A ROW WITH THE UNITED STATES.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 259, 2 November 1888, Page 2

A ROW WITH THE UNITED STATES.

The game of politics in tho United States is an exciting one, and as tho date of the Presidential election draws near, affairs are assuming quite a pyrotechnical aspect. The great fuss which was made a fewmonths ago over the fisheries dispute was, as ovcryono knows, nob so much duo to a conflict of interests as to tho desire on President Cleveland's part to . make political capital out of tho negotiations. But the hubbub which was raised ab that time was as nothing compared with the glorious international squabble which is now engaging the attention of our American cousins. Sir L. Sackvillo West has got tho "sack" from the West; in other words, Mr Bayard, the U.S. Secretary of State, has intimated to tho British (Jovernment that their Minister at Washington is unacceptable, and his credentials havo been returned. " Bore's a pretty kettle of fish !" For a foreign ambassador to demand his credentials is tho diplomatic way of intimating that a declaration of war is imminent, and it is extremely rare, if not altogether unprecedented, for a Minister to havo his contje given him in tho rude fashion adopted in the case of Sir L. Sackville West. ' Surely therefore it must be some deadly quarrel or terrible breach of international comity which has led to this extreme step being taken. What a deplorable thins; it is to find the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon race preparing to engage in criminal and fratricidal strife!

When, however, wo come to inquire into tho causes of tho quarrel, the tragic aspect of the matter disappears, and concern gives place to laughter. Tho head and front of Sir Sackville West's offending is that he wrote, a letter to a private individual, in which ho guardedly admitted that he thought Mr Cleveland onght to be reelected President cf the United States. That was a very silly thing for tho British Ambassador to do, and it is all the sillier if, as ho asserts, he walked into a trap deliberately set for him. Interference in internal politics is very properly held to be unpardonable on the part of the accredited ambassador of a foreign Power ; but readers may ask—Why, of all men, should President Cleveland take action to secure tho dismissal of the British Minister from Washington ? Simply because the Opposition papers havo raised such a howl over West's letter that the President would certainly loose the election if ho did not take vigorous measures to refute tho accusation that the British Government, through their accredited representative, are trying to iniluencc the election in his favour! " Only this, and nothing more." We think ib is extremely likely that Sir Sackvillo West has been " had " by certain partisans of General Harrison, who formed a deliberate plot to cajole some writing from him which would lend colour to an accusation of the kind indicated. President Cleveland has incurred much odium by his alleged fi'o9 - trade proclivities, and his opponents have for months past been asserting that he was in league with John Bull in a deep conspiracy to open the United States to the competition of English manufacturers, with the inevitable result of tho wages of American artisans being reduced to the low level prevailing in England. To these assertions some colour was lent by the President's last tariff proposals, but something more_ tangible was required to convict him of being a free trader, and a friend of England. The desired evidence had to be manufactured somehow, and ib is unfortunate that the English Ambassador should have weakly allowed the intriguers to make a catspaw of him. Tho ruse ha?) proved so succepsful, and the ignorant masses have so readily swallowed the preposterous theory that tho British Government were trying to influence the Presidential contest, that Mr Cleveland has been impelled to vindicate himself by doing a very unkind thing to the English Ambassador. It is to be regretted that Lord Salisbury, by nob immediately " promoting " Sir Sackville West to some other sphere of labour, gave excited American politicians an opportunity to place this indignity upon the British Government ; bub of course, as there is no quarrel bebween the two countries, no dreadful consequences will ensue from the temporary rupture of diplomatic rolations. Lord Salisbury will doubtless ask for an explanation of the particular way in which Sir L. S. West has made himself obnoxious ; Mr Bayard will in reply make out a list of his shortcomings, including the deception practisod during the Samoan Convention ; tho diflerent matters will bo laboriously argued after the style of official correspondence; and meanwhile tho Presidential election will be past and the dinlomabic squabble will be forgotten, or will be remembered only to be laughed at as a "smart thing " in election tactics.

A number of people only put a halfpenny stamp on newspapers for Australia. The result is that they are detained. The postage is one penny. The shipping firm of Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane, which has for very many years past carried on extensive trade with the South Sea Islands and London, has felt the pressure of dull times, and the announcement that they have been forced to compound matters with their creditors will bo received with regret. A meeting of the creditors of tho firm was held yesterday, ■when the position of affairs was stated. The liabilities were shown to be £66,000, and the assets were estimated at £44,000. lb was resolved that the estate should bo assigned, and the trustees appointed were Mr J. M. Clark (Clark and Sons) representing the creditors, Mr Jas. Daore (Cochrane and Son) representing James Morrison and Co., and Mr Schwartz Kissling, representing the Bank of Now Zealand.

A meeting of the elder pupils of the Wellesley-streeb School was held during the dinner hour on Wednesday, for the purpose of organising a Rambling Club in connection with the school. Mr VV. H. Draffin presided, and was supported by his fellow teachers, Messrs Lippiatt, Wells and Hill. The meeting was a most enthusiastic one, and over 50 members were enrolled. Mr Worthington, headmaster, was unanimously elected President, Mr Wells Hon. Secretary, and a committee consisting of the teachers, with representatives from the two senior classes. The following excursions wero decided upon till the end of the year:—November 17th, the Lake Beach ; December Ist, Three Kings Caves ; and December

15th, Orakei. It was also resolved some time during the holidays to have a three days' camping party to the Waitakerei Falls. In each case two or three teachers will accompany the boys.

The second annual dog show of the Auckland Poultry Association, which is to be held in the Drill-shed on the Bth and 9th hist., promises to be very successful, as entries in the various classes are coming in freely. As a guarantee that the dogs will be well looked after, the Managing Committee have engaged Mr W. C. Ilyland, trainer of sporting dogs, to act as night watchman, and to feed and water during the show. With the exception of Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and mastiffs, all dogs will be benched, and a partition, varying in height according to the description of the exhibit, will separate each dog, which will enable them to be examined without its merits being detracted by its next door - neighbour. In consequence of the height of the mastiffs, St. Bernards, and Newfoundlands, they will be shown to greater advantage on the ground. Tho Secretary will be in attendance at Messrs Hurst aud Co.'s, Queen-street, to-day and to-morrow, to receive entries and give any information that may be desired. Entries will close definitely to-morrow evening at 10 o'clock From the indefatigable and energetic manner in which the Managing Company are working, the show promises to be far superior to that of last year.

The remnants of the Bricklayers' Union have recently held two meetings with a view to consider the advisability of winding up the Union. This was decided upon at tho first meeting, bub then a fresh difficulty arose. The rules are that none but financial members can attend meetings, and it was discovered that tho Union possessed no person entitled to be looked upon as a financial member. It appears that owinjj to there being a balance in hand the member,, had boon notified by the Secretary the previous year that they would not be called upon to pay their subscriptions ; the result being that according to the rules there are no financial members. The question now exists as to who has aright to vote with regard to the allocation ol the balance in hand.

The filling-in of Customs-street Wesb, near the .las Works, is now being proceeded wibb. The contractor obtains the earth from Dignan's paddock, opposite St. Frances do Sale's .schoolroom. Here, owing to the cutting down of Hobson-street, an embankment ten or twelve feet high remains. The idea is to have this cut down to tho level of the road and thus increase its value. As the contractor for the filling in also rcrmired the earth, an arrangement was easily arrived at. When completed, both wori_3 will be a decided improvement.

The usual social in connection with the Gospel Temperance Mission was held last evening in tho Temperance Hall, Albertstreet, whon there was a fair attendance. Mr.J. Tonson (Jarlick occupied the chair. Having read a short poem entitled " The Demon Drink," which described the awful misery that was caused through indulgence in the cup, he (the Chairman)strongly urged all present to Lake part in this great crusade. Those who had taken the pledge should do their utmost in furthering the cause, and should be prepared to sacrifice a little time, or even money, in order to stem the tide of drunkenness. He, for oho, would gladly forfeit half of what he possessed, if by so doing Auckland would be rid of this terrible evil. Mr W. B. Cook also delivered an address, and said that it was a cause for thankfulness that no less than 112 poisons had taken the pledge at these socials since March 16th of this year. He would nob go as far as to say that all these had kept it, but even if the twelve had remained true to their resolution, that in itself was enough to encourage them to press forward. Some of these had gone to Australia and had made their way in the world. He bad received letters from many testifying to the benefits they had derived through total abstinence. It was wonderful to ,see the great change that had taken place in many homes in Auckland. The drunken fiend had been turned into a loving husband, and the once miserable and wretched homo was converted into a peaceful and happy one. This was a grand and noblo cause, and everyone should feel proud of being connected with it in any way. Ho would advise the young men especially to take their stand on the side of temperance, and having done that, to devote all their energies in pushing forward this noble work. " He was glad that he had taken the pledge while still a young man. It had been worth pounds to him. Having tried both sides, he had no hesitation in saying that the side of total abstinence was infinitely the better. During the evening the following programme was carried out :— Pianofortesolo, MissEsbie; recitation, Mr J. McCarthy ; song, " Primrose Farm," Miss Mitchell ; recitation, " The Scowaway," Miss Allsopp ; song, " The Reign of the Roses," Miss Esbie ; song, " Tho Bridge," Miss Mitchell. Four pledges were taken. These weekly socials will be discontinued during the summer months. A fourteen days' mission will shortly, be held on the vacant ground at the lower end of Queenstreet, full particulars of which will be announced in the papers.

The "A" Battery had an undress parade at the Drill-shed last evening, Captain Geddes and Lieut. Ansell being in command. There was a good muster of the Battery, which was put through gun drill by Staff-Sergeant Major Hyde. The district orders with reference to the review on Princo of Wales'. Birthday were brought under notice, and Captain Geddes expressed a hope that members would muster in full force on that occasion.

The competitions held at Mr Hazard's shooting gallery continue to prove an attraction to shootists. and considerable interest centred in the match just concluded. The prizes were : First, a pair of binoculars ; second, a rifle ; and third, a revolver. Mr Mowbray, late of the College Rifles, won the first prize with a score of 11 consecutive bull's-eyes,and Mr Webster and Mr Thomas Quoi tied for second and third prizes with 10 consecutive bull's-eyes each. The two latter fired off, and again tied at 26 points each, and the result of a, further trial of skill was in favour of Mr Quoi, who scored four bull's-eyes and two inners (28 points) against Mr Webster's three bull'seyes and three inners. Mr Quoi therefore secured second and Mr Webster third prize.

The new Governor Browne Hotel is now completed externally, although the joiners and plasterers are still at work inside. The building is a handsome one, doing credit to Hobson-street. The front i 3 composed of red brick faced with white stone. The hotel should soon be ready for occupation.

Mr W. T. Raymond, of St. Helier's, offers a reward for the discovery and conviction of a mean thief who stole a breastplate and girth from his horee at Hunter and Nolan's ealeyarcU on Tuesday last.

If the charm of novelty has any attraction for Aucklanders there should be a large turn-out this evening at Abbott's Opera House, when the Rob Roy Dramatic Club produce the two Scottish plays, " Cramond Brio- " and "My Heart's in the Highlands." The able company of amateurs who are to produce these novelties have had a long course of training, first under Mr Lachlan McGowan and latterly under Mr Max Alexander, so that they may be expected to be aufa.it in the interpretation of Scottish life and character, as well as in the comedy business and dramatic effect. " Cramond Brig " is an historical drama, though its interest is chiefly domestic, while "My Heart's in the Highlands " is a most amusing after-piece, and is sure to cause no end of fun. As additional attractions, a grand triple hornpipe is to be danced by Messrs Hughes, Johnston, and Simpson, while Mr D. "Menzies will sing "I Fear No Foe." The scenery and dresses have been specially prepared for this production, which is for one night only. The performance is under the patronage of the Burns Club.

To the Editor: Sir, —In reference to the letter sigmed " C.A.," r. Band of Hope choir competition, I think most musicians will agree with mc that a single note, G, given by a conductor with the aid of a tuning fork, could be more easily taken by a choir than from a chord of the dominant seventh of C major, which was given to St. Thomas's, who commenced without taking a chord together as the other two choirs had done. I presume each choir had the right to take their starting notes as they thought proper, providing they sang the chorus unaccompanied. With regard to "Cornubia," I'would ask if he considers the last chord of the introduction an accompaniment to the chorus. Again, if I may contradict, a second chord was required on account of the first being rather indistinct, the third chord alluded to must havo been an imaginary one. Suffice it to say that if the same chord had been repeated a dozen times over, it could not have formed part of the accompaniment.— I am, etc., Allegko.

The manager of the All Star Company is suffering from the too genuine admiration of the public for the pictures which he circulates. Ho complains that they mysteriously disappear from places where they are displayed. It all comes, we suppose, from aesthetic Aucklanders' love for works of art.

The Band of Hope Union musical and elocutionary contests will be continued this evening in the Foresters' Hall, and tomorrow evening will complete the competitions in all except the addresses, which are to be delivered at the presentation of prizes on tho 9th inst.

An infant daughter of Mr Christopher, a resident of Wellington-street, caused its parents some alarm yesterday afternoon by swallowing some ear lotion, marked "for external use only." The child was at once taken to Mr Robinson's Pharmacy in Hob-son-stroet, -and Mr Robinson administered an emetic which had the desired effect. Drs. A. G. Purchas and Kenderdine were subsequently called in and the patient received all possible attention. The bottle containing the lotion, of which the child drank a very small quantity, contained oil of cloves and other compounds, and she had not suffered any serious injury. At latest accounts she was progressing favourably.

There was a good attendance at the weekly meeting of the Burns Club las 1 night,' Mr R. Peace occupying the chair. The following programme was rendered : — Pianoforte selections, Mrs Angus; song, "Bonnie Dundee," Mr Lankham; song, "Robin Adair," Mrs Leers; song, Mr Ramsay; song, "My Am Fireside," Miss Glover ; song, " The Laird o' Cockpen," Mr Lyle; song, "Castles in the Air," Mrs Leers; reading, "Hamilton's Hair Restorer," Mr Parker; reading, "Hallowe'en," Mr J. S.Kelly; humorous song, Dr. Walker; song. "Jessie, the Flower o! Dumblane," Mr McLeod; reading, "The Kirsenin' o' the Bairn," Mr Lyle ; song, " We're a' John Tamson's Bairns," Mr Carter ; reading, " John Nome's Bamboozlement," Mr McDonald; song, " The Weary Pun o'Tow," Mr Lankham.* The Chairman announced that next Thursday evening the annual business meeting would be held, to which members alone are admitted.

The first rehearsal of the combined choirs ot the Auckland Diocesan Choral Association was held last night in St. Matthew's Church at 8 o'clock, when the service selected by the Committee for the annual festival, which takes place in St. Mary's Church, Parnell, on the 13th inst., was carefully gone through with good success k>r the first time. The choir consisted of over 100 voices, and under the able conductorship of Mr T. T. Trimnell kept well together, though the basses were weak, as also were the altos. It is to be hoped that many more members of the various choirs will make an effort to attend, as the service is really one of good solid church music and worth doing well.

At a meeting of the North .Canterbury Board of Education, held yesterday, a letter was received from tho South Canterbury Board of Education, requesting the Board's co-operation in protesting against the adoption of the strict average in calculating school attendance for capitation. It was decided that the Board agree with tho object sought by the South Canterbury Board as calculating attendance on the working average was more just, and more favourable to strictly honest practices, and attracting a large and therefore more fair proportion of the public grant to the education of those outlying, scattered, and unimproved districts, which always demand larger expenditure upon education to produce anything approaching to satisfactory results.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ruby Band of Hope (Parnell Cangregational) was hold last evening. There was a large attendance of members and visitors, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Readings, recitations, and songs were very creditably given by the members as follows:—Hymn, " I Feel Like Singing all tho Time," the members ; reading, Annie Schofield ; song, Ada Hodgson ; reading, Florence Tingey; song, May Combes; hymn, "Yield Not to Temptation," the members ; selection from " King John," Misses Jenkins, Smith, and Wilson ; reading, Flora Smith; song, Jenny Combes; recitation, Willie Breckon ; duet, Misses M. Combes and E. Mclntyre; reading, Edith Robinson.

At the quarterly meeting of the Victoria Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held in the Newmarket Hall last evening, there was a good attendance of members and visitors. One candidate was initiated. Some minor business was transacted, after which the election of offi&ers was proceeded wifcli, when the following were elected:—W.C.T.j Sis. R. Reed; W.V.T., Sis. C. Camoron ; W. Sec, Bro. J. S. Allan; W.F. Sec, Bro. F. W. Luhning ; W.M., Bro. C. Allan ; W. Chap., Bro. G. Bennett; W.0.G., Bro. H. Kent; W.I.G.,,Sis. Nicholson; W. Treas., Sis. V. Jenkins ; P.W.C.T., Bro. T. Edwards ; W.A.S., Sis. E. H. Holbin; W.D.M., Sis. Bnllen. The officers were then installed. Bro. J. S. Allan, L.D., read the charges, Bro. C. Peters acted as 1.M., and Bro. J. Molloy as D.I.M. The retiring secretary then presented his report for the term, which proved of an interesting and encouraging nature. It mentioned that the average attendance during the quarter had diminished from 20^ to 16|; four members had been granted clearance cards, and five members had been suspended for non-payment of duos. The Treasurer's report showed a credit balance of 10s 6d. It was decided to close the Lodge next Thursday to enable the members to attend the Star of Newton soiree.

To the Editor : Sir,—ls the Governmenb of New Zealand reduced to such extreme Eoverty as not to be able to afford to put a ook on the door of the Post-office, so thato on mail days, when some hundreds of people pass in and out all day, it could be left open, and avoid the risk* of somebody getting hurt, to say "noT&Tng - of the loss of time? J suppose 2s would buy a hook, and if the Government cannot do it, ib would pay say 12 business men to contribute 2d each and have it done Yours, etc., Business Mat..

Tho winter season just past has been an exceptional one throughout the province by reason of the want of heavy rains. Tho absence of freshes has materially affected the timber industry, in limiting the supply of logs at the various sawmills, and we observe the Freeman's Bay mill has had to stop for want of logs. It is to be hoped that suitable rains will soon be had, so as to bring down the large stocks of logs now lying in the creeks.

Ex-Judge Smith and Mr F. L. Prime, justices, sat on the Bench at the Polica" Court to-day. Three inebriates were dealt with. Annie B-obertson and John William Bible were each fined 10s and costs or 48 hours in default. Robert Wilson was fined 20s and costs or 1_ days in default.

The dispute between Messrs Garrett Bros, and the Bootmakers' Union appears to be as far off settlement as ever. The firm, having filled up the vacancies caused by secession of the strikers, have declined to re-open negotiations with Mr Kershaw, representative of the Federated Union, and the further development of affairs will be awaited with interest.

The Auckland auxiliary of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society held its quarterly meeting at the Tabernacle last evening. There were about 100 persons present. Tea was provided at 6.30 p.m., and the after meeting was presided over by Pastor Spurgeon. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Messrs W. McDowell, Battley, and Fry. Mr McDowell gave an interesting account of his recent tour in the East, and described the more. interesting objects brought under his notice. A statement of finances was made, showing that the receipts for tho past year had been £109, 'which was better than had been expected. Atintervals during the evening selections of music were rendered, and a collection was taken up in aid of the mission work, including a special donation of £5.

The currentnumber of the "New Zealand Farmer" is a particularly useful and interesting one. It contains eight extra pages of reading matter, and is illustrated with a large number of engravings. Amongst these is an excellent representation of a prize Suffolk stallion, while a life-like group of Plymouth Rock fowls adorns the poultry yard department of the journal. An illustration of a new portable hay-press will interest our farmers at this season, and flock-owners will take note of the " Bariquand " automatic sheep shearing machine, of which recentlypatented French invention a description and engraving are given. In the'farm ana. earden pages alone there are upwards of 18 separate cuts illustrating useful and practical devices of all kinds.

The concert in aid of the Sisters of Mercy, ; which takes place in St. James's Hall on - Tuesday next, promises to be very successful, judging from the number of tickets, already sold. The programme, published elsewhere, is a varied one and includes, ' among other choice selections, a number of operatic choruses, which will be given under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Egan. The whole will conclude with an amusing ; farce jdayed by some of our best amateurs. A final practice of the chorus takes place - in the hall to-morrow evening.

At the quarterly meeting of the Star of Newton Lodge, 1.0. G.T., held in the BH)----testant Hall, Newton, last evening, the following officers were installed for the 'en-. suing quarter by Bro. McLaughlan, P.D.G.W.C.T., assisted by Bro. Havord," as 1.M., and Bro. Cox, D.I.M. :— . W.C.T., Bro. Mclntjre; W.V.T., Sis. . Gardiner ; W. Chap., Bro. Parker ; W.M., Bro. Ferguson; W.D.M., Sis. Mclutyre; W.F.S., Bro. Lightfoot; W.T., Sis. Lightfoot; W.0.G., Bro. Havord; W. Sent., Bro. Proude ; W. Sec, Bro. Derrick; W.A.S., , Sis. Edmonds. One candidate was initiated, after which the Lodge proceeded with barmony, when a few songs were given. This Lodge closed after "having spent an enjoyable evening.

To-morrow afternoon the usual practice matches will be played on the green of the . Auckland Bowling Club. A large attendance may be anticipated. Drawing for rinks will take place at 3 o'clocksharp. It is proposed to open the tehriis season shortly, and all players _ interested-;; in carrying on the tennis section of the • Club are invited to meet and arrange for the occupation of the courts during the season. .•;■•■: ;,-• The Orange Blossom Tea, brought out by ' John Earle and Co., 207, Queen-street, bas ,; proved a brillant success, and it must be very gratifying to see this latest venfcnre: gaining the approval of the public.

There is now being shown a splendid selection Of new patterns in Onehunga tweeds. Guaranteed perfect fit aud finish in suits to measure from 39s 6d to 59s 6d. Also, boys' and youths' clothing made to measure at Smith and Caughey's, merchant tailors and outfitters.— (Advt.)

Boys' and Youths' Clothing at less than wholesale cost at Fowlds's Sale of Bankrupt Stock.—(Advt.)

Gentlemen's Covert Coats, in first-class material and Al shades, for 22s 6d, ab Fowlds's, Victoria Arcade.—(Advt. )

Cricket shoes with double soles, the besfe in town at 4s lid. Spikes or ice nails fitted on the premises.—Hannah's Cash Boot Palace, 172, Queen-street.—(Advt.)

Gentlemen's Stripe Angola Trousers for 5s lid, at Fowlds's Sale, Victoria Arcade.— (Advt.) Hannah's have just received a splendid . shipment of ladies' and maids' walking : shoes. Twenty new varieties. Neat feet . for 5s lid.—The Cash Boot Palace, 172, - Queen-street. —(Advt. )