New-York tribune., 1901-01-02
1ONDON'S LATEST NEWS.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR PURCHASE OF DAN
IsH WEST INDIES UNCONFIRMED.
POSSESSION OF THEM MIGHT PREVENT
CHALLENGE OF THE MONROE DOC
TRINE-TEENIEL'S RETIREMENT
FROM PUNCH"

RETIREMENT
FROM PUNCH"
lcopyright 1901 BY The New-Yor1 Tr1bunel
[BY CABLE To THE TRIBUxEl
London Jan >, Is a. m.-There is no confrma-
tion in diplomatic circles in London of the
r,rnors which are constantly repeated from Ger
man and American sources that the State De-
narment is negotiating for the purchase of the
Danish West Indies It was open secret a
year ago that the Dan3h Court was sounded
.non the general subject by confidential dipio-
matte arent. and that the State Department was
in position 10 obtain the islands. if it wished
70 gain possession of two good harbors on the
lines Of approach to the Nicaragua OF the Pana-
ma Canal The negotiations have not been
pressed at Copenhagen nor have conferences
been abandoned 1t is a sluggish little capital
where the King ard his Ministers require time
for working Out any new departure in policy
The German Government has disclaimed any
ieea of purchasing the islands. but it will be
pleased without doubt if negotiations between
the United states and Denmark for the cession
NJ The group do not come to anything. The
sinloniatic view here is that If the Washington
Government should obtain the islands before
committing itself 10 any definite canal policy it
would he the cheapest and surest safeguard
against future challenge Of the Monroe Doc
frine by a European Power.
Sir Hiram Maxim received yesterday many
congratulations upon the honor of knighthood
conferred on him by the Queen. In his long
residence in London he has taken an active part
in the work Of the American Society. He has
been familiar figure at its annual banquets,
has boasted of his Puritan ancestry and has
shown pride in his American citizenship. He
became naturalized British subject a year ago.
and knighthood has been the reward for i'm
l.,v- 90 @T,aT TTav.
Two other Americans have been honored in the
same way by the Queen; Sir Curtis
Iampson. who was made baronet in 1866, and
enabled TO transmit the title to his son. and the
other is Sir Ellis Ashmead Bartlett, who was
born under the shadow of Plymouth Rock
The retirement of Sir John Tenniel from the
staff Of Punch" is national event, since his
cartoons have been more powerful than the best
written leaders in explaining political situations
and directing public opinion during the last forty
years His draughtsmanship, which Leech con-
sidered singularly true has fallen off after fifty
years Of active service. and his resignation is
due 10 MS own consciousness that his work is
done Linley Sambourne has been in training
for the succession, but there are many admirers
OF Carruthers Gould who would like TO see his
work in Punch
The rumor that an American syndicate has
offered 50 100000 for the London and Globes
interests ip the Baker Street and Waterloo Rail-
way cannot be confirmed with authority. The
advances OF the London and Globe TO that
enterprise have been large. and II the useless
capital locked up in promoting that and other
undertakings can be released the stockholders
VIII have TO decide next week whether 1t may
be wiser on ali accounts 70 wind up their
business.
The birth OF the Australian Commonwealth is
hailed with unalloyed satisfaction by to-day's
newspapers. ''The Standard" refers TO the sig
nihcant change which has passed over Eng
lands relations with her colonies. It used to be
thought that the natural destiny of the group of
colonies was to pass by gradual stages from de-
pendenee 10 separation but Australia is more
passionateIy loyal TO the British Empire now
than az any previous period Of its career.
The Telegraph" sorrowfully reflects that un-
der wiser guidance the relations between Eng
land and America to-day might have been those
which bind the newer Commonwealth with the
Empire.
The final arrangements for the reception OF
Lord Roberts are practically completed, and fine
weather is all that is needed to make the well
come TO the British Commander-in-Chief a
memorable one.
Twentieth century services were held yester-
day In Canterbury and St. Paurs cathedrals. and
the Royal Choral Society gave a spirited and
Hall / N
BOERS CAPTURE CAVALRY.
THEY GET GONE or >yr7SpVTg,S r1opcE