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Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1825, 14 April 1885, Page 2

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 18S5.

THE FBENCH ESCAPE EEOM THEIR DIFFICULTY. The settlement of her quarrel with

China has come none too soon for France. The war she had forced on the Celestial Empire threatened mercilessly to exhaust her strength, as the longer hostilities lasted the more would t^e resources of that vast country be g|rtbade available both for defence and She loses some of her prestige, it is true, in having to cry quits with her antagonist after all her vaunting, and especially in negotiating for peace while hor troops were in danger of being completely environed by the superior numbers of tho enemy. But, after all, sho will gain more than she loses by the bargain. In falling back on the treaty which had been agreed on prior to the fresh outbreak of hostilities, caused by the recklessness of one of her commanders in insolently demanding the surrender of the Langson fortress, she foregoes her olaim to any war indemnity and gives up Formosa, which Bhe had set her heart on holding. But, on the other hand, her protectorate over the Kingdom of Anam, along wif.h othor advantages, is conceded to her by China. k France, indeed, has not the magna—"nrarity to accept her position with the grace* becoming a great Power, and her rulers cannot yet refrain f rom boasting of their determination to insist on the fulfilment of the treaty, and, failing this, to prosecute the war with vigour. These blowings, however, go for little, and had better been withheld. They may gratify the national vanity hut -they deceive no observers, while they f have a tendency to irritat** *he Chinese I authorities and cuu-e the final negotiaf tions for peace to bo endangered. The f French will be deemed by all the world to have acted wisely in taking the opportunity presented by a change of Government to terminate a costly and fruitless war which was eating like a cancer into her vitals ; and it is a pity they should bring their prudence and honor into question by indulging perilously in the spirit of bravado. It is well for the world, perhaps, as well as for France that peace with China is 1 restored. Not only in the interests of \ commerce but also of Western civilisation it is highly desirable that China , should as little as possible be meddled with by European nations. Her resources in men as well as other requi--1 sites for war are so great that with j modern arms and a daring skilful geno- 1 ral she might easily exert a dominating influence in the greater part of Asia, 1

"and even over tho north of Europe. 'Of thi3 Russia is perhaps better aware than any other European Power ; and, hence, she has on more than one occasion considered it more prudent to concede the claims of China to certain disputed tracts of territory than to provoke a conflict with that great Empire. In the strife now brought to a closo France, by her superior appliances and tactics, was simply instructing the Chinese both at sea and on land how to utilise more effectively the exhaustless forces at their command. Hence, though beaten at first, they would easily recoup their loss, which tho French could not do, and had gradually learned so to conduct hostilities that the fortunes of war were steadily going over to their side. Had the contest been protracted much longer, as the boastful and sensitive temper of the French made most people expect it would be, the result would have been not ooly that Franco would eventually have been greatly humiliated and weakened, but also that tho preliminaries of a Mongolian invasion of tho countries to the west and north would have been all prepared. Even as it is, the result will be that all tho Powers now holding political relations with China and trading with her countless population will be obliged to pay more respeot to her prowess and be very careful not to invite a conflict by presuming on he*: supposed feebleuops. Should the Wins of peace be finally arranged to the satisfaction of the two contracting prirtiep, France will find' occasion for self-congratulation iv thinking that all's well that end 3 well ; and the moral of this war for her,/ as also for all the other Powers, will •• be that thoy will manifest their wisdom in " letting well alone."

Recent telegrams and cables ou the allabsorving toi>ic of lhe threatened AngloRussian conflict, have bean road with intense interest, «nd frequent is the inquiry, " A.ny more i -t-ws ? " Tho message from the AgentGeneral to the New Zealand Gevernmcnt has bvought the question within the realm of sober facts, and the most uninterested reader of "distant news" is forced to wake up and admit there is'something in it. Though no immediate results may manifest themselves in this colony, eventually all must feol the effects whether for good or ill of such a crisis as a conflict between two great European powers. Increased insurance, freights, a rise in prices generally, those will all fV'ow as the accompaniments of war, and we may be thankful if that is all. Russian intrigue and craft will surely circumvent tho most astute, and the only way to keep the Rear at a distance is tv> place an effective army in his path. The cost may be heavy, but tbo cheapest form of defence is a state of thorough efficiency.

The programme for this evening's Soiree at the Temperance Hal 1 in connection with the induction ceremony at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, contaius twelve items, and three of these will be addresses from the Rev. gentlemen representing the threo denominations, Established Church, Presbyterian, and Wesleyan.

It is reported on good authority that Mr Robert Graham, Lake House, Rotorua, intends to come forward as a candidate for

the Tauranga ceat 5n tlie House of Representatives.

We are in receipt of Gordon & Gotch' s English News Letter for February. This is a valuable production giving in few words as it does, a summary of the latest Eng-lish news.

We acknowledge receipt of the New Zealand Postal and Telogi'aphic Guid-3, quarterly ed-'tion, published for Apr'! 1885,

Tenders are invited for fencing the Pukeroa Recreation Reserve, and will be received by the Chairman of the Ro'orua Town Board Mr H. Dunbar Johnson, nntil Monday noxt tlio 20th at the Rotorua Court House, and until "Wednesday the 22nd at the Court House here.

A largo meeting of natives took place at Karikari on Saturday last to discuss matters counected with the great meeting arranged to come off at the Bay of Islnuds shortly. The object of the meeting* here was to conio to some conclusion as to future native policy, and to u/ppoint two delegates who will represent local interests when the grand korero takes place. John McLeod and Eru Peheke wore chosen.

The natives say that r.s an outcome of their conference at Karikari, and the discussion of the valuo of King Tawhiao's visit to England, ho (tho King) claims royal rights, but accepts tho suzerainty of Her Majesty the Qneen. The chief ground of complaint is tho alleged unfair treatment the natives have recoived at the hands of tho Now Zoaland Govornment in connection with thoir lands. They wish to legislate for themselves in the future. Tho question is to bo fully discussed at the great meeti»g at the Bay of Islands.

Captain Edwin wired at 12.50 p.m. yesterday — " Every indication that tides will continue exceptionally low for 24 hours after 3 p.m. to-day."

The latest with regard to the HanoverBrunswick question is that theDuko of Cumberland has expressed his w.'llingness to formally renounce all pretension to tho throne of Hanover on condition that he is recognised as the Duke of Brunswick.

The bust of Egbert Burns in marble, by Sir John Steel, to be placed in Westminster Abbey, is now finished. It is the outcome of a shilling subscription among Scotchmen in all parts'bf the world.

The monument erected to the memory of George Washington was unvoiled at Washington on February 21st with great ceremony. About 6,000 soldiers drawn from all parts of the country assembled. The monument is tlie tallest structure known, being 555 ft high.

Among local improvements we direct attention to the road being formed by Mr J. Bodell from the western end of Wharf street to tho beach of the Waikareao Estuary. This road is being nuid" afc private cost, with tho sanction of the Borough Council, and will be a boon to all who hitherto have had to scramble thi-oii'di briars and thorns to reach the sands.

The Victorian Football Association has published a small hook containing the constitution, rules, ke,., as inviscd at a meeting held on IMi May, I.SS3. Tlie laws of the Australasian game of football, as adopted at. a conference of Intercolonial delegates held on !) th November, ISR;?, aro also published. Both these little books are sure to prove vory useful, and thoy are of convenient size for tho pocket. Every player should got a copy, and study it.

We understand that the School Committee are awaiting the arrival of tho necessary school furniture from Auck'and, on receipt of whicli the arrangements contemplated for opening the temporary school in the Good Templars' Hall, which has been rented for the purpose, will bo carried into effect. A large aud influential meeting was hold on Friday evening at the Carlton Club, Rotorua, by Captain Morris' former supporters, and it was unanimously resolved to secure tho return of Mr Wm. Kelly to represent tbis district in tho House of .Representatives. i

The Rev. T. F. Jones, who arrived by steamer from Auckland on Friday, has taken charge of the Wesleyan Church aud duties in connection therewith, vice Rev. Mr Slade, formerly in charge.

A practice took place by the members of tho Rifle Club at the Spit on Saturday afternoon, tho conditions boing five shots at 200 yards (small target), 300 and 400 yards (iargc target), aud finish-in",* with five shots at -100 yards at sniali target ; highest possible score SO points. Tho following scores Were mado

King, 48; McCaw, 62; Ward, 03; Gray (ihree ii-iges only)-, $ ).

Tho football was set rolling for the first time this season on Saturday last, when a scratch game was played. As might have been expected the players present showed a remarkable absence of wind, and might occasionally havo been seen prostrate and gasping for want of tho commodity which nature is popularly supposed to bestow on M.H. R.s and councillors. Hoben broke the ice by scoring the first two tries of the season, from neither of which goals wero kicked. His sido ultimately won the game by 8 tries to 1 scored by the side captained by Daunt. The plaoe kicking was excevable.

According to telegrams received yesterday afternoon G-eno.-al Korauoff, the Russian commander on tho Afghan frontier, blames the Afghans and British officers for the attack recently reported. This ia necessarily p~il >f the Russian programme, their groat aim being to find an oxeuse \-r \oJd tho ground thoy have occupiod,

Messrs Paget and Hulme announce the sale by publio auction of tho fees and dues of the Town Wharf for a period of twelve months ; salp <.o take placo on Saturday next, 18th instant.

Notwithstanding statements to the contrary tho travelling public to and from Te Puke aro delighted at tho re-opening of that portion of the Te Puke road via Stewartstown. The deviation has deviated too far even to be held in public esteem — what the Maori calls " too much of the too much."

We arc in receipt of the report and resolution of tho Government of .Bengal, stating that the oompctions wliieh, at the instance of the Government of India, recently took place at Calcutta lias resulted in the full prize being awarded to the General Fibre Company, Limited, of 111, Fenchurch street, London, for its " Universal Fibre Cleaning Machine" (H.. C. Smith's patent), manufactured by Messrs Death and 131 1 wood. The importance of this announcement is found in the fact that the machine supplies the want long felt for extracting fibre from every fibre-yielding plaut. Whether this will be available forthe manipulation of Now Zoaland flax natural 'y suggests itself.

Mr Crosbie, of tho firm of Crosbie aud Crimmins, brought through a new coach and four yesterday from Ohinemutu by tlio bush road. This coach has just conic throngh from Napier, and hails from tlie workshop of Mr George Faulkner thore, ouo of the most faithful coach -builders in the Colony. It forms part of the plant just bonght by the abovenamed firm from Mr Gallagher, Taupo, and the coach will bo run regularly by Mi* Crosbie on the bush road, i:i connection with the mail between Eotorua and Taupo, tho goodwill ( f which has likewise been purchased by that enterprising firm, to whom we wish all possible success.

In a recent issue wo gave paiticulars of tho opening of the footbildge ovor tlie Whakarewarewa Creek, near Rotorua. AYe have since been informed that the contract for the bridge was in tho hands of Mr G. MoCauley, and that therefore the structure was not put up by the natives, as stated previously. We gladly correct the error.

We draw attention to an advertisement in another column offering- a reward for the recovery of a horse belonging to our establishment, and taken from his tether at. Rotorua, on Sunday night, tho tothor-rope having been deliberately cut witli a knife. ITovso-stealiug has become soucwhat notorious in that locality lately, one party alone having lost two animals during the last four months, and being altogether at a loss how to traoe them. Such facts dofnot speak favourably about the supervision of tho local police.

The Lyons Freemasons have called on M. Bndrieux, e.>Prefect of Police, to give up his diploma and ether Masonic documents, on account of his recent irreverent revelations. The ei-Preftot of Police replies that he will do nothing of the sort, aa he intends to give the documents a place in a work which he is preparing on tho lay religions of the nineteenth century.

The Americans have invented yet another new word — a "parsonctte." lt supplies a real want. The word indicates the small divines who are great in small things — in dress, millinery, deportment, in the niceties of propriety, in the cadences of the voice, and the externals of a religious service, but amongst whose essentials education, common sense, or theology are not included.

It is not of ton that a witnoss under crossexamination expresses a wish to punch the lawyer's head. Witnesses often feel that way, but they seldom utter tlieir sentiments. Yesterday afternoon, hotvever. a venerable gentleman, over whom four score years havo rolled without giving him scarcely a grey hair, was so indignant with the cross-ex-amiuing Counsel for apparently doubting his veracity, that he invited the learned gentleman to accompany him out of the Court and fight it out "on the lovely grasa " The witness added that he wasn't used to the floor of tho Court for pugilistic encounters, and hinted that, if he had been, ho would have executed summary vengeance on his prosecutor unicr tho vory eyes of the Judge. The invitation to a friendly "mill" was hurriedly declined by the lawyer, who, although of stalwart physical proportions, is not a believerin "trial by battle. "A pleasant incident of this kind is like an oasis in the desert of dreary litigation.— Marlborough Express.

It is wrong to say that Sir Julius Yogel is not a good speaker. He speaks as well as an honest politician has any right to speak. Irishmen who have kissed the Blarney stone and Scotchmen inspired by whisky or the peeft.evi dum iugeniiun are to be abhorred in politics. It is the proud privilege of an English gentleman to he born a poor orator, incapable of fustian eloquence, or of talring anything but plain common sense in a plain matter-of-fact way, Mr Gladstone's example to the contrary notwithstanding, the Graud Old Man being in this respect a bad type of bis class. Sir Julius Yogel, we all know is ;t colonist — •' a child of Dunedin," as he reminded us, one of the "new iniquity, moreover in oilier words, a Victorian — and, in the last; analysis a child of Abraham; but he fc.-ilks witli easy confidence of an old ollicial, grafted on the respectable dullness of an Knglish country gentleman In Saying this I pay him a handsome compliment. Curiosity, rather than political interest, took most of us who went to the Garrison Hall on a Monday night. We wanted to soo how an orator would look making a big speech to a big audience while seated in a wheeled chair. In five minutes, however, the sense of novelty was lost Thafc an orator should speak from a wheeled chair seemed the most natural thing in the world — so completely at his ease did Sir Julius appear. It would be a gain if other public speakers would adopfcfrom choioe the attitude i to which Sir Julius J3 constrained by necessity. How much windy loquacity we should bo saved if our parliamentary and municipal Ciceros would only make it a point to speak sitting. Moat of the abuses of rhetoric maybe traced to our foolish habit of expecting public speakers to orate on their hind legs. —Otago Witness,