New-York tribune., 1901-04-25
ECHOES OF THE BUDGET
SUGAR AND COAL STILL, vEy THE
BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
TALK OF RUPTURE IN THE GARNET ppr
MATURE-WHITE LODGE STARTS
GOSSIP-THEATRICAI
(copyright: 1901: BY The New-York Tribune)
Icy CABLE TO THE TRIRuNEl

Copyright: 1901: BY The New-York TribuneA
TBY CABLE THE TRIBuNEl
London. April %, 1 a. m-The deceased wife,s
sister is of the stock figures at every session
of Parliament ard she had yesterday matinee
performance for her benefit without the special
patronage of royalty. languid and artificial
debate on matter often threshed out served to
fill the pauses IN the more exciting controversy
in progress throughout the country over the
sugar duties and the coal tax Colonial opposi-
ton TO a sugar schedule which is not converted
into weapon against beet bounties is having
considerable effect. and may involve trouble
some debate the amendment in favor of
countervailing duties The West Indian planters
do not have fresh grievance: they will not be
worse off under revenue duties than they have
been under free trade. The ministers can as
sert that Determinations in favor of Colonial
cane would be i'll timed when there is of
good feeling between England and Germany.
They may also add under their breath that the
American Government has been good natured
enough to discriminate against bounty fed sugars
and render substantial aid to the British West
Indies.
The agitation of the shipping interests against
the coal export duty is steadily increasing, and
finds strong advocates among government sup
porters like Lord Londonderry. Shippers and
ntddlernen who have made contracts for long
neriods are CRYING aloud against the injustice Of
compelling them to pay this export duty. There
are indications of vacillation on the part OF Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach. with a strong probaolhly
that he will exempt from taxation deliveries OF
coal under existing contracts. II he does THIS
he may as well abandon the coal tax altogether
for It will yield little revenue during the first
year if amended this way.
Rumors that Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will be
-ta eng
duties are revised in favor of the colonies or the
coal tax is dropped from the Budget are pre-
mature Reports that Mr.. Chamberlain is exert
.ng strong influence against him without
foundation. The two men not in accord on
the sugar and tariff questions, but their antag-
onism or lack Of sympathy is not shown OUTSIDE
Of Cabinet meetings The government would
be discredted by the abandonment Of an essen
tial part of the Budget and Mr.. Chamberlain
IS not in a position for defying the old Tories,
getting rid of a troublesome colleague and lead
ing a mutinous house. If there be another
Greville there must be long entries in his diary
these days.
The disposition made of White Lodge has set
many sharp tongues in motion, and many in
genious explanations whispered. Mrs. Hart
mann. the tenant by royal favor, is rich
and can afford at least to keep up expensive
house and redecorate and improve it. There is
also criticism OF or two recent appointments
sn the royal household, with complaint that
tain members of Queen Victoria's household
have not been properly pensioned off. There
IS a good deal OF stale gossip of this kind in
West End circles, but there is neither public
discussion nor serious trouble over the Civil
List nor any sign that the Kings popularity
among his subjects is waning
There is a fresh play every night and no lack
Of variety in theatre programmes. Charles
Frohman's second enterprise on last night
at the Vaudeville Theatre. where Basil Hoods
comedy, Sweet and Twenty" was enacted by
players usually employed in farce. Ellaline Ter
riss and Seymour Hicks succeeded in amusing
and interesting the audience. and the play
evidently liked. !. ~. F.