New-York tribune., 1902-01-07
POLITICS IN ENGLAND.
ADMIRALTY AND EXCHEQUER'S CHAN
CELLOR AT ODDS.
BOER LEADERS HOPING AGAINST HOPE
THE IRISH PARTY WELL ORGANIZED.

BOER LEADERS HOPING AGAINST HOPE
THE IRISH PARTY WELL ORGANIZED.
Copyright; 1902: BY The Tribune AssociatIon)
Try THE TRIBUNE.l
London Jan. Z, l a. m.-Mr BaIfour's second
attack of illness is not serious but II is incon-
venient since he is a natural peacemaker. and
the hollow truce arranged between Sir Michael
Hicks Beach and Mr.. Chamberlain needs con-
slant supervision. The Cabinet has grown stale
from its long tenure of office and there are signs
of irritability we'll lassitude Rumors that
the Chancellor of the Exchequer is endeavoring
to enforce retrenChment upon the Admiralty
and meeting with strenuous resistance are prob
ably well founded. The military expenses can
not be reduced when the war is not ended. and
the Treasury watchdog naturally barks before
the door of the Admiralty. Lord Selborne is
ambitious. and naval advisers are persistent in
their demands for strengthening the navy and
making II more than equal to the combined
fleets OF Russia and France. The weary Prime
Minister will be likely to support the Admiralty
experts. and will advise Sir Michael Hicks Beach
to borrow all the money he needs and to avoid
unnecessary economy, except, possibly. IN the
local government.
Dispa tches from the Continent prove that the
BOer leaders are hoping for a revolt OF British
taxpayers against the burdens OF the war. These
expectations are flusory. The taxpayers are
even more dogged than Lord Kitchener's SOL
ders. They enduring with marvellous pa
tience the burdens of war which has been
clumslly financed The Boer leaders profess to
be encouraged by the results OF the missionary
efforts OF various speakers who have addressed
public meetings in America. Members OF Par1
lament do not approve Of the idea OF sending
English speakers TO America TO offset Boer
oratory. They assert that the facts about the
concentration camps Will be fully brought out
in the Blue Books as soon Parliament meets.
and that the report Of the women's commission,
headed by Mrs Fawcett. will vindicate British
reputation for humanity.
Cecil Rhodes and Dr. Jameson are exchang-
ing condolences with Alfred Belt and other mill
ionare owners of the gold fields but will not
allow themselves to be drawn into any EXPIRES
sion Of opinion respecting South Africa Sir
with his own heart.
Lord Rosebery's friends assert that the an
nouncement Of his Italian journey is premature
and that he will remain in England until the
Easter recess. or at least until the political
situation has cleared.
Lloyd George last night paid a visit to Bristol
Contrary to general expectation. he was more
successful in Sir Michael Hicks-B -Beachs con
stituency than in Mr.. Chamberlains stronghold.
Ample police protection had been provided and
crowd OF anti Beers outside OF the building In
which the meeting was held were unable to
force the doors Stll they cheered and shouted
so loudly that Lloyd George could scarcely make
himself heard. At the conclusion OF the speech
a resolution protesting against war OF exter-
mination in South Africa was carried with about
q dozen dissentients Lloyd George was not
obliged TO disguise himself as a policeman In
order 10 escape.
The beginning Of the year in Ireland sees the
United Irish League in excellent working order.
despite the efforts of the government to suppress
1t In many inland well as western seaboard
counties. The league is now in absolute au-
thority, and is powerful agent as It's
predecessors the Land League and the National
League l. N F.
CHAMBERLAIN OPTIMISTIC