New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-10
WORLD AFFAIRS VIEWED BY OBSERVERS ABROAD
FREE DISCUSSION At THE
HAGUE CONFERENCE.
Especial by French Gable to The Trlbuns'l


copyright 1907 by The Tribune AEsoeiationI
London. March 9-The British delegation to
the Hague congress is not likely to be headed
by the Prime Minister or Sir Edward Grey
The responses from foreign capitals on the SUD-
ject Of disarmament have rot been encouraging
and the delegation, while carefully selected as a
body OF experts familiar with British poncleS'
viii not include any member Of the Cabinet
Disarmament will be discussed il the American
anc British delegates insist upon having de-
bate on the eXhausting expenditures for stand
ing armies and sea power but practical results
cannot be expected when Germany and France
are convinced that a basis for reductions cannot
be arranged. The American preference for
free field for unfettered discussion OF all ques-
tons will probably be respected but the most
important work OF the peace congress VIII
centre about the rights Of neutral commerce
and the necessity for an authoritative definition
OF contraband OF war
WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT.
The Liberal government. while losing ground
In the country since the opening Of the session.
is seeking to regain confidence by its financial
administration Only the few measures men
toned in the Kings speech can be carried with
out autumn session, and these are not likely
to recruit voters for the government. Mr..
Asquith, by a popular budget, with remissions
Of taxation. may save the situation. Certainly
the government has established a reputation for
consistency in cutting down the expenditures
for the fighting services. The municipal re-
formers in London are pledged TO similar pol
icy OF retrenchment but are constrained to ad-
NIT that the rate cannot be reduced in the next
three years, even If various costly building
schemes and public ownership undertakings are
abandoned New sources Of revenue are needed
by London as well as by the nation and econ
omy, while necessary after extravaganza VIII
not suffice for tightening the burdens Of tax
payers. The UnIOnists rallying their forces
and reorganizng their party under intelligent
direction from the central offices. One result Of
the London. election is increased opposition TO
municipal trading in provincial cities.
A WOMAN'S BLOW TO WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
Woman suffrage is dead for the present ses-
sion. unless the government presses It's own
measure for larger facilities in local elections.
Closure was necessary for carrying Mr.. Dickin-
sons bill to a second reading, and as 1t was not
moved from the front bench the Speaker would
not take the responsibility Of forcing its passage
when there was a powerful minority. The most
damaging blow received by the suffragists
comes from Mrs. Humphry Wards
letter in The Times comedies the participation
Of women in every department Of local govern
ment, but draws the line al the Parliamentary
franchise on the ground that their work in the
world differs from mems work. and that they
ought not TO be armed with political power when
they cannot face responsibility for action. This
letter is more effective than cordons OF mounted
police in restricting the energies Of the suf-
fragists
BOTH4 NAY VISIT LONDON.
General Botha is likely to be one OF the visit
ing prenliers at the colonial conference. The
government. through Lord Selborne, IS urging
him to come TO London Although the work OF
organizing colonial administration In the Trans
vaal has barely begun. it wants 10 honor him in
every possible way and make a loyal Britsher
OF him. DR.. Jameson VIII bring before the con-
ference his scheme for preference for Cape
wines and other dutiable imports He viii
have support from the premiers OF New Zealand
and Australia. The attitude Of the government
toward this form Of tariff exemption will be in
teresting.
Street crowds have been impressed by the big
chasseur in tall astrakhan cap who guards
the Empress Dowager OF Russia during her
visit to London He is a magnificent parsonage.
but the metropolitan police do not depend ex-
clusively upon him for the Empress's protec-
ton. Detectives in plain clothes accompany
her wherever she goes. although she likes In
formality and enjoys paying surprise visits to
theatres and social functions with Queen Alex
andra without attracting public notice
Apart from the theatres. London itself is dull
with few dinner parties and little dancing and
with the continued movement Of smart people
toward the Riviera and Biarritz Influenza Is
still prevalent open winter having Increased
Its ravages and retarded convaIescence from It.
The American Embassy has received from Ar
cachon favorable reports OF the Improvement OF
the ambassadors health IN that salubrous re-
gion.