New-York tribune., 1901-03-20
TO PAINT CORONATION.
KING EDWARD CHOOSES EDWIN A. AB-
BEY FOR THE WORK.
HONOR FOR AMERICAN ARTIsT-FEEL1NG
OVER FAILURE OF NEGoTIA-
TIONS WITH BOTHA.

TIONS WITH BOTHA.
Copyright 1901: BY The Sew-Yors Tribune)
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNF.l
London March 20, i a. m.-The King has
commissioned Edwin A. Abbey to paint the
ooronarion scene in Westminster Abbey. Sir
Francis Knollys has Informed the artist at
,Forgan Hall, Gloucestershire. of the Kings
wishes and also the dimensions of the canvas
,tich will be fifteen feet long. The selection Of
This artist viii cause great satisfaction in the
poval Academy. where Mr.. Abbey is not only
without rival as painter of historical scenes,
hut Is also deservedly popular It is also an ex-
ceptional tribute 10 American from the
r,ritish Crown which will crafty all Americans
The corresponding picture Of Queen Victoria's
coronation was painted by Leslie. and repre-
sentea the last stage of the ceremony. when she
WAS kneelng for the sacrament after receiving
the crown. orb and sceptre. Hayter also painted
the Queen in her coronation robes. Mr. Abbey
has sent the best of his Grail panels. the Maid
ems and the Red knight. TO Paris. where it viii
be exhibited at the Salon. There was not space
for the other Grail pictures in this years Salon
hut the entire series Will be shown in Paris and
London before they go to America for the Bos-
ton Public Library.
Mr.. Chamberlain caused much disappointment
q, +he Commons yesterday by the announce
rnent that the peace negotiations between Lord
kitchener and General Botha had been broken
off without result. He gave this Information in
conversational tone without accentuating the
importance of it by tone or gesture. He also
spoke guardedly and carefully, so that no false
inferences could be drawn from his admission
that the negotiations had failed. Lord Kitch-
ener was credited with offering terms which
General Botha was not disposed TO recommend
IA the other Boer leaders. The responsibility
Cor the continuance of guerilla warfare to the
hitter end consequently rests with General
Botha and those whom he has consulted. This
WAS the impression which Mr.. Chamberlain
clearly meant TO convey. The fact that he made
fhe explanation proved that Sir Alfred Milner
rather than Lord Kitchener has been attempt
ing 10 negotiate with the Boer leaders. since
otherwise BIr Brodrick would have been the
one 70 announce the unpleasant news The
prorptness with which the full details of the
negotiations are promised indicates desire on
the part OF the government that the terms Of
feTed 10 the Beers may be known for the moral
effect here and in South Africa The Ministerial
fists accepted General Botha's answer philosoph-
icaly as proof that the war must go until
the Boer leaders were captured. and that the
Chancellor OF the Exchequer might we'll
pisconhole his more favorable budget and warn
taxpayers 70 prepare for the worst. the sugar
duty as well as the increased income tax. The
pro-BOeT Liberals. who are looking for strange
revelations from Holland. are predicting that
General Sotfa WIN have version OF the nego-
taflons quite different from the one authorized
bI ire Coionia1 OGice.
Taare IS Il general feeling Of regret expressed
by this mornings newspapers at the failure Of
the peace negotiations between Lord Kitchener
and General Botha- The government is at the
sane time called upon prosecute the with
unabated energy. Mr.. krJger is reported
saying thai an aTInistice between the British
and BOer troops was agreed in order TO give
the straggiing Boer commanders time 10 pull
tneraselVeg together, and this view is shared by
good many people here 1t is understood that
soon as the papers relative to the negotia-
ti0ns are published the Opposition Will raise
debate on the matter in the House Of Commons.
The second reading OF the Consolidated Fund
BIZ next week viii afford opportunity for
bringing Inc subject before Parliament.
The West India committee has been in com
nuncaiion with the Colonial Office with refer
ence 10 the proposed tax sugar. 1t is urged
that the would be in the highest degree
detrimental to the interests of the sugar pro-
ducing colonies Of the British Empire.
George p. Brett who has been in touch with
LondOn literary circles for several weeks, sails
to-day for NeV-YOrk He reports that the pub
fishing trade here is dull. and that he has found
few literary undertakings Of exceptional prom
ise or interest His most important contract is
one made with Mr.. Dent for the publication by
The Macuillana IN America Of new edition Of
Thackeray in twenty-eight volumes.
Revelations respecting Sir Thomas Lipton's
new challenger volunteered from Glasgow
with suspicious volubility; thus the body of the
yacht is thrown forward instead of aft. and an
american element OF elasticity has been impart-
eo by various eEpedents. Builders and design
as DO not tell all they know, and the real secrets
u The construction stll hidden.
J. n. T.