New-York tribune., 1901-05-02
BRITISH FLEET STILL SAFE
Mr. MORGAN HAD NOT BOUGHT 1T Ac-
CoRDING TO LATEST ADvIcEs.
UNDUE PERTURBATION IN LONDON OVER
THE BANKERS PLANs-THE ROYAL
ACADEMY EXHIBITION
tcopyriEht 1901: BY The New-York Tribune1
Icy CABLE 10 TIE rnrnr.,-r

lBY CABLE TO TIRE TRIBUHEl
London. May >, ] a. MI. Pierpont Morgan.
according TO the latest advices, has not pur-
chased the British Navy, consequently the fla e
of the Admiralty flies proudly. and the average
Englishman, not unduly Influenced by supersti-
t.cn is impressed by the fact that Britannia still
rules the waves. 1t is not improbable however.
that the Admiralty itself would be willing with
the approval OF William Allan, its severest critic
in the Commons. to sell out a good portion of
the feet TO the American Government on the
same terms with which Mr. Morgan has pur-
chased the controlling interest in the Leyland
Line. and would then pull itself together and
build much stronger navy for the King with
the help of the shipbuilders of the Clyde and
Tyne.
There is a good deal of infammatory rhetoric
in a portion Of the English press on the sub
ject Of MT. Morgan's raids on English shipping
but il would be foolish for Americans to deceive
themselves respecting the real judgment of the
shipping interests here. 1t is an open secret
that American competition in ocean freighting
is not feared when syndicate steel interests buy
fleets which can be sailed under a foreign flag
alone, but only when it threatens to cheaper
construction Of ships and create a genuine COM
mercial marine under the American flag. As
facts stand. the Leyland Line has made a good
bargain with Mr.. Morgan and cleared a hand
some profit. Other lines willing to sell out
on similar terms and the shipyards of the North
Of England the Thames and Scotland would be
fully employed in replacing inferior with su-
perior fleets. English agitation over the opera
lions Of the syndicate is fictitious. People here
understand that trade follows The flag, and that
syndicate operations by which fleets are pur-
chased at exorbitant rates for possible require
rnents Of the Carnegie Morgan steel combination
do not menace England's maritime supremacy
The alarrnist articles of the sensational press
here need not be taken too seriously. CONNER
cial fleets have their day, and need TO be dis
posed of. If Mr.. Morgan goes into business as
a shipbroker on a large scale half the COM
mercial marine Of England viii be his for the
asking. But convenient this policy may be
for speculative purposes. it will not create an
American merchant marine.
The gross tonnage of the steamers owned by
the Leyland company is 321. 900, the number Of
vessels heing sixty-five. Some Of the ships are
however likely TO remain under the personal
control OF Mr.. EIlerman, and for the present, at
least il does not seem that the headquarters Of
the company will be removed from Liverpool
II is now stated that Mr.. Morgan's object is
the placing Of the Leyland Line in closer touch
with the Atlantic Transport Company The
White Star and Cunard lines were asked to join
the combination. but refused.
A serious situation has undoubtedly been
caused by the decision Of the coal miners OF
Great Britain 10 advise their respective unions
TO declare a general strike. Coal owners have
probably discovered before now that they have
pressed their opposition 10 the new coal tax a
little too far. Many OF them have not merely
tacitly approved of the threat Of a strike but
have actually instigated these tactics. Now
however they are becoming alarmed at the
Of their scheme. The recommendation Of
ha NJ he Fed
Grafton that there should be general stoppage
Of work was much discussed in the lobby of the
House of Commons yesterday. Members who
are strongly opposed TO the coal duty regard
even threat Of a strike as great mistake
Debate the question viii be held to-day in
Parliament but it is doubtful IL a division will
be taken tonight.
The Royal Academy will be opened for press
view to-day but notices. under the rule. will be
withheld until Saturday The chief artistic work
will be Mr.. Sargent's portrait of the two daugh-
ters OF Mr.. Wertheirner. which is described by
his colleagues in the Academy the most vital
example of the art of portraiture exhibited in
recent years. He has also another portrait
with a marvellous revelation of character in the
true Eelasquez spirit Among other notable por-
traits Will be those Of Queen Victoria, Mrs
Charles Russell Winston Churchill. Gibson
8owles. the Duchess Of Westminster, Mr.. and
Mrs. Alhusen Sir Frank Lascelles and Sir
Hiram Maxim.
The London Bar will rally in force at the din
ner OF the Hardwicle Society given in honor Of
Maitre Labori in Holborn Restaurant. Nearly
all the leaders Of the English bench and bar will
join in this tribute of respect TO great French
advocate.
Saint-Saens conducted the orchestra last night
in Queens Hall. with programme made up
almost exclusively OF his own works. Ysaye
was solo violin. and Sant-Sa2ns solo pianist.
/. ". F.
CANADA IN THE KINGS TITLE.