New-York tribune., 1901-04-08
EASTER IN LONDON.
FLORAL DECORATIONS AT THE FASH
IONABLE CHURCHES.
PROPOSED TAX ON MINERAL, WATERS
WOMEN ANXIOUS To GO TO
SOUTH AFRICA

fconyTiGht: 1901: BY The Nev-Yorh Trfb,rne)
tBE CABLE rRIBUNE.l
London, April s. / a. m-Easter decorations
IN metropolitan churches this year did not
lack anything for want OF flowers At St
Paurs and Westminster Abbey the floral
devices were confined to bouquets of mag
nifcent white flowers behind the affairs. but
most Of the fashionable ediices the chan
GELS were adorned very artistically The SER
vices We're a rule. both elaborate and i'm
pressive, and brought together large congrega-
tions. A somewhat melancholy event attached
10 the midday celebration of Holy Communion
al ST Paul's, the service chosen being the i'm
posing arrangement in A by the late Sir John
stainer, former organist of the Cathedral Stain
er's music was also heard at Westminster Abb
hey and other places of worship.
Sir Michael Hicks Beach is said TO be con-
sidering the advisability of putting a small tax
on mineral waters. There cannot be any doubt
that such a tax would bring in a large sum of
money TO the Treasury In London alone
100000 is now spent annually on mineral
waters by consumers. while it has been COM
puted that In the whole United Kingdom
eight times that amount is spent. and besides
the enormous quantities of minerals consumed
at home more than 2 million dozen We're ex-
ported last year. At the present time mineral
waters pay nothing TO the revenue. and they
could with advantage TO their quality bear some
portion Of the burden Of extra taxation that will
have be imposed.
Colliery owners are fearing a tax upon export
ed coal In 1900 no fewer than forty-six million
tons Of coal were exported by Great Britain. and
the bulk OF these exports went not the col
onies. but to foreign countries.
Russia's announcement OF her determination
not to press TO a conclusion the negotiations
specting China is regarded here as clever piece
OF diplomacy. 1t has become clear during the
last few days that if the Chinese Emperor were
TO give his assent to the projected arrangement
he would find himself confronted by a tide OF
opinion among his subjects that might over
whelm his authority 1t is also surmised that
Russia's phianthropic intentions may have been
ouickened by the bellicose attitude Of Japan.
From Yokohama comes news that the japanese
Cabinet after long deliberation on Saturday
decided upon sending strongly worded protest
TO ST. Petersburg. while considerable naval and
military activity undoubtedly prevails at the
ports and garrisons Of the Mikados kingdom.
Russia has. after all, never wanted moral cour-
age to draw back when she has gone too far.
A rather unexpected result has followed Mr..
Charnberlain's recent speech in support Of the
scheme for sending women out to South Africa
at the conclusion of the war An enormous
number of letters has been received from women
eager 10 euigrate and reluctant 10 wait till hos
tilities are ended. One woman who wrote direct
10 Lord Salisbury said she was prepared 10 go
out at once with her mother and sisters. but
she indicated no particular sphere Of usefulness.
Another wrote TO the Colonial Office in behalf
of herself and few other first class lady bar
bers" Naturally, the Colonial Office authorities
are doing their utmost TO discourage applications
from women other than those who are self de-
pendent and girls Of the servant type are ur-
gently advised not TO go out at all. II is very
doubtful whether there will be any openings
for them. and the public funds cannot be used
for the purpose Of granting free passages TO the
Cape l. y. f.