tenant, who, four
years ago married Maude Millet |
Campbell was a well-known sportsman |
and married before his wife bad any |
idea of going on the stage. He was
obliged to seek a living, wandered to |
South Africa and secured an engage |
ment at hotel in Beira, by which he |
was paid and fed in return for his
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