Beyond The Dominion

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 178, 2 August 1909, Page 4

Beyond The Dominion

SPAIN'S MOROCCIAN CAMPAIGN Morocco. July 2c. Details of a sanguinary ambuscade which occurred at Melilla on Thursday last have just reached here. A detachment of Spanish troops, consisting of four hundred men, was ordered to take up a new position in the mountains. To get to the new position the force had to pass through a ravine in the hills, and while in this ravine the Spaniards were attacked by a large body of Moors concealed on the heights above. The attack was quite unexpected, and the Spaniards were unable to escape or to offer any effective resistance. A constant fire was poured in on the men from above and the whole force was completely wiped, out. Madrid, July 28. The war is bitterly unpopular. Many reservists have fled to France. They declare that the war is waged, in the interests of speculators. Martial law has been proclaimed at Tarrogona, Gerona, and Barcelona, where St. Paul's Church and some schools have been burnt. Nine soldiers and a corporal from Barcelonia threw their arms into the sea while en route to Morocco. They were shot on arriving at Melilla. Morocco, July 29. The Melila trouble originated in the murder of four platelayers by the Riff tribesmen, who objected to the construction of a railway by the Spaniards. AMERICAN GRAFT. Chicago, July 28. The trial of a police inspector and a detective-sergeant is proceeding in Chicago. The detective received £IBOO sterling in a month from unfbrtunates, the amount being mostly distributed among higher officials. Thp police inspector received £350 in a single payment. It is estimated that gamblers, opium dealers, and others distribute between them £60,000 and £140,000 sterling annually within two police districts. VATICAN'S BLACK LIST. London, July 28. The "Daily Chronicle" declares that the authorities of the Vatican are greatly annoyed at the honour accorded the remains of the late Father Tyrrell. A number of eminent English Catholics, both clergy and laity, were present at the funeral, and all their names were entered in the Black List.

WOOL PACKING - London, July 28. The woolbrokers* committee, witfi some selling brokers, on the invitation of the London Chamber of Commerce, considered proposals for discussion at the. Empire Congrass of Chambers of Commerce in Sydney. The meeting approved of the continuance of the present system of an allowance of one pound in the hundredweight, fearing that the change would be likely to lead to friction and increased claims for short weight.

NAVAL PROGRESS. London, July 28. The destroyer Ferret, fitted with a steel cutting invention, easily rushed a large boom made of timber, spikes, and a huge wire hawser, at full speed, in Portsmouth harbour, cutting her way right through. It was a remarkable exploit. Mr Reginald McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr R. B. Haldane, Minister for War, and Genearl Nicholson, Chief of Staff were present. SCOTTISH COAL TROUBLE. London, July 28. A sub-committee of Scottish master miners failed to agree with the men s delegates. Both sides were very determined. Owing to the result of the men's ballot, the employers have resolved to grant no further concessions. The conference will be resumed tomorrow, Mr Winston Churchill, Presideont of the Board of Trade, presiding. London, July 29. A conference of the Miners' Federation of Scotland resolved today that notice be given to all districts to terminate contracts and cease work at the end of August, also to support Scottish miners to the extent of 10s weekly during the preliminary stoppage. The ballot of members of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain shows SOS, 261 in favour of a general stoppage or work, and 62,950 against.