New-York tribune., 1901-03-27
CHAMBERLAIN'S VICTORY.
u-RY AWARDS LIGHT DAMAGES IN
THE SUIT FOR LIBEL.
PLANS FOR VICTORIA MEMoRIAL-BAB-
BINGToN'S VICToRY-DEFEAT OF
WATER COMPANIES.

BINGToN'S VICToRY-DEFEAT OF
WATER COMPANIES.
Copyright: 1901: BY The New-York rribune1
IBy CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
London, March 81, a. m.-The verdict in
Arthur Chamberlain's libel suit against '"The
Star" with nominal damages Of f200. is a natu-
raj sequel to the campaign of political defama-
ton against the Secretary for the Colonies last
autumn. Joseph Chamberlain was left in an
awkward position when his denial that either he
or his family interested in contracts with
the government for the supply OF
.er,al was followed by the disclosure of hold
,ngs OF the Chamberlain family in the
Kynochs firm. Arthur Chamberlain owed
10 the Secretary reparation for placing him
in an unpleasant light, and has succeeded
IN fully vindicatng the Colonial Secre-
tary's reputation by explaining the circum-
stances in which the family shares in the Bir-
u,nghan trust Were invested without his knowl-
edge IN Kynochs and Hoskins contracts Joseph
Chamberlain's unconscious inaccuracy in max
ing the denial in August, which started the cam
paign OF innuendo and calumny. has been cleared
ND in the courts His brother had not told him
how the Birmingham trust making invest
,nents. No evidence was produced during the
trial OF any improper of Joseph Chamber
lain's Office name. except in two letters Of in
PRODUCTION from agents general of the colonies.
which were obtained without the knowledge of
any member Of the Chamberlain family by the
London manager of Kynochs, whose services
were subsequently dispensed with.
The jury by its verdict virtually dismisses all
the charges against the Chamberlain family. and
by assessing nominal damages leaves the press
free to comment properly public affairs with
out exposing itself to the consequences Of parti-
san Mbels. Neville Chamberlain's libel suit
settled by the payment OF 1900.
No definite information has yet reached here
indicating that China has either signed or re-
jected the Manchurian treaty. The newspapers
are inclined to find fault with the protest Of
America and the attitude taken by the United
States is held TO be undignihed 10y The
Chronicle" while THE POST looks at the pro-
test in the light Of moral lecture to other
nations.
The general view is that Japan is more in
terested in the question than either England
or America If Russia should take Manchuria
Il is believed that Japan would sooner or later
have 10 fight The Bear would not rest con-
tent without putting his paw on Corea, and all
chance Of a greater Japan would disappear if
ever that day should come
The chief members Of the Victoria Memorial
Committee Were detained by Illness or other
causes from being present at the meeting at the
Mansion House yesterday. but national move
rnent was organized with full dignity. Money
will come in more rapidly than FOR the Albert
Memorial forty years ago, and from every cor
ner Of the vast empire The real difficulty will
be in the discovery Of architects and sculptors
capable Of designing and ornamenting a struct-
ure commensurate with the dignity and spendor
Of the Queens reign. The business arrange
ments are in the best hands at the Mansion
House. but the Academy offers inadequate safe
guards against failure the artistic side.
General Babbington's victory, with the largest
capture OF Boer guns made in single engage
ment during the campaign. had most exhilarat-
ing effect upon the governments followers in
the House Of Commons yesterday. He de-
scribed a really practi al peacemaker, who had
negotiated with the enemy in proper spirit.
Hearts were hardened among the Ministerialists,
and Radicals like Sir Robert Reid received little
encouragement in pleading for Messrs. Sauer
and Merriman. who have peculiar views Of their
own respecting South Africa, and desire a special
audience at Westminster. There has been even
satisfaction in military than in political
circles over the decisive success Of British arms
in the Western Transvaal. the only quarter
where the Boer forces were not demorazed by
Lord Kitchener's relentless operations.
General Babbington is a popular cavalry Of
fcer. who has waited eighteen months for an
adequate opportunity for showing his real
mettle.
There are rumors flying about that Sir Alfred
Miner is threatening 10 resign unless he is al
lowed 10 have an absolutely free hand in South
Africa.
Richard Croker had hard luck at Lincoln yes
terday, where Harrow proved untrustworthy
after being the favorite a few days ago for the
handicap. American Jockeys have not started
well this season. but have the consolation Of
knowing that their English rivals are frankly
Initiating their methods of riding.
The water companies by their senseless regu-
lations involved the Conservative party in de-
feat al the last elections OF the L~-don County
Council. The debate in the House OF Commons
yesterday is proof that the party has deserted
them. and the government viii deal with them
vigorously at the next session. Mr.. Longs dec
laration, while explicit enough 10 satisfy
the Progressives. is pledge that in London,
after long bondage. no monopolies will at last
control he NAT SupplN i y. r