New-York tribune., 1901-06-03
AsTOR's DISTINCTIONS.

no WOOD IN NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
AsToRs DISTINCTIONS.
Copyright 1901: BY The New York Tribune)
IBY CABLE THE rRIBUxEl
London, June B. j a. m.-The uncertainty with
regard 10 recent operations in South Africa is
causing a good deal of uneasiness in this coun-
+rv II is believed that the responsibility for
the concealment of news does not lie with Gem
sral Kitchener. The British commander is GER
-siniy not even in his most exuberant moments
very communicative man. but during the
latest phases of the IT is reported in usually
veil informed quarters that he has sent home
she fullest information. He has however. also
,od the authorities at the War Office that IL
would be unwise IL give to the world any in
formation which could be telegraphed back
Mentioning instances OF important facts which
he has sent here being known to the Beers a
few days later This suggestion on the part
Of General Kitchener has been seized upon by
the home officials TO suppress almost all the
news he has forwarded.
Meanwhile the daily lists OF casualties are
snxously studied, but these lists do not fully
Indicate the actual number Of deaths of Brit
jsh soldiers caused by the war good many
men invalided home have died in England with
out being included in the list. At the present
moment all the military hospitals in the United
Kingdom are crowded with patients. large
number Of whom suffering from enteric
fever contracted in South Africa.
The war news this morning points to the
probability Of renewal Of Boer efforts to secure
peace terms. General Smuts and Botha's
secretary are at Standerton. Their visit seems
10 have greatly disconnected Mr.. KRUGER and
his encourage. who are busy in explaining that
there is no truth in the suggested request for
never in better spirits or more resolved 10 fight
10 the end. The jingo newspapers here are also
somewhat concerned at The news, and THE
Mail" says the country will ratify no such de-
mands as were made by Botha on the previous
occasion.
The Telegraph considers that the reception
by the King and Queen Of the delegates from
the Nev-Yorl Chamber of Commerce may he
said with no mere flourish Of rhetoric 20 have
stamped the seal Of royalty upon national
welcome.
The authorities At the Admiralty have de-
cided that in future no wooden decks are 10 be
laid down in British ships Of war. and wood is
not even TO be employed in the construction OF
the cabins. which 10 3e made Of steel This
decision is the sequel to experiments made OF
Portsmouth last year.
It is evident that London viii profit materially
by various movements for perpetuating the
memory OF Queen Victoria. The great national
memorial in St James's Park will be a con-
spicuous addition TO the artistic features OF the
English metropolis and bring in its train I'M
portant street improvements. but il BY no means
stands alone. Kersington has a scheme Of its
own for the Identification Of the Western Bor-
ough with a work Of au reminiscent of her
late majesty. and then there is in prospect the
construction OF a great triumphai arch Of bronze
in Marylebone This proposal. If carried out.
would add TO the stateliness Of what is already
one OF the finest parts of Central London. The
scheme, il is said. has been submitted for the
approval OF the King.
Harry" Vardcn intends TO make bold effort
20 win the open golf championship Of England
this week He denies a report that he Will pro-
ceed to America 10 defend his title TO the Ameri-
can golf championship.
There is no personal merit involved in being
born the son OF a millionaire, but there is in
becoming a good polo player. Waldorf Astor,
Of New, College. oxford, has taken with will
10 polo and has been chosen 10 play in the
Oxford University team that is TO meet Cam
bridge at birmingham June "a Young Mr..
astor's Tastes are. however. not purely ath-
letic When he was at Eton he was joint ed
itor Of The Eton College Chronicle and pres
ident Of debating society, and, moreover. won
the Prince Consort's prize for French.