New-York tribune., 1901-05-07

1 sTRlhh WOULD BRING ENGLAND NEARER
TO CIVIL WAR THAN SHE HAS
| BEEN IN GENERATIONS.
ccory~iFht; 1901: BY The New York Tribune,
lRy CABLE THE TRIBUNEl
London May = g. m-The action Of the
miners parliament to-day viii be of more inn
port than the perfunctory debate on the coal
tax in Westminster last night Like that de
bate. it win be a demonstration against the
government but the result cannot he determined
IN advance. Not single vote was affected by
last nights oratory. and the whips could fore
cast accurately the governments majority The
national meeting Of miners delegates is more
uncertain. 1t may order a general cessation of
work in the collieries, and every important in
dustrv in the country will he affected by the
lack of coal and a rise in prices It is difficult
70 obtain correct information about this con-
ference but il is probable that there viii not
be general suspension Of work in the collieries.
and that the delegates will content themselves
with F political demonstration against the coal
tax II the conference orders a strike the coun-
try viii be confronted with a grave industrial
situation
Sir Edward Grey made a strong speech in the
House Of Commons last evening against the coal
tax In his references TO the threatened strike
he was intensely serious. He warned the gov
ernuent 10 regard me miners threat
mere bluff A strike would be tantamount TO
an ultimatum from one section Of the COM
munity 10 the rest and he then declared in a tone
which left a deep impression on the House that
such an event would he the nearest approach 10
civil war the country had known in many gem
erations. Sir Edward Grey is stil a young
man. but he is one Of the soundest thinkers in
Parliament, and generally is regarded as the
future leader of the Liberal party.
Apart from Sir Edward Grey's speech the
coal tax debate was rather dull and uninterest-
ing Some Of the opponents Of the tax main
tained that il would give a fllip 10 American
competition. while Gerald and Arthur Balfour,
who replied for the government. held that II
would not he possible for American coal TO COM
pete with British coal in the European markets
except under wholly exceptional circumstances.
The government majority Of loo did not occa-
sion the smallest surprise. one or two Liberals
voted for the tax. notably John Morley and ten
Ministerialists against il; but all the Unonist
opponents of the proposal represented colliery
districts, and their views had been well under
stood beforehand.
There is little gossip from the smoking room Of
the House OF Commons. Mr.. Chamberlain has
remained in the background during the session.
and devoted himself to the routine work Of the
Colonial Office. His fine Roman hand cannot be
detected in public affairs and his accusers are
weary OF charging him with intriguing against
Sir Michael Hicks Beach, when they have no
proof of his meddlesome activity. Lord Sails
mry's health has slightly improved. and the
cd Tories cannot be convinced that he will
Enndon public life this year. Many Of them
Tuld prefer 10 have the Duke of Deyonshire
arceed him. rather than run any risk of trans
iT of Mr.. Ralfour 10 the upper house and Mr..
chamberlains assumption OF leadership in the
Commons
The two Shamrocks had a thirty mile sail
again yesterday. Contrary 10 the expectations
Of some people Shamrock II proved a sitter
boat when there any heart in the breeze.
She pleased her admirers as much as ever in
the clean manner she got through the water.
Any comparison Of the two, however, in point Of
speed, is useless present il being obvious
that the vessels were not being raced. Much
work remains to he done on the boat before
she is fully ft The first formal race between
the yachts viii probably be sailed tomorrow.
Mr Morgan remains ogre for the sensa-
tonal press and Mr.. Carnegie's forecasts Of the
development Of American industrial resources
are printed in the largest type. The consolida-
tion OF railways and shipping interests Of the
Atlantic and Pacific seaboards with the posi-
hiity that one capitalist can fix through rates
and ocean transportation, is now stock theme
with financial writers, who display remarkable
Gedulity in accepting elastic statements Of the
Interior purposes Of American multi-millionaires.
AT the same time they deplore English inability
10 form counter combinations. Brook Adams's
views on a trade war between continent and
continent are also quoted in many journals.
Probably there has never been a time when
American resources for organization and com
petition have been equally dreaded IN England.
but the bulk OF the press writing at the present
Ill considered, and the importance Of Mr..
Norgsn's operations is grossly exaggerated
Il is reported that Mr. Morgan is having two
steamers built. exclusively for first class pas
sengers between New-York and England, and
on scale or magnihoance exceeding anything
hitherto attempted.
l. n. F.
COAL TAX RES0LUTIoN PASSED.
G0VFEN-,rr-A-1 rnDTTv 1Rs-GREAT