HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9735, 25 May 1897, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

CABLE NEWS.

Frets Aaociatioo—By T<kgi»pta~Copyright. THE IBISH POOR LAW SCHEME. London, May 28. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour's Bill for relieving the Irish Poor Laws was strongly supported by Mr Carson, M.P, for Dublin University, and Messrs Tim Healey and John Redmond. The relief to be granted the landlords in respect to the poor rates will amount to a quarter of a million, and the relief for the tenants to £400,000. No soheme for the relief of Ireland has been received with such universal approval as the proposed Bill, which it is considered will meet the Ministerial pledges for Irish reform. AN INDIAN LOAN. I An ludian Government 2$ per cent, loan for three and a-half millions has been floated in London. The amount was subscribed fourfold and averaged £96 15s. '. THE BLACKWALL TUNNEL. The Prince of Wales yesterday opened the new tunnel under the Thames at BlackwaU. It has a length of 6200 ft and a diameter of 27ft. Its total coat, including land und buildings, was £1,251,000. It is said to be the most wonderful tunnel in the world, and has t*ken over four years to complete. [The Bill for tUis great worJc received tlie Royal assent in 1888, and tlio contract was let by the London County Council to Messrs Pearson a^ J Son, of Westminster, for £871,000. The tunnel crosses the Thames between BlackwaU and the East Greenwich side, and is from the plans of Mr A. R. Binnie, Chief .Engineer to the Council. Of the total length, about 4460 feetis in actual tunnel, 1220 feeb being under the river. The tunnel is of cast iron, lined with white glazed tiles, and includes a carriage and footway. On each side facilities for reaching the tunnel by shafts for foofc passengers are provided. The operation of boring was carried on by means of a shield and compreßsed air, but "out and cover" , adopted at the sides. Operations were commenced in March, 1892, and continuous employment was found for 600 or 700 men.] SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LOAN. May 24. A South Australian 3. pev cent. million loan will be placed on the London market on Friday. The minimum is fixed at 95. AN EXCITED DEBATE. * Madrid, May 28. An excited debate took place in the Senate over the decision of the United States Senate granting equal war rights to Spain and Cuba. The dig-, cussion ended in a brawl in the lobby. Senator Tetuan struck {-Senator Comas a violent blow for blaming the Government. ITALY AND ERYTHREA. Bomb, May 23. Italy has decided to abandon the colony at Erythrea, under a promise made to one of the European Powers. ELECTION RIOTS. Vienna, May j24. Much excitement..; prevails at the elections at present being held in Austro-Hungary. At Bosnyaezi, in Hungary, affairs were bo serious that the military were called out, and fired upon the rioters, killing fourteen and wounding thirty. TERRIBLE DISTRESS IN ARMENIA. Constantinople, May 24. Reports from the Van district, in Turkish 'Armenia, state that terrible distress prevails amongst the- Armenian residents. In order to sustain life they are compelled k> eat gras3. UNDESIRABLE IMMIGRANTS. Capetown, May 23. A general law affecting aliens is being prepared in Cape-Colony, Natal, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal, its object being the exclusion of undesirable immigrants. MR SEDDON. Washington, May 24. Mr Seddon has arrived at Washing- : ton. . Hβ had an interview with President McKinley, and was afterwards present at a sitting of the Senate, occupying a seat on the floor of the Chamber. ;