New-York tribune., 1900-05-06

London, May 0.-Lord RObertss mastery
handling of his battalions and mounted forces
has not delivered the UniOnist Government from
the reproach OF acting with indiscretion and
lack of Judgment in dealing with the generals
at the front. The debates in both houses have
served to dscredit Lord LansdOwne. who made
a poor defence Of his conduct MIR. Wynd-
hams heart not in his work and Mr. Bal
four contented himself with whipping in sup
porters by appeals to party loyalty The Gov
ernment in reality had strong case. but did
not explain it. and in consequence OF leaving
important things unsaid suffered moral de-
feat, although its majority in the Commons was
large. Lord ROsebery and Mr.. Asquith were
most effective in their structures upon the folly
Of the War Office in publishing the Spion Kop
dispatches after falling TO throw the RESPONSE
b:lity upon Lord Roberts. and also to induce Sir
Redvers Butler to rewrite his official report In
order to make it more palatable for the public
Several strong speeches against the Govern
uient made by stanch Unionists. and Lord
I.ansdowne was censured by many supporters
who followed Mr.. Balfou- into the division
lobby. 1t was most unfortunate for the Govern
ment that this exhibition should occur the
night when decisive news had been received
that Lord Roberts again the front.
marching northward, and that Hunters relief
column the way TO Mafeking.
Australian question has kept him busy to
take up points of military etiquette and policy.
No compromise has yet been arranged over the
question of appellate jurisdiction, the Australian
delegates have been dining nightly with Liberal
and Conservative clubs and associations and
have missed an opportunity of stating their
case briefly. 1t comes TO this. that If Australia
is allowed to make its constitution and organize
a confederation it must have the privilege of
L
through high court OF it's own. only those
questions affecting the public interests of other
| portions of the empire being reserved for the
Imperial Court of Appeal The Australian dele
gates able and fluent orators. and they
are carrying the country with them.
1t is a strange conflict between the traditions
and precedents OF the Privy Council. a body OF
go advisers of the Crown. who never meet, and
the progressive democracy of the colonies, with
| the referendum principle behind them Mr.
| Chamberlain will probably arrange settlement
and allow the Commonwealth bill TO pass with
/ out amendment The Australian delegates ara
men of iron constitutions endure a strain OF
! hospitality which would break down ordinary
BritOns: their engagements next week include
banquets at the Constitutional. ST. Stephens,
Devonshire and other clubs.
Foreign affairs escape observation when the
II
| interest. The Berlin fetes welcomed with
hearty tributes from the English press to the
German Emperor and the Crown Prince. Noe
only is there sympathy for the EmperOr's naval
policy. which has been carried with a COM
promise that secures a great fighting fleet but
he is regarded EngIand's most useful friend
abroad. Little is said in print about American
affairs. but without doubt there is a feeling OF
disappointment over the divided condition Of
] In, T-vyfa
the in South Africa. This feeling of dis
content is reflected by the public here: the
WEAKNESS with the IS shown by the eager
ness with which fresh interests of more pacific
nature are sought. Smart society now considers
il almost as bad form for q man TO talk about
the to be argumentative or deeply in
earnest about anything.
Art receptions have offered an agreeable
change of thought this week. The Royal
Academys private view called out an immense
assembage yesterday, and the arEual dinner
tonight honored by the presence OF a dis
tngushed company headed by the Prince OF
Wales. and including Rudyard Kipling and
many men of letters. The show is the best
Academic performance known in many years
Bouguereau and Fantin-Latour are the chief
foreign exhibitors. and the Scotch school
headed by Guthrie and Lavery is not repre-
Sented. The Academicians and associates are
distinctly above the usual level. and. while the
average is high, there two works fairly en-
titled to be considered masterpieces of modern
art These are Sargents portrait group and
Abbey's Trial Of Queen Katharine"
Sargent's picture occupies the place of honor
and is large canvas with portraits of the Hen
Percy Wyndhams three daughters. Lady EIcho.
Mrs Adeane and Mrs Tennant. The color
scheme is green and white: the three ladies are
in white varying in tones and the wall be-
hind them is dull green with green cushion
at one end OF the divan on which two are
seated. and OF white magnoIias with
rich foliage az the opposite corner. There are
pictures the wall behind .he group incIud-
ing the famous portrait OF Mrs. Percy wynd-
ham. painted by Watts. Tne three figures are
pulsating with vitality. one bending forward In
an attitude Of eager attention another leaning
back in restful relaxation. and the third Look
ing on from her seat behind with lansuid in
terest. but all revealing high bred distinction.
strength of character and the fascination Of
freshness and original charm. Mr. Sargent has
contrived to tone the characters of the tbres
sisters he does their white costumes ana
brings out their individual traits and charms
while maintaining the family likeness The
lighting of the picture is artistic; the dull
gilt frames in the background are frightened
with CLEANS OF light. and the faces costumes
and flowers illumined and toned This por-
trait group Is marvellous tour de force In
composition, drawing cOlorng and technique
OF brushwOrk IL is great as Sir Joshua
Reynolds's Ladies Waldegrave." The three
ladies who handed down TO fame are
sisters of Mr. George wyndham. the Under
Secretary of State for War and are noted for
their beauty charm OF manner and distinction
OF character.
Mr.. Abbey's Trial OF Queen Katharine" Is