Cromwell Argus AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE CROMWELL: TUESDAY,MAY 17, 1898 SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 1514, 17 May 1898, Page 4

Cromwell Argus AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE CROMWELL: TUESDAY,MAY 17, 1898

SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC.

KROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. D U N E D I N. Monday Evening. For the A. and P. Society's best managed farm competition, W. Patrick, for the second year, takes first prize for large farms, with John Reid and Sons, Southland, second. For farms of from 100 to 400 acres, J. E. Hunter, Southland, is first, with W. Blackie, Southland, second, and W. . Dallas, Kaitangata, third. fr In Saturday's senior football, Kaikorai beat Union by 12 to nil; ■ -Pirates beat University by five.', to three ; Alhambra beat Zingari by three to nil ; Diinediu beat Caversham by six to three. At the Association game, Roalyn suffered their first 'defeat since 1893, the Rangers beating them by two goals to one. The directors of the Union Co. declare a dividend of per cent, for the halfyear, with 3J per cent, bonus from the insurance fund. The Maori prisoners arrested in connection with the recent disturbance at Rawene, have arrived in Auckland. They seem to be in good humor, and in no way depressed by their arrest. Jane Simpson was fined at Wanganui, £25, on each of the three charges of sly jjrog selling laid, with costs. She had been thrice previously convicted on similar charges. Owing to some misunderstanding, Admiral Pearson was absent from his flagship at Lyttelton, when the Mayor of Christchurch and the Chairman of the Harbor Board paid him an official visit. Notice had been sent of the visit, and disgust was expressed at the Admiral going for a sail, when he knew that visitors were coming. Lion Rock dredge return, 10oz for 124 hours. -sr The Clyde dredge was prospecting last week. The dirt improved on Saturday. The liquidators of the Sew Hoy Big Beach Co. announced a second and final dividend of 21s 2d per share.

CABLE NEWS. London, May 14.

Lord Salisbury, in a speech referring to the gravity of the foreign outlook said it was necessary England should look the facts in the face. This is supposed to refer to the French claims in the Niger and in China.

Mr Chamberlain at Birmingham, said Britain, by following a policy of strict isolation was liable to be confronted at any moment by a combination of the Great Powers. All parts of the Empire were united. It was strongly felt that the next duty was to maintain that unity with our trans-Atlantic kin. More definite arrangements With them would be better for both and the whole world. War would be cheaply purchased if it resulted in the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack waving together over an Anglo-Saxon alliance. Momentous issues were before them and the time might come, and before long, when the Government must appeal to the patriotism of the people, and unless Britain was allied with a military Power, she could not seriously injure Russia. So far there had only been a preliminary skirmish in China, but if the policy of isolation was followed, the fate of the Chinese Empire would hereafter be decided without reference to, and i" defiance of our interests. Britain must not rej-ct an alliance with thoso powers whose interests are approximate. The two speeches have madea.profound sensation.

itioting of a most despera'e character has taken place in a number of towns in Italy, and half the country is under martial law. Hundreds of frenzied women carrying petroleum with which to tire the public buildings, were conspicuous at Pisa. The army remains loyal. Mr Gladstone's condition is becoming grave. There is great weakness and failure of circulation.

The Russian Government have purchased the racehorse Galtee More for £2500." - :

The E.rl ot Aberdeen resigns the Governor - Generalship of Canada in October. MrSoames (liberal) has been elected for South Norfolk by a majority of 1300.

The Government of Argentine are increasing the export duty on wheat to prevent a scarcity.

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR,

The Spanish Cape Verde squadron is reported to have arrived at Martinique. The American cruiser Washington, with the cutter Hudson and torpedo beat VVinslow, attacked Cardenas. TheSpannh gunboats and forts shelled the vessels, and by an explosion the VVinslow was rendered helpless. The Hudson was badly damaged, but she was able to tow the VVinslow. Ensign Eaeley and four American seamen were killed. Four American warships opened fire on the Cienfuego forts to cover the landing of arms for the Cubans,,but they were compelled to retire. 'American authorities doubt the report. Although American reports confirm the surrender of San Juan with great loss of life, the Spanish Governor cables that not much damage wa3 done, and the loss of life was insignificant. The Spanish Premier is engaged reconstruc'in» his Cabinet. Owing to the proximity of the Spanish fleet the invasion of Cuba has been postponed as Spanish ships are reported to be on the New En gland coast. New York haibor is completely closed at night. The American Key West fleet and flying squadron of one battleship, five cruisers, and the Illinois are searching for the Spanish fleet of four cruisers and three torpedo destroyers, Reports have been received that the Spanish Cape Verde squadron has been seen in the Caribbean Sea steaming full speed for Cuba. In the bombardment of San Juan, the Americans lost one <man and seven were wounded. The Spanish say there was no loss of life on their side. The Amoricms h'pve seized the vessel Troup at Manila. ! She is supposed to be from New South Wales. Reports from Manila show that the defences were in a poor state ; mines and torpedoes were mystical, and there was a scarcity of ammunition. Twenty • b-Ve

thousand rebels were waiting to attack the city. Many native auxiliaries deserted to the rebels. When Americans opened 6re the Spaniards had shot six corporals of doubtful loyalty. INTERCOLONIAL. Melbourne, May 15. In connection with the Yarraville tragedy, where Mrs McCarthy and her two daughters and son were found dreadfully smashed the two daughters being dead. The husband's watch and his wife's jewellery were found smashed under the oilcloth in the bedroom. The boy has since died, but the mother is recovering. Sydney, May 14. The Minister of Mi les and PostmasterGeneral have announced that they will oppose the Federation Bill. News from the New Hebrides reports several earthquakes in the southern islands of the group. Numbers of houses were wrecked, and a fissure opened in the ground. A disease, supposed to be Asiatic cholera, is raging in Loyalty Islands. Seventy deaths have occurred.