New-York tribune., 1901-03-05
LATEST LONDON COMMENT.
FAVORABLE WAR NEWS INSPIRITS THE
MINISTERIALISTS
PASSAGE AT ARMS IN THE HOUSE OF
LORDS-MR. ABBEY'S WORK FOR THE
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Copyright 1901: By The New-York Trtbune)
TBy CABLE TO THE TRIsUSEl
London March 3, l a. un--War news continues
favorable and the spirits ct the Ministerial fol-
lowers are rising. Three additional Boer guns
have been captured and small squads Of burgh-
ers are surrendering. Not only is General
French clearing the eastern district Of the
Transvaal but General De Wet has also been
headed off in direction and is closely fol-
lowed toward Fauresnlith, so his capture can be
effected The surrender of General Botha and
General DeIarey will follow speedily. This. at
least, is the opinion of military men, who are
now more confident ii their forecasts than they
have been during the recent months 1t is ru-
rnored in Parliament that Sir Michael Hicks
Beach mas two budgets in preparation-one
adapted for the close of hostilites and the other
for an indefinite continuance of the present con-
dition of guerilla warfare. One is believed to be
much more favorable than the other to the tax
payers, but each is reported to involve consider
able widening of the area of indirect taxation-
The Conservatives would be depressed by
their overwhelming defeat in the London munich
pal elections if they not convinced that
the water lords were fully responsible for it.
Interest in Parliamentary proceedings at the
present session has so far been confined mainly
to the lower house. Last evening however. the
House of Lords the centre of attraction, in
view of the expected debate on the Duke of
Bedfords notice calling attention to the question
oe War Office administration. II was an event
to which everybody had been locking forward. as
it was understood that Lord wolseley would
deliver an elaborate attack Upon the depart
ment with which he has been associated as
commander-in-chief for five years. The expecta-
ton not disappointed. Lord Wolseley how
ever although insisting that the conditions at
taching TO the position Of comnlander-in-chief
were fraught with danger to the highest in
terests of the empire careful TO declare that
he worked most cordially with Lord Lansdowne
during his tenure of office. Lord Lansdowne's
reply much stronger than had been antici-
pated His point was that the supervision
which Lord Wolseev derided was precisely what
the comrnander-in-chief chose to make it. Had
Lord Woseley been a little more ready to take
advantage of the great opportunities placed
within his reach things might have been diff
ferent.
Edwin 4. Abbey's Grail pictures for the Bos-
ton Public Library now IN an advanced
stage and several of them receiving the
finishing touches preparatory for exhibition in
Paris. Among these is the largest and most
brilliant of the group, a throng OF twenty or
more stately and graceful maidens welcoming
the red knight, Sir Galahad, who has thrown
down shield and helmet and is liberating them
The knight is one OF the best figures Mr.. Abbey
has ever painted. The vivid red is toned down
by chaia armor and the effect OF hardness Of
manly strength is produced in contrast with
the softness and tenderness of the three groups
of rnaidens. The picture is masterpiece OF
composition, with subtle balance Of artistic
values abundance Of air space, fine variety of
costumes and lovely effects Of color The
maidens are as graceful they are beautiful
and stately and the picture is as spirited In
action as it is tender in sentiment. Other paint
ings virtually finished Sir Galahads fight
with seven black or gray knights. representing
seven deadly sins, his mystical passage in a
boat with an angel in the prov. and the golden
tree of life with angels witnessing the knights
ecstatic vision Of the Holy Grail The only re-
manning work will be finished in time for ex-
hibition in London in the early autumn with
those previously seen in Paris. and the entire
group will be sent to America before the close
of the year.
Richard Croker is reported here as taking
more interest in the improvements now going on
at Moat House than in New-York politics. The
alterations in the Letcombe property are in full
progress. and the work OF decorating the in
terror and beautifying the approaches to 1t Is
described as tasteful and smart. Mr. Croker
has not been able to purchase the house which
stands outside the gates Of Moat House. al
though he has set his heart upon getting 1t and
has made liberal offer for IT. l. N r
CUBANS DISCUSS AMENDMENT.