Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-25
AG0G OVER PAGEANTRY
All England Affected by Pre-
vaiIing Fad.
HISTORIC REPRODUCTION
London Politicians Disturbed Over
Socialism.
A PROPOSED AFRICAN RAILWAY
Comment on Moroccan Situation.
Moorish Prison Life Recounted.
Doctors Disagree Over Alcohol.
PROPOSED AFRICAN RAILWAY

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
LONDON, August Is, 1907.
England is still suffering from Pageant
it's" Since the same began last year at
Romsey, in the New Forest, and elsewhere,
almost every place with an ancient record
has made an effort to reproduce the scenes
of their old-time grandeur. The Isle Of
Wight, st. Albans-and over the North sea,
Bruges-have given their shows, but this
week Coventry and Liverpool have scored
heavily. Liverpools pageant was magnifl-
cent affair Fifty thousand dollars were
spent in this celebration of the city's Tooth
anniversary, but so well was it done that
the railways were taxed to their utmost to
carry all the north country visitors who
wished to see the procession.
All the arrangements went smoothly and
never since King John granted the city its
early charter have the Liverpulians or their
guests had better time.
At Coventry the scene was different, for
the famous legendary ride Of the Lady
God1va was reproduced. La Milo Miss
Pansy Montagu), whose classic poses In
the altogether at our music halls reused
great controversy, took the part of Lady
Godiva, the legendary heroine of Coventry,
and rode through the streets on horseback
at the head Of a procession, which ex-
eeHued over q mica state or things which
did not accord exactly with the account of
the scene when the original Godiva perform
ed the ride. Pulpit and press have ragged
about this production, anticipating all man
ner of unpleasant results, but with the aid
of much chiffon, a large blonde wig, with
hair hanging loose, and pink feshings La
MILO emerged from the ceremony with
honors. So far from it being a crime for
any "Peeping Tom to see her, there were
100000 of them, all cheering enthusiastic
cally. and the mayor and corporation rode
In her suite.
The Spread Of Socialism.
Politicians at headquarters in London are
concerned about the spread of certain no.
lions Of state socialism in the constitu-
ences. The recent three by-elections in
such typical centers of industrialism as
Jarrow, Colne Valley and northwest Stat
fordshire have furnished cumulative evil
dence of the pressing need for educational
effort In relation to the current popular
cries of the more aggressive socialists.
Conservatives who have assisted in these
contests report that the widest ideas are
being disseminated touching the new para
disc which the socialists mean to create
for the toilers by act Of parliament in re-
turn for their votes. The Liberty and Prop
erty Defense League, the affairs Of which
are controlled by an influential committee
is about to organize, 1 believe, a lecturing
campaign for the coming autumn. This en-
LeIpIlSe VIII expose the 1dllaCleS or state
socialism, and the effect which piecemeal
legislation on socialistic principles would
have In the way of canceling the historical
gains of freedom.
In addition to the detached socialists the
Independent labor party is undoubtedly in
creasing Its strength in the country. Within
the last two or three weeks about twenty
branches have been brought into existence,
fore the year closes something like 100 new
branches will be established. Some of the
members Of the party In
tend to devote themselves specially to the
work of organizing new branches
Liberals well as conservatives are
much perturbed by this activity of the
la Dor and socialist wing and many a lib
eral member of parliament is now threat
ened with a labor socialist opponent in
where 1t was never dreamed
of before. The labor advance is, however,
partly due to the slow progress of the gov
eminent in social reforms In spite of the
efforts of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman
in holding the house at work unusually
late, the business is heavily in arrears.
The strain Is telling on the premier and 1
hear that his health has not been so good
of late. The throat trouble has required
and the August sittings of the house of
commons are being found particularly try
ing.
Dunnow Fitch Ignored.
The August holiday this year was lack
ing in one Of its historic features. There
was no competition for the Dunnow fitch
of bacon; no couples kneeling side by side
on sharp pebbles confessing to rustic Essex
judges the story Of their matrimonial hap
piness, The Dunnow people We're getting a
little tired of the monotonous recurrence
of the function and decided on it's inter-
mission for while. A break of a year or
two, 1t is hoped also, may stimulate popu-
lar curiosity in the subject. AS a matter
of fact the Dunnow fitch in the past has
by no means been given every year. After
its institution in the thirteenth century
nobody claimed the fitch for 200 years.
zenith down to the middle of the last GEN.
fury no fitch was given, and since then
there have been frequent years when con-
testants have not appeared
The extension of the railway to northern
Nigeria is an announcement of great i'm
portance to Lancashire. for it means that
a new district eminently suited for cotton
growing is to be opened up, for the cotton
will be easily transported at a profit by
the combined means of rail and water. |
Mr.. Churchill in making this announce |
ment in the house could not have provided |
a more pleasant holiday surprise for Lam |
caShire.
The construction of the railway is to be !
financed by loans raised on the credit of |
southern Nigeria which Is exceedingly |
1 am told that Mr.. Churchill |
will visit Nigeria after travelling in |
Uganda. possibly to cut the first sod of the |
railway. - |
Amusing Scene in Commons.
There was an amusing scene in the house |
Of lords the other day. radical peer was |
smoking an extremely democra tic looking |
pipe in the smoking room when he was |
accosted by a conservative duke. The lat |
ter. with an in1exion Of pain In his voice, |
wanted to know whether it was Sin order" |
to smoke pipe-and such a pipe-within |
the precincts of the house of lords. The |
peer replied that he thought 1t was in
order, and that in any case he didn't much |
care. The liberal peer in question was |
ord I.yvaden Xhila the tory duke |