New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03
NEWS OF TWO CAPITALS.
AFFAIRS IN LONDON.
People accused of Lghtmindedness
Argument for Mr. Chamberlain.

Copyright: 1900: BY The Tribune AssOciatiOn)
London. Jan 2.-"The Spectators" New Year
horniiy the observation-disclosures OF the English
people an omnous sign OF the times. Ike the
levity prevailing in France in the Second En-
lpire Is clearly inspired by the progress OF the
fiscal reformeTs rather than by public interest
in cricket and pantomimes. For Englishmen the
second day Of January IS the most serious day
IN the whole yeaE for with ~ come internal
revenue collectors bills for income tax, and
house duties They are forcibly reminded that
they are still paying for the Boer war and life
real and earnest There IS. moreover,
cumulative proof that British prosperity IS not
brimming over in the cup. The receipts Of reve-
for three-quarters Of the fiscal year are con-
siderably below Mr.. Ritchie's estimates. Gus
toms and excise are falling of alike and there
is heavy reduction On stamps. owing to the
slump in Stock Exchange business and specula-
lions OF all kinds Notwithstanding the recent
cotton furry. People OF moderate means are re-
trenching expenses, and the poorer classes are
compelled TO be more temperate. Lancashire is
without cotton. and employees are Tuning
against American spectators and the closing OF
factories. The stamp duties reveal the cortrac-
ton OF commercial and speculative transactions.
and the statisticians' moral follows that the rich
spending their principal and national pro-
ductive resources are declining.
Jenkinss keen eye detects signs OF economy
in country houses where family parties are the
rule for the holidays, but he comforts himself
with the reflection that the Duke Of Devonshire
IS smashing all records in the entertainment OF
the King and Queen at Chatsworth This visit
begins on Monday, and while the anticipations
which are printed are largely imaginative. It Is
certain that entertainment equally lavish has
not been provided for royalty at a country house
in recent times. The house party Will be large
and host Of garnekeepers, motor car chauffeurs.
torch bearers. illuminators, decorators. servants
and yeomanry have been enlisted for service.
The amateur theatricals IN the Bijou Theatre
at Chatsworth receive much attention as
though Leo Trevor another Shakespeare,
and the contributions which the Princess Henry
Of Pless Mrs. Willie James, Lady Maud War
render and above all, Miss bIuriel Wilson, will
make TO the entertainment of royalty are con-
eidered mysteries as iuscrutable the secrets
Of high diplomacy. although II seems probable
that the principal numbers the programme
arranged for last February. when the visit Of
the King was abruptly postponed, will be carried
out.
Cricket and pantonirnes are not the only
signs Of what THE Spectator calls 'lightmind-
edness" IN a period Of ominoUs rumors OF war.
plots against the sacred cause Of free trade. and
catastrophes like the Chicago disaster. Specu-
tracing radium from the residuum OK uranium.
which the platinum manufacturers have been
shroving IN dust heaps for thirty years, or TO
form mysterious layers Of soil around Cornwall
farms
Nj Stead Is also advertising his paper by ex-
r,oding gun cotton over London from balloons.
and employing the reserves Of the Salvation
Army by the thousand as sandwich men for dis
playing samples Of illustrated Journalism
The world is serious enough, even II men talk
.dly about the fairy tales of science and excite
Professor Ray Lankester's wrath, or If Mr..
BRYAN after putting girdle around European
capitals as expeditiousy Puck, sails for
America with precipitate rush. and barely has a
moment for acknowledging the services OF hos
pitable diplomats by pledging himself on his re-
kaurn to mis- native heath TO use his influence at
lAwashington for securing the purchase OF per-
v snanent embassy houses abroad.
The war between Russia and Japan draws
nearer week by week To-day's news 8 particu-
sariy ominous since the Russian reply out
lined from the various capitals reaffirns the
previous demands and does not make conces-
sions which can satisfy the japanese ministers
The rumors about the rapid mobilization Of
armies may not be trustworthy. but he situa-
ton is certainly grave and the official optimism
which is reported from St Petersburg is not
shared at Berlin. Vienna and other capitals and
war is expected by European stock exchanges
and by the commercial classes in Russia. The
Gar is however. a man Of peace. and may in
terpose q personal veto. The situation I'm Mace
6onia, moreover. is not clearing. even IL Russia
and Austria have taken urgent measures for
curing the reorganization Of the gendarmerie by
recommending the Immediate appointment Of an
italian inspector general.
Charles Booth IS the chief trumpeter for
Mr.. Chamberlain the opening Of the
year His article in THE National Review"
is a pithy argument in favor Of a change OF
fiscal policy and has behind IT the authority Of
one OF the greatest students OF sociology in
England and the chief expert or the conditions
under which the poor exist in the metropolis.
His warning that the fortunes OF England under
free trade have eliminated. and that a new de-
.rarture In the direction OF g maximum and min
,srnurn tariff is absolutely necessary. could not be
emphasized more strongly. The monthly re-
views are filed with tariff essays. ana the
Chamberlain press. from the croaltng bass Of
The Times" to the shrill treble OF 'The St
lJames's Gazette" welcomes 1904 as the annus
,nirabilis OF imperialism.
Meanwhile the free trade abuse Of MI Cham
berla;n continues. without regard 20 the usual
compliments OF the season. He is alternately
haunted with creating tariff commission
big as the House OF Commons and ironically
commended for graciously allowing the Kings
ministers 10 conduct preferential relations with
the colonies.
The Liberals are reminded OF their sources OF