Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-28
IN OLD LONDON ] ! TOWN
lIo1s9
Politics the Principal Topic in
the Great::M Metropolis.
VERY DISMAL SEASON
A DOZEN AMERICAN GIRLS HAVE
MARRIED BRITISH PEERS.
Rival French Actresses Bid for Popu-
lar Favor - New American
Quick Lunch Cafe.
VERY DISMAL SEASON
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.


LONDON. June II, 1903.
Lord Lansdowne's speech last night
created a great impression upon all who
heard it. When It was discovered that the
prime minister, the foreign minister and
the colonial minister are practically all in
the same boat--though possibly they re-
gard the new development from somewhat
different points Of view-both peers and
commoners realized that the political situa-
ton Is unusual and critical
It L. perhaps rather surprising that a
speech so momentous from the British for
eign secretary was not listened to by a
larger number of members Of the diplomatic
governments present being the Danish min
lister and Mr.. Henry White the secretary
Of the American embassy.
But 1t is certain that every development
Is being eagerly watched abroad, especially
by Germany. and the fact that Lord Lans-
downe approached the question from tho
standpoint of international relations. rather
than from that of its effect upon imperial
solidarity, cannot but be regarded as high
ly significant.
Free Trade Large Question.
The way in which the leading opponents
Of Mr.. Chamberlain deal with the question
Of fair trade creates the suspicion that they
are themselves ignorant of the pros and
cons. 1t Is not small question. but very
large one-a question which in a very few
years will swallow up all others. +
Mr.. Chamberlain suggests a national in
quiry into the subject, whereupon the thick
and-thin free traders are filed with in
dignation. Yet during the whole Of this
controversy hitherto no facts worth call
ing such have been forthcoming to show
that free trade Is an exact systeM-as ex-
act, say. as the fact that two and two make
four. or that a whole Is greater than any
OF its parts.
II 1t be an exact system 1t can easily be
proved to be SUCH but there are eminent
men who declare that 1t Is a false system OF
trade. There must be something wrong
about 1t when its supporters are indignant
at the bare suggestion that it is fair mat
ter for inquiry and discussion.
A Conservative Argument.
had a converse ton with a strong con-
sentative. firm supporter Of the new pol
Icy. and the following is what he has to
say on the subject:
Zone OF the elementary axioms Of free
trade said he. rs that goods pay for
goods'-that we do not pay our foreign GUS
toners 30 many sovereigns for the goods
which they send to us. Taking round fig
ures, find that the United States sends us
100000, 600 worth Of goods and we send
back f4O. O0O.OO
IF we get goods of the value of f1OO,-
100000 for goods OF the value of 10000
0OO. we make very good bargain and it
becomes rather puzzling how the Yankees
regard us as their very best customers.
Oh say the free traders you must
take into account the freights which we re-
cetye and the interest on the millions OF
money which we have invested in Amert-
ca" > - - ---,
Very good. Let US return to France. She
sends us goods OF the value Of f42. 900 900
and we pay for them with goods to the
value of 100000. Everyone knows per-
fectly well that we must in some way pay
France another f30.0OO.OOO; neither freights
nor invested money enter into the transac-
tons. How then, do we pay France the
ESQ. 100000?
Time for Discussion.
The man In the street cannot answer the
question. very few men on the exchanges Of
the world can answer 1t. and still fewer in
parliament itself. The time for discussion
and inquiry has obviously arrived. and ar
rived with a vengeance. But the mere
mention of the inquiry has shaken the free
trade edif1ce to its foundation.
Mr.. Chamberlain may be defeated by q
narrow majority at the next general cleo
ton. Perhaps that would not be an evil.
following election. The big loaf and the
little loaf electioneering device will soon
lose its effect when the masses are asked
whether they will prefer the large half
crown to the small half-sovereign."
The whole country Is upset and uneasy.
Both fair traders and free traders are busy
with arrangements for the fiscal campaign
which promises to make the autumn and
winter lively. The Golden Club is making
a strong endeavor to be first in the field.
and in addition to leaflets and pamphlets.
the shower of which has already begun.
big scheme of lectures all over the country
Is being organized.
Reciprocity. fair trade. and protection
list literature will also be widely dissent
mated by more than one body. but chief IN
terest will be conferred in the tour which
Mr.. Chamberlain la certain to undertake..
Politicians Of all shades OF opinlOn Are
anxiously looking forward to the next by
election. for such an event at the present
time would be more than ordinarily inter
esting. and providing there was no local or
personal interests to distract the attcn-
ton Of the electors. the contest would GER
tainly be fought on the great issue.
Dismal June in London.
I cannot remember a more dismal June
In London than at present. With the ''un-
derground' awash and the streets above
sloppy with six days deluge. London Is not
particularly comfortable place just now.
The omnibuses are empty atop, saving the
presence Of an occasional passenger so
soaked whilst waiting for an empty seat
inside that desperation takes him aloft to
wrap the tarpaulin seat-cover about his
shoulders The drivers Look abjectly I'M
happy-they have exhausted all their nouns
and adjectives on-t the subject of the wealth
err and are now content to let 1t go-with
shake Of the head Implying how hard they
are in the current coin of bus drivers
language-as "fair corker."
The hanson drivers find the GROWERS
(four-wheei cabs taking some of their bust
ness away. 1t is an uncomfortable thing
to sit in hanson with the wind spraying
rain in your face. and on the other hand 1t
is dangerous to be boxed UP IN a hanson
with the windows down when the streets
are slippery.
But there Is comparative comfort and cir
space in growler and they are easier to
get in and out OF on muddy days. The
newsboys are hardly SO insistent with their
cries. and do not stand in the CUTTERS but
take the droppinss ftom the caves. and
occasionally call. out more as a matter of
habit than Of conviction or expectation to
the procession Of umbrellas going by.
Mud and Water Galore.
Shop windows are spattered with mud
sQuirted by the vehicles from the puddles