Home and Foreign News.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 1362, 28 May 1895, Page 3

Home and Foreign News.

London, May 19. Mr T. Gibson Bowles, M.P. for King's Lynn, has in the House of Commons revived the threatened removal of Sir Koland Williams from the position of a judge iu bankruptcy. In doing so he declared that the question was a grave one, and perhaps the gravest scandal was involved ; therefore he moved that a committee be set up to inquire into the relations existing between the judges and the Board of Trade. The Hon. James Bryce, President of the Board of Trade, in reply, indignantly denied the charges of political influence, which, he declared, were both unfounded and disapproved ; and at the same time he considered it was not necessary to appoint a committee as suggested. The motion was adjourned. The American silver men in 17 of the States have agreed to plump for candidates pledged to legalise coinage in the ratio of 16 to 1. The mineowner3 are said to have subscribed a million sterling to assist the campaign. Jt is reported that the new canal from the Baltic to the North Sea is unsafe. The banks are breaking away, and thousands of yards of earth are falling into the water and blocking the passage. It is feared this mishap will interfere with the official opening. T/ie Times' St. John's correspondent wires that many members of the Newfoundland Government admit that that colony will make default in June, and that the merchants interested are appealing for help. The Marquis of Kipon states that if the colonists ask for it he will appoint a commission to inquire into the affairs of the colony, but the Imperial Government will not render any financial assistance. May 20. The Times urges the immediate appointment of a commission of seven, with either the Duke of Devonshire or the Hon. J. Chamberlain as president, to thoroughly investigate the working of the War Office and rectify alleged gross maladministration. Beerbobm's Circular attributes the firmness of wheat to a belief that the fears that the year's crop will be 15,000,000 quartets below last year's are well founded. Egan, convicted of participation in dynamite outrages in Ireland has been released from gaol. A Bolton lady has bequeathed a sum of £32,000 each to the British and Foreign Bible Society, Church Missionary Society, and Church Pastoral Aid Society. Earthquake shocks have been felt at Bologna and Pisa as well as at Florence. The Catholics in Belgium have appealed to the Vatican to condemn the Christian Socialists, owing to thenpropagating revolution likely to endanger the State. The Pope has summoned Abbe Dacus, their leader, to explain their action. The Times states that the prospects of the wool sales are fairly promising despite the recent reaction. The Times suggests that the commission to inquire into the administration of the War Office should include delegates of the great industries connected with the department, and that in the event of his being in office Lord Rosebery should preside instead of the Duke of Devonshire. May 21. Dr M'Gregor, M.P. for Inverness, has resigned his seat in the House of Commons owing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer refusing to facilitate a bill for improving the position of the crofters. The Vacating Seats Commtttee has decided that the eldest son of a peer ou the death of his father is ineligible to hold a seat in the House of Commons. This will probably govern Viscount Wolmer's case. Washington, May 20. The Naval Board has decided on the compulsory retirement of Admiral Mead, of the United States navy, who publicly declared that he regretted being compelled to remain inactive against the British during the latter's action in Corinta, Nicaragua. The decision has been endorsed by President Cleveland. Shanghai, May 19. Japan has refused the Chinese request for au extension of time for the transfer of Formosa, pending further proposals. May 20. Li Hung Chang's son, Governor of Formosa, has beeu instructed by the Chinese Government to hand the island over to the Japanese. Rome, May 19. A strong shock of earthquake was experienced in Florence. A panic occurred, but little harm was done. May 20. The damage by the earthquake at Florence was much more serious thau was at first anticipated, and in the villages in the vicinity there was much loss of life. One church collapsed, buryiug several who were engaged at their payers at the time. Pakis, May 20. News from Madagascar states that the French troops are steadily advancing from Mowanga, with only trivial loss, and that the Hovas are displaying only a feeble opposition. Yokohama, May 21. The Great Powers have requested the Japanese Government to notify the , additional indemnity required by the i cession of the Liautoug Peninsula,