New-York tribune., 1902-07-20

half of Butler. who was befriended by the War
Office. headquarters staff and the court itself
until his dismissal and disgrace were rendered
inevitable by his headstrong folly.
The visit of the King of Italy to Russia has
involved the necessity for the subsequent ex-
change of dynastic courtesies at Berlin, where
the government unlike the Austrian court, is
not embarrassed by special relations with the
Vatican. and also for elaborate explanation
from Lord Lansdowne respecting the relations
OF England and Italy and the maintenance of
the peace of the Mediterranean seaboard. The
forces of European coalitions are well balanced
when one sovereign cannot visit another with
out series of diplomatic readjustments at other
capitals What is evident is the fact that the
Dual Alliance is more compact and homogeneous
than the Triple Alliance, and that the relations
between Russia and France are more cordial
than those between Germany and Austria. The
German Emperor knows his ground when he
insists upon cultivating the friendliest possible
relations with England and America. while re-
tanning firm grip upon Austria and Italy.
The interest excited by the Italian Kings Euro
pean visits is real. because the personal infiu-
ence OF royalty is increasing in Continental af-
fairs, and the authority of parliamentary insti-
tutions is declining
The Cars antitrust conference attracts less
SitenllOu, because ~ Is obviously q
device for counteracting the decisions of the
Brussels conference.
The feeling in England on the subject of Mr.
Morgan's shipping combination is still suspicious
and intense as was evident from the eagerness
with which Mr.. Reids reassurng remarks on
the subject were listened TO by his Liverpool
audience and commented upon by the local
press. The transfer of the control of transat-
1antic shipping interests from England TO Amer
ica is dreaded even when there is likelihood
of change of flags over the merchant fleets,
and the supply of cotton, foodstuffs and meat,
which is already imperilled by corners and
speculative pools, is regarded as exposed 20 ad-
ditional danger from the liability of a general
rise of freights as the first effect of the COM
plete success of Mr. Morgan's plans.
The battle of London tubes. however, is
looked upon with apathy and indifference.
While it is clear that the financial arrange
snents Of the most important OF rapid transit
undertakings have passed into American hands
and there is feeling of relief that immense
masses of transatlantic capital have been in
vested in the underground projects Parliament
IS leaving the rival combinations 10 fight 1t out
in their own way. and is treating all tube
projects with equal favor.
The theatres are gradually closing. Sir Henry
1rvng's season at the Lyceum is wound UP to-
day with a fine performance of THE Merchant
of Venice" and the usual scene of enthusiasm
and affection for the well loved actor Ben
Hur" has been withdrawn from Drury Lane
after a protracted and highly remunerative en-
gagement for the American company. The old
playhouse has been crowded from pit 10 dome
at every performance, and a new class OF relig-
ious playgoers has been drawn in. Mr.. Tree is
prolonging the run of The Merry Wives OF
Windsor until the coronation The French
company of the Theatre des Varieties will in
froduce another of Alfred Capus's comedies at
the Garrick Theatre Monday night. Among
the autumn novelties will be j. NJ. Barrie's "Qual-
ity Street" The Gadsbys" based upon the
story by Rudyard Kipling, and probably COM
edy by Arthur Pinero. The opera will be over
in another week Don Giovanni" is to-night's
attraction at Covent Garden. The theatres are
crowded with American tourists lingering in
London for the final week before steamer day
The outgoing steamers to-day are filled from
top to bottom, and it was impossible to supply
late corners with berths. The Lucania's passeh-
gers include the Earl of Mimic. Bishop Delaney
and q host of American tourists. /. N F.