New-York tribune., 1905-01-01
NEWS OF TWO CAPITALS
AFFAIRS IN LONDON.
Year of Momentous Consequences
Prospect of General Election.

Especial &c The Nev-York Tribune by French cab,e)
Copyright; 1906: BY The Tribune Associstion)
London, Dec. 31.-The moralists agree that 1904
marks the dividing line between the East and the
West and is annus mirabilis in its momentous
consequences TO the future of the world. 1t has
recast European coalitions, revolutionized condi-
tions OF modern warfare on land and and
inspired the Oriental races with new ambitions.
which may unsettle the present balance OF power
in the two hemispheres. The most sagacious
leader writer recognizes the limitations of mar
row editorial room and makes no attempt to
forecast the trend of future events England's
position Is considered stronger in every respect
than Il was year ago. and the King has earned
the gratitude OF the nation for the altered re-
lations with France. The German Emperor has
been forced into the background, but nobody of
any intelligence doubts that peace when 1t comes
viii be ordered al Berlin rather than at London
or Paris ard this viii be for the simple reason
that he viii not allow It to be otherwise The
condition Of Russia is regarded by all reviewers
OF the year wellnigh hopeless. The japanese
are expected TO master the entire eastern ridge
OF Port Arthur I'm a short time, and the sur
render Of the western forts cannot long be de-
ferred. and the Baltic feet viii be ordered home.
The Cars manifesto is generally pronounced q
marvel of verbosity and indecision. which leaves
the bureaucracy in the saddle and does not re-
move the causes of discomfort
There is a general agreement among politi-
clans that the new year will witness a general
election in England in the spring the autumn.
The Chancellor OF the Exchequer is making os-
tentatious efforts 20 collect the income tax ear
tiier than usual. but probably anticipates large
deficit and considers IL necessary to levy 3
per cent tariff on manufactured goods for rev.
enue purposes. II he carries Mr.. Balfour with
him a general election must follow the change
fsn fiscal policy. Mobery Bell, Sir Alfred
iHarmsworth and Arthur Pearson form a trium-
virate for the control of public opinion by the
press. snd they agree that the army must
have new guns. that sea power requires a fresh
investment of millions and that the resources
OF direct taxation have been exhausted. Elihu
Roots new reading OF the Monroe Doctrine is
accepted by moralists, both Free Trade and Pro-
tectionist. a fresh proof that nothing can be
done in the modern world without an effective
navy. The Chamberlain argument will be that
the best diplomacy in the Foreign Office and the
closest understanding with America are only
half measures. and that sea power must be
maintained and the empire united even through
free trade goes to the wall.
The winter exhibition of the Royal Academy
IS mainly memorial tribute to George Fred
erick Watts Three galleries are filed with his
oil pictures and another one with his drawings.
Tt is e comprehensive exhibit of the genius of
the msny-sided man, beginning with portrait
OF the artist himself. painted seventy years ago,
sno ending with the unfinished alegories left
behind In his studio. There are nearly two hun
dTed and fifty works, painted between 1887 and
she day OF his death. for he working al
saost TO the end, including portraits of John
Stuart Mil, Tennyson. George Meredith, John
Lothrop Motley. the Hon. Mrs. Percy Wyndham.
Mary Anderson Navarro and Mrs. Langtry,
many italian landscapes and nearly all the best
subject pictures and allegories in paint. The
famous "Jaded White Horse" occupies the place
of honor. and, as the portrait OF the white