New-York tribune., 1900-07-22

wish to leave Pretoria. hut that he aims to hold
General Botha's force near the capital while
General Hndyard's division. with Lord Dun
dcnald's cavalry. is sent across country through
Ermelo 10 cut the Delagoa Railway and station
Itself within striking distance OF Komatipocrt
There are signs OF increasing impatience over
the deIiberation with which the British cam
paign is conducted. and there are outspoken
structures upon what are described as Exeter
Hall principles in warfare. Lord Roberts is now
warned that the time is approaching when, in
stead OF being the critic, he will be exposed 10
relentless criticism for allowing traitors and per-
jurers to go UNPUBLISHED. for feeding spies and
for paying excessive prices for farm produce to
burghers who ready at a moments notice
To take up arms afreSh and leave their families
TO be supported at the of the military chest.
There are so many chickering's and jealousies
among the military coteries and their social
allies in Mayfair that allowance must be made
for these signs of discomfort with Roberts. There
is ''Woseiey's gang military and social. which
is watching for chance to discipline and hu-
initiate Lord Roberts; there is also the Alder
shot circle. with q large annex in Devonshire,
which is devoted to the fortunes OF Butler and
is striving to promote them at the expense OF
'Bobs' Moreover there are smaller coteries Of
the friends Of Methuen. Gatacre. Colvie and
other unfortunates, and these are centres Of
criticism and dsaffection whenever Lord Rob
erts's work is reviewed. Vanity Fair does not
appear at its best wartime; it is the least rea
sonable and most unpatriotic section of Eng
land during the period of storm and stress,
when the masses here and in the colonies are
gplendidly loyal to the country and grateful 10
the man of genius who transformed the situa-
ton in South Africa, and is laboring under stu
pendous difficulties TO bring the war to close.
Parliament is stagnant. with job lot of small
-Iz al nd irlnOT-
tant bills, relating to companies and money
lending in general committee. There has been
a fair amount OF legislative industry, but it has
escaped observation owing TO the pressure or
Imperial Interests. The Factories and Educa-
ton bills will be dropped but IT is probable that
the Companies, IL not the Money Lending BILL
Will be enacted, with dozen minor measures,
relating 10 agricultural holdings, Irish tithes
and poor relief and other matters. Mr.. Asquith
Is the only debater the Liberal side who is
Distinguishing himself His speech on the tithe
rent charge was brilliant and subtle, and he has
a happy faculty OF knowing his mind whenever
he speaks. The front Of the Government bench
is showing many signs OF staleness. Mr.. Cham
beriain is most discreet, for he knows that this
t& time not for loquacity, but for brilliant
flashes OF silence. Mr.. Arthur Bafour leads the
House with Incidence and good humor rather
than force. The terraces. which were never
liant spectacle every afternoon at the tea hour.
A strong contingent of visitors from America
can be met there daily.
The increase IN the bank rate is natural
sequel to the unsettling news from China, the
low state of the reserves in the Bank, and the
continued demand from France for gold. The
depression in English railway stocks and other
good securities has been phenomenal. and is
sign that finaaciers are forecasting long period
of disturbance in trade and an increase Of Gov
eminent expenses. The Chancellor Of the Elk
chequer has not yet begun to settle UP the bills
of South Africa. yet he is called upon to raise
large sums for meeting the cost of military oper-
ations in China and covering deficits in revenue.
It is estimated thatshe sfn require an extension
Of borrowing powers By which f20O00000 can
be obtained for South Africa and China. Finan-
ciers find little to cheer them in the situation.
and mining companies in South Africa won
dering whether they will ever have a free field
for the revival of their industry. Railway
stocks here have fallen off largely on account Of
the increased price of coal. by which earnings
are depleted. Many Industries are already suf-
fering from the same cause and consumers are
threatened with coal famine and extortionate
prices next winter.
The number Of Americans in London this week
has been unprecedented, except in the Jubilee
week The Christian Endeavor Convention,
which was an assemblage Of extraordinary mag
nitude and genuine working power brought into
London many thousands Of tourists, who were
not ashamed TO sing God Save the Queen" in
quadrangle at Windsor and then scatter over
the country to SEE the sights. The National
Gallery and Hertford House have been swarming
with these religious pilgrims in the last fort
night Senator McComas has been the most
conspicuous visitor of the week. Sir Henry Ir-
wing will entertain the American Ambassador
Tuesday night at supper after the play, and
viii have brilliant company Of guests to meet
him.
The tropical weather has been a surprise to all
American visitors, who have found themselves
more uncomfortable IN London than they
ordinarily in New-York in the dog days. The
steamships for New-York will be crowded to the
end OF Octooer. The North German Lloyd com
pany has been seriously embarrassed by the
loss Of three vessels at a moment when the Ber-
lin Government was calling for transports but
81 has met the crisis with great energy has sup
piled extra steamships and has transferred to
them passengers booked tor the vessels burned.
The line will probably succeed in carrying out
ali its engagements for passage.
The theatres are rapidly closing owing TO the
intense heat, which empties them. Mrs. T P
OConnor has entertained her friends with
private performance Of her play, Nine Del
phine." which well acted at wyndham's
Theatre. 1t a strong bit Of work denotinc
power for writing effective plays for the stage
Nr. Stephen Phillips's play "Paolo and Fran
cesca" will be produced at the st. James's The
stre next January. but mis- talent as a play
wright will probably be tested earlier in the
season at another theatre.