TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 247, 20 October 1886, Page 3

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Our Fighting Strength

(FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

London, September 9. Naturally, though our thoughts have only fluttereJ round the question of war, and never seriously expected any danger, the subject of our military and naval resources has been revived. Our Ordnance Department haß been attacked. Colonel Hope has flooded the newspaper and magazinee with articles impeaching the officials, which the law officers of the Crown do not think sufficient to justify judicial action, but which are likely to lead to a Commission of Inquiry. The continued manufacture of the old-fashioned muzzle-loading gun has been again brought prominently forward ; and our relative backwardness has caused many odious comparisons between the Ordnance Department of England and those of the problematical foee. A discovery ha 3 also boon made that in timo of war we ehould be without reserve horses, and that imports from Canada would be our only supply. A side-light has recently been thrown upon our military organisation from Burmah, where, by the by, wo have now got 80,000 troops, as many as we had fighting the Russians at Alma. "For some time past," an Indian correspondent writes, "it has been a mystery to the officials in Birmah how the Burmese now fighting against our troops obtained the excellent arms they have. In the nortl 1 they were supposed to have been obtiinb 1 through the Chinese, but the Chinese in the adjacent province of Yannan have no arms to spare, and indeed ore but poorlyarmed themselves. Tho mystery, however, has now been solved. The Winchester repeated with which the dacoits aro armed were sold by a firm in Calcutta (the name of which is known), and by some incredible negligence wero suffered to pass freely through the Rangoon Custom House. Such a revelation speft :s volumes for our method of warfare and national

economy. Attention haß recently beon drawn to the silent and mysterisus preparations for war going forward in Italy.and so great has beon tho surprise occasioned by tho reports that a Commission to examine tho state of the Italian'navy is about to bo ordered by the Admiralty. The Italian Government possesses four colosbbl worships that can steam frem Constantinople to Rio Janeiro without touching port for supplies of fuel or provisions. One naval commander Etates that if thig is 80, Italy must soon bocomo the sovereign of tho seas. That is, of course, preposterous, but it raises irritating ques tionings.

Not content with considering present resources, wo have turned our thoughts to the future, and the subject of an Australian fleet and betterf ortification of Australian harbours has again come to the fore. Port Hamilton, the Mnlta of the Yellow Sea, is about to be abandoned owing to tho expense of its fortification. It is therefore all the more necessary for Imperial interests to have strong depots in Australia ; since the Suez Canal cannot be relied on in case of war on the Indian frontier, and the route by the Capo seems longer than ever. China.

Speculation ha 9 often been ingeniously expondod on the possible influence of Eastern civilisation on the West. It seems as if we were soon to have an opportunity of seeing greater activity in China and a closer approximation to European models. It now appears that the projected railway and tele graphic communication in China form only part of an extensive forward policy, and that it is closely connected with what we should call "an energetic foreign policy." One of tho questions about to come to the front is that of the treatment of Chinese subjects abroad, ard a beginning haß already been made by tho appointment of a commissioner to visit the British, French, and Dutch colonies in the Pacific. He is to inquire into the condition of Chinese resident? there, the laws relatiug to them, and their treatment by the authorise? and people. Special attention, it.ia said, will be given to the English colonies in Australia.

Meanwhile, however, we have been able to secure a diplomatic victory The subject of negotiation waß Burmah, and fortunately for ub the Marquis Tseng, who is a most subtle and suave diplomatist, was on hie travels. His successor being new to the work, negotiations wera carried on directly beween the two capitals, and the result has been a treaty in many respects more favourable to England than that carried on by the Marquis Tseng while he was in charge. He is a remarkably bland and persuasive man who never lo3es either his head orhia temper ; somewhat like the "Heathen Chinee," well known to fame, whoso smile was "childlike and bland." During the negotiations with France over the Tonquin affair an excellent illustration of this was seen. It was generally expected that despite tho diplomatic tension there would be a delightful emulation in tho outward forms of courtesy between tho Chinaman and tho Foreign Minister of tbe politosfc nation of the West. Expectation, however, was doomed to disappointment if it looked for equality in the diplomatic ara. The Marquia soon Bhowed his euperiority, and Frenchmen thenißeives felt bound to acknowledge a eocial, although not a nationaj, defeat. An anecdote of a somewhat similar nature is told of the negotiations which ho conducted with Russia owing to her recent aggressions on Chinese territory. A treaty was being drawn up for tho settlement of all difficulties, and in a rough draft the Russian Minister applied to the Chinese monarch a title which, though it expressed the notion of great power, conveyed also a slight soupcon of inferiority. The protests of tho Marquis met with a ready argument from his opponent, showing that the title in question waß in all respects a most desirable and delightful one. "Indeed?" eaid the Marqots ; " then let us dignify the Czar too with so honourable a name." After that the monarch of China recoived, with his brother of Russia, the supremo title of Emperor.

Some New Inventions. But to turn towards matters that we may hear more about. Many of the papers have been commenting on an invention that may advance the cause of cremation. It cornea from America, andiß simply the application of electricity to that modern revival of the ancient pyre. Although it lacka the romance of perfumed woads and the other paraphernalia of Greek sepulture, it possesses at least the advantage of rapidity and thoroughness of execution. The body being shrouded in sheets of asbestos, is placed upon a frame of fire-brick ; copper plates which touch the head and feet are attached to dynamos of high electro-motive power. Then the moment that the electric i'lock is transmitted through the wires, the body forms the meeting place of the two charges, and is in an instant consumed. If the invention does really possess the qualities ascribed to it, no doubt it will obviate all but the quasi religious disadvantages under which cremation at present labours. There is another invention also- reported but this time from Louvain. The chapel-master there, by name Chevalier Van Elswyck, has, after experiments for thirty-eight years, produced an instrument for the automatic record of music, as it is performed on the organ or pianoforte. The mechanism ought to be a great boon to all whose listless improvisations suggest to their authors the possession of musical gifts. But if it once becomes popular, woe be to the musical publishers, woe be also to families that contain an expectant musical genius ! Our one consolation is that at first its price will shut off most of that species from its delights. An experiment of some interest to the victim is now being made in Milan. It is on the lines of Dr. Tanner's fast in America a few years ago;bbu t no doubt to the chagrin of tho present experimentalist, it is not attracting quite so much attention as that celebrated performance. This time the man is an Italian, named Giovanni Succi, who claims to have discovered during his travels in Africa a liquid which enables a man to fast for several weeks. Ho began about three weeks ago, after making a hearty meal and drinking some of the mysterious potion. He then remained in bed for six days ; during which time he used all the artifices of emetic and aperient to disembaraas the vistera, and oil of almonds to relieve the aching of the arms which result.from the secret elixir. He is closely watched by medical men day and night, and a medical bulletin is issued day by day. Although losing weight he appears healthy and in his normal strength, and in proof thereof indulges from time to time in gymnastics. He diinks water in proportion to the amount of his conversation. Towards the c id of his fast he will take another medicine, the secret of which ha does not mind expoiiig and which he will offer for analysis. He calls '■' one of the greatest conquests of science," and promises to reveal the secret when he has made some money by exhibitions. He maintains that his discovery will radically modify the conil I .ions of life. Unforti n »tely

for Succi this age proves somewhat sceptical and he has already been a martyr for his cauß3 to the extent of two years in an aßylum. Finding him quite harmless, the authorities have now set him free, to indulge in his pastime of fasting, and working upon tho cieiulity of the European public

An Important Despatch Suppressed Tho wild impatience of Sir Graha m Berry with regard to tho New Hebrides imbroglio and the recidivist question contrasts instructively with thestslid calmness and indifference- displayed by tho Colonial Office. An announcement appeal ing in one of the French papers tho other day to the effect that the Island of Pines would in future be used aB a depot for deportis, Sir Graham promptly rushed off to Sir Kobert Herbert (the permanent and hona fide, head of the Colonial Ofiice) to urge that the Republican Government should be remonstrated with. It then leaked out that as long ago as July last Lord Lyons (British Ambassador in Paris), had interviewed M. de Freycinet on thia very question, and pot precious little satisfaction for his troublo Tho French Minister would givo no assurances whatever with regard to the nontraisporfation of recidivists to tho Pacific. Ou the contrary, he seemed to think ile provisions of the recently passed bill with regard to Now Caledonia, wou'd unquestionably be now shortly carried into effect. Ho moreover expressed great surprise that the English Government should expect further 'concessions from France after its rejection of the reasonnb'o proposals of hia (the Froyeinet) Cabinet (as approved by Sir F. D. Bell, and other Australian Agents-Geueral) with regard to the Now Hebrides. Had they boon accepted, convict transportation to the Pacific would promptly and permanently have ceased. Sir Graham Berry open mouthed asked why the result of thia important interview had been withheld solong from the Australian Agenta-General." Sir Robert hummed and hawed, tallied of tho change of Government, and of official neglect, etc., etc. There can, however, be little doubt that Lord Lyons's despatch was deliberately withheld in order to avoid .1 further straining of relations. The Colonial Office didn't then, and doesn't now, mean to have a difference with France about the New Hebrides.

" Perhaps you would like us to withdraw our ambassador from I'aria in order to soothe the susceptibilities of the colonies ?" queried Sir R. Herbert sarcastically, worn out by Sir Graham Berry's insistence with regard to tho withdrawal of the French troops from the coveted islands. The Permanent Secretary then explained that nothing further could bo done at present. If the Republican Government neglected to recall their detachment within reasonable time, it might possibly be necessary for England to land a forca alongside them. In all probability, hosvever, France would shortly propose an Anglo-French Commission on the Congo principle. Sir Graham Berry subsequently indited a despatch to Mr Stanhope, in the course of which he stated that the colonies would decline to consider tho occupation of the New Hebrides and the deportation of recidivists to the Pacific save as entirely different and distinct questions. He further desired that the French may be warned that the colonies will pass stringent retaliatory laws to prevent an influx of refugees into Australasia.

Since then Mr Stanhope has stated both to Sir Samuel Wilson, in the House of Commons, and to Sir Graham Berry and Sir James Garrick, at the Colonial Office, that he has strong hopes of effecting a satisfactory settlement of the recidivist portion of the imbroglio at least, and possibly of the rest also.

Tbe New Bishop of Melbourne.

Dr. Austen, the popular Rector of Whitby, is, after all, to be Dr. Mosrhouse'a successor at Melbourne. A safer selection could hardly have been made. The new Bishop's theological views are almost exactly the same as his predecessor's. He possesses a gracious manner and dignified presence, and is a scholar of considerable attainments. A graduate of St. John's College, Cambridge, Geo. Austin was Cam's prizeman in 1867, and took a firstclass in the Moral Science Tripo3 in 1862. He was ordained deacon in 1864, and a priest the following year. As curate of St. Mary's, Nottingham, and Vicar of St. Paul's, Middleaborough, Mr Austen obtained the reputation of being an elcquont and moving preacher, and in 1879 —though comparatively a young man—he was presented to the important living of Whitby. Miscellaneous.

At the meeting of the British Association on Tuesday a paper was read by M. de Lesseps—who, however, was not present in person—in which the great engineer stakes his reputation that tho Panama Canal fhall be opened for traffic without fail in ISS9.

The captain of a barque, which was conveying a consignment of explosives intended for tho Government of New Zealand from the Royal laboratory at Woolwich to one of the colonial mail steamers at Gravesond, has been fined £3 and costs at the instance of tho Thames Conservancy officers, who declare that some cartridges were dangerously stowed. Tho case excited peculiar interest, as Government stores are exempt from tho interference of the Conservancy Board, and it was contended that these were Government stores. The Rochester Bench, however, held that from the time the eto'oß loft Woolwich they no longer belonged to the Imperial Government but to tho colony of New Zealand, and were consequently liable to Board of Trade regulations. The atuir has created quite a fuss at Chatham, and may not improhably lead to further litigation, as an important question is involved.

The Rev. Geo. Brown, so well-known for his missionary wors in the Pacific, read a paper on the life history of a native of ftew Britain before the Anthropological section of the British Association on Tuesday.

Lord and Lady Leitrim arrived homo by the S.S. Arawa the other day with Lord Clements and their three daughters. Sir Arthur Hodgson is back from Kissingen, and (to their profound disgust) has kindly promised to " personally conduct" the colonists on their excursion to Bath and Bristol this week.

Messrs Gordon and Gotch are arranging for the serial publication in Australia of a new story by Edgar Lee entitled '' Pharoah's Daughter."

An apropos volume dealing with New Caledonia and the recidivist question will make its appearance next week. The author is your old acquaintance "The Vagabond " (Mr Julian Thomas).

The journal ot the Imperial Federation League for September contains signed articles by Mr J. Mundill and'Mr R>. Bryce Bruce.

Mr'Chesson, of the Aborigines Protection Society, has been writing to the "Times" again about tho alleged ill-treatment of Fijian natives by their chiefs. Alice Lingard's season at the Comedy Theatre commences to-morrow evening, when the muchtalked-of " Sister Mary" will be played for the first time before a metropolitan audience.