New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-04

great factor in foreign politics which makes
6eep impression here, It ought also TO DO IN
America Those increased naval ornaments
viii involve the necessity fer the acquisition ana
fertilization OF naval stations in remote quarters
of the sea- for modern fleets are helpless without
supplies of coal under their command.
Every Washington debate on al interoceanic
canal attracts attention in Europe where inc
Importance OF having naval stations on the lines
Of approach 10 IL is fully appreciated. 1t is an
open secret that the Danish West Indies are in
the market and that Germany and Russia are
prepared TO buy them If the United States Gov
eminent does not forestall them. That is a fact
which Americans ought not to overlook; they
have it entirely within their power to prevent
en- open challenge 10 the Monroe Doctrine by
timely action looking to the purchase of the
islands which are essential to the defence OF
Puerto Rico and Cuba and to command the
future of the interoceanic waterway.
English society is without heart for any OF its
usual recreations The West End is full. for
there are fewer country houses open than in
many years: but there dinner parties, and
there is little thea tregoing. There will probably
be two Drawing Rooms before Easter ana sew
eral Court functions afterward for there is a
swarm of promising debutantes TO be presented
but the season is certain to be the dullest and
glocnest in the recent experience of vanity fair
Mrs. Paget. with her theatrcals is the last re-
source of the society journalists, whose occupa-
ton has gone. ST. James's Theatre has been re-
opened after processes of reconstruction which
have converted ii into one of the handsomest
and most comfortable playhouses in London
The decorations of the theatre most artistic
with blends of dull shades of red and green and
gold. and a drop curtain designed from South
Kensington tapestries. which is real work of
art. Rupert of Hentzau' has been produced
with excellent cast after most favorable
reception in the provinces. Mr.. George Alex
apder has seldom acted with finer shading and
more complete command of all his resources rhan
in the double role of the king and the English
man Anthony Hope has given him character
precisely suited TO his temperament, and his
work is admirable. Miss Fay Davis is beautiful
and queenly as Flavia, and has the power of
throwing across the footlights the subtle infiu-
ence of most charming personality. Mr.. w Fl.
Vernon is the best Colonel sapt the most critical
playgoer ever hopes TO see, and Mr. II. b. Irving,
who year by year grows more like his rather
in resources Of byplay, is very strong as Rupert
of Hentzau, with the sinister smile and cynical
manner which are suited to the part. The play
is not likely to have long run, although 1t
has started off with full houses. The closing
scenes are too sad for q public distressed with
the anxieties of war time, and insisting upon
cheerful ending TO a play.
Mr. John Hare has been forced to add another
week to the long run of THE Gay Lord Quex,"
as the demand for seats for the closing per-
fornlances has been overwhelming.
The Royal Academicians have elected three
associates after sharp contests over each one.
The choice OF Mr. II. S. luke, who paints sea
and sunlight effects with great skill, is ad-
nirable; Mr.. Drury is a promising sculptor.
whose statue of Dr. Priestley. for Leeds. was
greatly admired last year, and Mr.. Belcher is an
architect with solid reputation The Academi-
clans are always in trouble in their contests
over landscape artists and portrait painters.
Some Of the best ruled out whenever
there is e vacancy. The Scotch school, which
contains some Of the best and most original
talent in the United Kingdom, is persistently
treated with inhospitality. Some Scotch artists
remark grimly that their chances for recogni-
ton by the Academy would be promoted if they
had happened to be born in America.
The Pastel Society has opened to-day charm
ing exhibition of this beautiful branch of art.
I. n. T.