New-York tribune., 1907-06-23
GERM4NY IN THE LEAD At
THE HAGUE CONFERENCE.

"iiCh promises 10 be the chief novelty and main
issue Of the session The British and American
ueiesdtes. after falling to agree upon eff
IecuNe scheme of cooperation on other ques-
uohs will unite in Supporting the German pro-
PoSal' which is in line with arbitration and will
create permanent court at The Hague for the
HiidI revision Of the decisions of national prize
courts In time of war. 4ron Marschall Won
D-cpeFstein Is an advocate of full publicity, and
- @ hlilsef accessible to correspondents. talking
IIeey with them. He promises to take Lord
1 iduhce1otes place the most influential MEM
YET Inc congress is destined apparently to eff
ieUt good many minor adjustments in the reg
u4alloh OF the practice of war. This may not be
III accord with the highest aspirations of the
iauulsts' Ia but it is business. Each committee is
HkeIy TO accomplish something of minor i'm
portance without establishing any great prin-
cpe. 1t is not yet clear whether the American
delegates can command a hearing for the ques-
ton OF the collection of public debts by bonn
hardInent or blockade. The Spanish-AmerCan
states have been brought into the congress
through American influence. They ought not
10 be snubhed because they consider the Drago
principle essential to their independence and
self-respect. The minor states, instead of find
ing themselves on terms of equality in this
amphictyonc council convinced that the
great powers. are prearranging and managing
everything. This eXcites discomfort. The meas
ures taken by the Dutch police protect the
delegates also cause annoyance.
y
The London press is paying more attention to
signs Of unrest on the Continent than to the
peace congress The reactonary leaders are
considered TO be riding roughshod the tim
orous advocates of progress in Russia. The
Ffench WinegroWers revolt has warned Eng
lishmen that the agricultural classes can be
dangerous when forced back upon the land by
the failure of their industries. Tariff reform
ers md in the movement fresh incentive to
measures of relief for English agriculture The
Free Traders are not alarmed, since Hodge has
taken hostile legislation lying down for half a
century. The sensational reports about the
Anglo-American fisheries dispute have not
ceased with Sir Robert Bonds departure for
Newfoundland. 1t is not a matter that can be
submitted TO arbitration at The Hague until the
resources Of friendly negotiations are exhausted.
since it involves the Interpretation If treaty
rights. The Washington government has not
taken the subject out of the hands of the Amer
lean Ambassador who has mastered il in every
detail and is hopeful of securing a satisfactory
adjustment although discreety reticent respect
ing the present state Of the negotiations
MORE CABINET DISSENSIONS.
Dissensions are increasing in the Liberia! Cao-
who has shown himself man OF force by his
successful conduct of military measures Mr..
Asquith has lost influence inside the Cabinet as
well outside while Sir Edward Grey is
marked out already by the political experts
Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman's successor
whenever one may be needed. The Unionist
partisans, club cocktails or drawing room
teacups, are trying to marry off the Prime Min
lister or send him upstairs the House of
Lords, but he persists in smiling and remaining
the necessary leader. His resolution IN favor
of restricting the power Of the House OF Lords
TO amend or reject bills is a declaration of the
Liberal policy which cannot be carried out with
out legislation and prolonged constitutional
agitation The Unionists in high spirits
over Lord Robot Cecils cleverness in providing
a blocking motion for Obstructng the debate
on the resolution, but the Prime Minister. with
pawky Scottish shrewdness. has promptly found
a method of escape. II is artificial political
play, since the government is merely taking up
an attitude toward the House of Lords for gen
eral effect, while the Unionists are amusing
themselves with tactical mannuvres. 1t is not
an exhibition of great politics either side 1t
is farce rather than drama. a prominent Lib
eral gives me this explanation of the govern
ment policy: The resolution restricting the
powers OF the House Of Lords means that the
cup will be filed with general legislation. and a
bill produced in the course of two three
years, when direct appeal can be made to the
country upon It."
The medical reports Of the Duke of Devon
shire's condition not reassuring. Weak
heart action at his advanced age is an alarm
ing symptom, for which absolute rest alone can
be prescribed. The dukes voice was strong
the last time it was heard on public OCCASION
and there We're few signs of physical decline
Throughout his political career he has shown
that lucidity judgment and sterling common
sense are more influential than brilliant quail
ties.
THE GARDEN PARTY AT WINDSOR.
Ascot week closed to-day with garden party
at Windsor for which nearly eight thousand In
vitations were issued. 1t was the largest and
most informal court function of the reign. Tho
scene when the King and Queen, accompanied
by other royalties, walked along the East Ter
race to the slopes most brilliant, for there
was an assemblage of the best known people in
public life and smart society. The east lawn
with the Kings pavilion. the state canopy and
gold plate, and the huge marques and tents
with crowned buffets a splendid spec
tacle when crowded with the wealth and fashion
of London. The dark skinned King of Sian
with compliments in English for all presented
to him, among the figures in the large
royal circle The American Ambassador
Mrs Reid and Miss Reid. Mrs. Benjamin Har-
rison' and Mark Twain among the guests
with scores of rich Americans who have been
prominent in the London season and at the
Ascot races. Tomorrow there will be what is
styled a royal picnic at Virginia Water for the
King of Siam. Prince and Princess Andrew OF
Greece and the Grand Duke and Duchess of
Hesse and then the King returns to London to
receive the Persian Embassy. hold the last evee
and conduct a dozen public functions before
making a weekend visit at Lewis Harcourt's
country seat at Nuneham, The German EN-
peror's visit to England is not definitely ar
ranged. but probable.
MARK TWAIN ENJOYS PUBLICITY.
Mark Twain is enjoying a golden or
publicity. He takes the reporters into his con-
fdence, and announces every social engagement.
holding nothing back, even If he convicts him
self of being a Sabbath breaker by paying a
visit to en- old friend Archdeacon Wiberforce