The Washington times., 1902-04-13

lso-Nbo-N- ApIll IL ne tdplntl luti
this afternoon in response to the call
which was hurriedly issued yesterday All
the members had assembled at the Foreign
Office by 12:15 o'clock. with the exception
OF Earl Cadogan. lord lieutenant of Ire
land, from which it was inferred that to-
days meeting had no reference TO the
Irish question.
Denial of Dissensions.
A considerable crowd watched the Min
listers as they assembled. Sir Michael
Hicks Beach. the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer. looked convalcscent, but Colonial
Secretary Chamberlain was obviously not
in good health. Both these Ministers have
telegraphed emphatic denials of the re-
port of dissensions between them.
The Cabinet adjourned at 1:30, after
sitting lasting an hour which was less
than had been expected. No announce
lnent was made after the dispersal Of the
Ministers.
The Central News says it is believed
that dispatches of most momentous
character were laid before the Cabinet at
its meeting today.
As Junior Partners"
The Westminster Gazette" says il has
received what it terms a well accredited
report to the effect that the Beers are
willing to come into the British Empire
as junior partners. They will give up
their flag and become part of an African
confederation, with a flag of its own, with
its own supreme court and a constitution
States
The wish is so much father to the
thought that the country persists in be-
lieying that peace is really at hand. There
is no more reason for this belief now
than there was fortnight ago, unless, in
deed, the Boer leaders at their first full
meeting yesterday definitely decided the
whole question of the peace proposals
This is extremely improbable.
Would Grant Cable
The expectation of those best acquaint-
ed with the situation is that the next
move of the Beers at Klerksdorp will be
a request for the use of the cable for
communication with the delegates in Hol-
land. Such a request, If made as pre-
will probably be granted, although the
British authorities will doubtless persist
in the attitude that negotiations with
themselves must be conducted entirely in
South Africa.
The sole basis for today's renewed peace
rumors is the special session of the Cab
met. This meeting, however. probably
had to deal with other questions than the
consideration of the Eoer proposals.
There is renewed reason for the belief
that there is difference of opinion with
in the government in regard TO its fnan-
cial policy as affected by the war.
Reason for Postponemert.
1t is affirmed that this is the real reason
for the postponement of the budget an
nouneement. The presence Of Colonial
Secretary Chamberlain and Sir Michael
Hicks Beach, Chancellor of the Exchequer,
lends color to the report that their re-
spective illnesses were of the kind usually |
described as diplomatic.
A direct denial was forthcoming from |
both gentlemen Of the extreme story that |
a Cabient crisis had arisen over their diff
ferences Of opinion. Mr.. Chamberlain is
credited with being the advocate of a !
general war loan, while the Chancellor of
the EXchequer favors paving the war ex-
penses by direct taxation.
Drastic Budget
There is little doubt that the budget
has been drawn on extremely drastic lines
on the assumption that the war must con-
tinue for a considerable time. These harsh
measures, which, OF course, would be |
highly unpopular, would be considerably
modified If the government had reason
able hopes OF an early peace.
1t must be assumed in any case that
some time must elapse before definite
peace news can be announced under even
the most favorable circumstances.
A New War Loan?
Prior TO the meeting of the Cabinet to-
day Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Chancellor I
Of the Exchequer, had a conference with {
the officials of the Bank OF England This
led TO the belief that the government con-
templates issuing fresh war loan.
II was aScertained late tonight that an |
other meeting OF the Cabinet will prob '
ably be held tomorrow Sunday. I