Japan's Way Clear

Lord Rosebery has only come twice to London in the past fortnight, and both times cabinet councils were called to consider the Eastern question. So far as can be judged by the tone of official newspapers, however, there is not the slightest hint that the government means to interfere with the Japanese demands. The opposition press, ordinarily ready to attack the government on every point, is no less pacific in tone. The Times expresses what is no doubt the exact situation in the statement that 'The European states having interests in that part of the world will watch the progress of events with attention and anxiety, but for the present, at all events, they have too many mutual jealousies to give the Japanese any serious uneasiness. When the exact terms of the treaty are made known European diplomacy will probably have some show of taking them into consideration, but if the Japanese refuse, as they presumably will, to listen to diplomatic exhortations, it is difficult to conceive that any effective interference with their plans need be seriously apprehended.'

From expressions in the leading journals of the continent, outside of Russia, it is still evident that Germany, Austria and France also recognize the futility of any attempt to deprive Japan of what she demands, and Russia alone continues to protest against her occupation of Port Arthur. The hopelessness of concerted action by the powers is acknowledged, even in the French press, and the general agreement is that no single European power could prevail against Japan.

As to the loan of $30,000,000, financial authorities in London say it could only be placed here at 7 per cent, mortgaging China's revenue to the lenders. The annual charge on such a loan would be $1,800,000, and China has now free customs revenue of only about half a million sterling. The opening of additional treaty ports would largely increase this, however, and if it is conceded in the treaty China will get the money without serious difficulty. The lenders will undoubtedly demand that the mortgaged revenue shall be administered by Europeans.

Private advices from inner circles of the [...] scheme for the conversion of England with almost monomaniac persistency. Cardinal Vaughan, knowing the absolute futility of such efforts, endeavored to wean the pope from further attempts, which only weaken the position of the Catholic church in England. The pope was intensely disappointed at this counsel, and in Catholic circles here it is said that the cardinal left Rome early, out of favor at the Vatican, where heretofore he was persona gratissima. Though the pope's intellect continues marvelously clear for his advanced age, his long seclusion in the Vatican has placed him out of touch with practical affairs and developed a tendency to nourish chimeras, such as the conversion of England, which undoubtedly caused [...] feebleness almost daily increases, and grave doubts are entertained by his entourage whether he can survive the exhausting heats of a Roman summer. His encyclical letter to the English people today has made no sensation.

At last the official announcement was made today that work on the proposed great Catholic cathedral not far from Westminster Abbey is to begin at once. Mr. Bentley, the architect selected, has just returned from a long and special study of European cathedrals, and the model will be Constantine's Church of St. Peter at Rome. It will cost £250,000, and the cardinal has in hand £80,000 and the site.

Recent attacks on Chamberlain by the Standard and other important tory papers are part of a preconcerted plan to compel the liberal-unionists to become tories in name as well as in fact. With the exception of a few divisions in Scotland, there is really no substantial liberal-unionist vote outside Birmingham, where Chamberlain's personal influence is paramount. The liberal-unionists have now fifty seats, but if the tories refuse to vote for their candidates they would not carry ten. The tories have naturally become quarrelsome, and this gives the Irish members occasion for many jibes and much exultation.

The foul Wilde scandal continues to grow in intensity, but I have the authority of Scotland Yard for saying that the prosecution will almost certainly stop with those now before the courts.

Lord Dunraven is now on his way home on board McCalmont's yacht, Giralda, but his secretary said today that there was no truth in the report that the prince of Wales means to go to America for the cup races.

Cassells have asked Mrs. Gertrude Atherton, the New York authoress, now in London, to write them the next novel for their well known series.

President Eliot of Harvard sailed with his wife for home today. He says his stay in Egypt has been of great benefit, and he feels himself quite well again.

Michael Davitt, who sailed for Australia a fortnight ago, has just lost his favorite child, Kathleen. She was ill only three days. The news has been cabled to the Seychelles Islands, in the hope of catching the steamer. Davitt has three daughters surviving, but Kathleen was the oldest and he was touchingly devoted to her.