HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9385, 8 April 1896, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. KENSINGTON MUSEUM. London, April 6. The Kensington Museum was opened to the public on Sunday. There were 1000 visitors. PURCHASE OF TELEPHONE LINES. The Government has purchased the trunk telephones connecting the towns. The ultimate intention is to nationalise the whole of the lines. ENGLAND AND AMERICA. The English and American Cardinals invite the faithful to co- operate in the establishment of a permanent tribunal to arbitrate in international disputes between America arid England. THE AUSTRALASIAN GOLDFIELDS. The Times say 3 that the report of Herr Schmeisser, the German expert, who was sent out to report on the goldfields of Australasia on behalf of an English Syndicate, shows that the Western Australian fields compare very favourably with the Transvaal. THE MADAGASCAR MISSIONARIES. The British missionaries in Madagascar are giving unreserved support to the French Resident, and state their desire is to work in complete harmony with the new masters of the island. JAPANESE-GERMAN TREATY. The new Japanese-German treaty of commerce is drawn on lines largely in favour of Germany. ELECTION. Mr Carew, a Parnellite, has been elected unopposed in place of Dr.- J. Kenny, the member for College Green, resigned, THE VENEZUELA DISPUTE. April 7. The Times aseerts that a friendly settlement of the boundary dispute in Venezuela is considered certain in Caracas. THE EDUCATION BILL. Mr Macnamara, President of the National Union of Teachers' Conference, declares that Sir J. Gorst's Education Bill will gradually municipalise assisted education. ACCIDENTS ON A MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. At the opening ceremony of the Snowdon Railway, Wales, the engine of a descending train became derailed and toppled over a precipice, but fortunately the application of the brakes prevented the carriages also going "over. A second train, which followed, telescoped the carriages of the first train, but the passengers of the latter had made their escape previously. Only a few persons were hurt. CHURCH REUNION. St. Pi&TBRSBUBG, April 6. Russia is urging the reunion of the Greek and Bulgarian Churches under one Patriarch. SICILY. Rome, April 6. The King of Italy has issued a decree changing the system of Government in Sicily. Count Codronchi has been appointed Governor of the island, with the rank of a Minister, He is to reside at Palermo, and will be answerable for all public affairs. OLYMPIAN GAMES. Athens, April 7. The King of Greece opened the Olympian Games. Seven thousand people were present. Flack, of Victoria, won the first heat of the 800 metres in 2min l-6th sec. THE CUBAN REVOLT. Washington, April 7. The House, by 254 to 27, affirmed the Senate's resolutions of the 29th February respecting Cuba, which were to the effect that President Cleveland should mediate in the dispute. The President, however, is unlikely to act.