New-York tribune., 1902-04-23
LONDON'S LATEST NEWS.
PERFUNCTORY DEBATE IN HOUSE OF
COMMONS ON CORN TAX.
TREND TOWARD TARIFF FOR REVENUE
RATHER THAN PROTECTIoN-CANADI-


ANS Al CORONATION.
Copyright 1902: BY The Tribune Association,
Especial o The Tribune by French Cablel
London, April 23, a. m.-The debate on the
proposed tax on corn was conducted in per-
functory way in the House Of Commons without
q sign Of animation. Sir Z. Strachey opened IL
by repeating Sir William Vernon Harcourt,s
argument that the Chancellor's assertion that
the price OF bread would not be affected by the
small duty protectionist fallacy refuted
many years age. The prediction that the in
crease in the price of bread must follow a
permanent increase in the price of grain wa.
followed by the less plausible contention that
the farmers would be at once protected and
handicapped in their industry The government
defences of the corn duty tended to minimize the
effect Of the change. but there was no attempt
70 deny that the proposed tax on food would
open the way for widening the of indirect
taxation through the adoption in time of a
thCroughgoing tariff for revenue.
This is the natural trend Of events and tend
encies. rather than the revival. Liberals as
sert, Of the protectionist system. There is no
evidence Yet that popular agitation against
the corn duty will be organized. The meeting
Of the Chamber of Commerce was mainly con-
cerned with the effect Of the duties upon
the various trades and with the unfairness of
the incidence upon grain and -four.
Sir Charles Tupper, who leads the way for a
large number of influential Canadian guests at
the coronation, has heartily approved the corn
tax. Sir Wifrid Laurier is expected by the
High Commissioner about June 20 with four or
five Dominion Ministers and the Prerniers Of
Ontario and Manitoba. Preparations MAX
ing for the great banquet at the Colonial Insti-
tuition, with Mr.. Chamberlain as the master OF
ceremonies. and the Canadian dinner July
] will be the most brilliant one of long series
of colonial entertainments.
Colonel George T. Denison. OF Toronto is ex-
pected TO make many converts to the propa-
ganda OF the British Empire League in Canada
for a differential tariff and to increase the Do
minion tariff for the purposes of imperial de-
fence.
DR.. Jameson, who is coming to London TO con-
fer with the executors of the Cecil Rhodes edu-
cational trust. will be met at Madeira by one of
the great inperialists intimate friends.
St. Peters, Eton Square, was the scene Of
brilliant military and Parliamentary wedding
to-day. The bridegroom was Captain Bathurst.
the member for Cirencester, and the bride
the elder daughter of Lord Edward Spencer
Churchill. There were nine bridesmaids and two
pages train bearers. motor brougham
the equipage in which the bridal pair, after
the reception at Berkeley Square, started for
their honeymoon.
The production of Romeo and Juliet on new
lines is promised speedily by a company of
thusiastic Shakespearian actors headed by
Eleanor Calvoun. The scenery and costumes
Will be gorgeous and classically correct. Artists
have been copying some of the most famous
pieces of tapestry in the world, including the
matchless one designed by Julio Romano Dol
metsch. A band, with antique instruments, will
play music Of the period. and old mesque
interpreting the In the Capulets' house
and containing several old dances viii be
conspicuous feature.
Opinions vary to the ultimate effect Of the
Atlantic steamship combination. but the general
tendency in shipping circles, after mature con-
sideration. is to regard the scheme with dis
favor. The dominating fact. and one which IS
causing the amalgamation to be viewed with
considerable alarm in this country, is that the
lines which under British management
hitherto are in future to be operated from the
Unite Cfafe l. y. r.