Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-01

understood that he was to be raised to the
rank Of minister Of the colonies. On the
strength OF his coming promotion he OD<
tanned an advance OF 1900 marks on ac-
count OF his ministerial salary. Unfortu-
nately for him. the refchstag refused to
vote the creation of a colonial ministry and
a week or two later he resigned his posi-
ton. The result is that the minister of
finance calls on his serene highness to re-
turn the 5000 marks. AS he spent it all in
installing sort Of ministerial staff in
preparation for his new rank, the prince
has decided objections to refunding any
part of It. Since the abolition of the ma
tional "wolfen fondo," the confiscated for
tune of the King of Hanover, which in
service fund. the chancellor does not dis
pose of any money which he can advance
The end of the affair will probably be that
the kaiser will come to the rescue and re-
fund the amount from his private purse.
I had conversation today with an old
inhabitant of Cape Colony at present in
London on the Ferreira raid. This old
Africander attached no Importance what
ever to the event in ITSELF but he was dis
posed to see some significance In it, as in
dicating the spirit that still animates a
good many of the veldt Beers. In the large
towns the Boer leaders are professedly rec
onciled to their lot, but away from the
towns there Is all the old enmity and ha-
tired of the British and sedition is at times
openly preached. "Given the opportunity"
said my informant, emphatically, Il do not
hesitate for moment to say that the Beers
Of the Transvaal and the Free State would
strike another blow for their independence,
and 1t Is for the British government over
here to see that this opportunity Is never
offered"
Much will depend. in the opinion Of this
gentleman, on the manner in which Fer
reira and his followers are dealt with when
captured. It Is. of course, no occasion for
severity. but the lesson must be plainly
taught at the first opportunity that those
who fly to arms against British rule will
be dealt with very firmly. "Of course" he
added, there will be the usual outcry
sentimental party at home, no matter what
punishment Is melted out to them, but If
the government displays any weakness here
1t Is simply inviting rebellion on serious
scale. Temper justice with mercy by all
means but don't be merciful to the point of
weakness"
The famous Rubens ceiling in the ban
quoting hall Of Whitehall. now the museum
once more about to undergo restoration.
This Is one of the finest art treasures of
London. but 1t Is almost unknown to the
great majority Of those who pass down
visit the museum fail to notice the cell
Ing. 1t was commissioned by Charles I,
and the central panel depicts the apotheosis
of James 1. Rubens received $4,000 and
q hHiSuluOOu IOT THIS WOrk, winch was car
ried out in Antwerp-with the assistance It
Is said. of Jordaens-though the original
sketches were made in this country. The
picture has already been four times re-
stored-in the reign Of George II, in 1875,
In 1887 and about 1850. II Is expected that
the work of restoration will occupy fully
six months.
The public attention both in and out of
parliament. which Is being drawn to the
withdrawal of the garrison from St. Helena
lends an additional interest to the forth
coming sale In London of number of Ma
poleonfc relics connected with that far-off
islet. Among them are a piece Of one of
the sfdestones of NapoleOns tomb on the
island, piece of lining Of his coffin and
couple OF snun boxes. made from the wood
or the celebrated willow under which he
was SO fond OF sitting. Included in the COL
lection is a lock of Napoleon's hair, a pair
OF SILK stockings and pocket handkerchief
all marked with the owners monogram
and dress who which was also worn dur
ing the period of detention at st. Helena.
Notwithstanding the non-success of his
last season at the Duke Of Yorks, Mr. Will
liam Gillette is evidently not tired of Lon
don. The American author-actor, who is
best known as the original Sherlock
Holmes" Of the stage, has completed a four
act comedy. which will be Mr.. Gillette 3
first attempt at depicting British manners
and morals. For this reason Mr. Gillettes
comedy should be interesting, especially as
his knowledge Of this country is by no
means small. L. H. MOORE.