HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9363, 12 March 1896, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press Association—By Telesrraph—Copyright. THE NAVAL PEOGEAMME. London, March 10. In replying before the final vote was taken, Mr Goschen said the programme ought not to afford provocation to any Power, since it was arranged in November, before any of the recent international complications had arisen. Great Britain menaced no one, and would preserve a friendly attitude to all unless her interests were attacked. LIGHT EAILWAYS. The question of the construction of light railways was referred to the Committee on Trade. FAST ATLANTIC SEEVICE. The Postmaster-General and Mr Hanbury, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, ia reply to questions, both said that until tenders were called for a fast Atlantic service they could not indicate to what extent the Imperial Government would be prepared to subsidise the service. THE EMPIEE LEAGUE. i Lord Salisbury, in replying to the Empire League, said that though in I accord with Mr Chamberlain's circular [to the colonies asking for returns of foreign trade they could not renounce the treaties with other nations till j there was i definite prospect of an increased trade for the Empire. The ! League should urge the colonies to I formulate a definite scheme for closer ! trade relations. Mr Lowles, M.P. for Haggerston, will visit Australia in support of, the League's proposals., ' : • The Queen has started for Nice. THE MIXED MAEEIAGES QUESTION. Fifty thousand Maltese have protested against the Privy Council's decision re mixed marriages. THE FEDERAL BANK. March 11. The Federal Bank has declared a dividend of Is. Mr Stewart, the Official Eeceiver, states that the next dividend will probably be declared in December. WOMEN STUDENTS AT OXFOED. Oxford University has rejected all the proposals to recognise women students. THE CUBAN REVOLT. It is reported in Madrid that Great Britain is mediating between Spain and the United States on the ba3is of autonomy for Cuba. GERMANY AND CHINA. Berlin, March 10. Germany is negotiating with China for a naval station in Eastern waters. AN INDIAN LOAN. Calcutta, March 10. The Indian Government is borrowing four crores (40,000,000) of rupees locally. ATTACK ON A PATEOL. Singapose, March 10. Acheenese surprised a Dutch patrol, killing eight, and wounding five officers and twenty-one soldiers. THE VENEZUELA QUESTION. New Yokk, March 10. The Venezuela case has been submitted to the Commission. It consists merely of diplomatic despatches without evidence. The New York Press recognises the strength of the British case.