SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9090, 29 April 1890, Page 5

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[Peb Press Association.] (Per s.s. Alameda, via Auckland). AUCKLAND, jApeil 28. GENEEAL STTMMAEY. Dates from Europe up to April 8. Mr Gladstone attended the baptism of his grandchild in Westminster Abbey on April 8, On his way to London he was presented with an aadress at Weybridge, and in acknowledgment spoke fifteen minutes on political questions. He took occasion to roundly denounce the Government for the recent perfidious practices of the present Ministry, whom ha declared were merely usurpers and intruders, who dared not submit their claims to represent the majority of the electors to the test of a general election, though they would to forced to do so soon.

Le Caron, the Times witness before the Parnell Commission, is living in retirement in a London suburb. He wears a grey beard, which changes his appearance so that recognition is difficult. TJao Dublin Freeman’s Journal asserts he is to be given employment in Australia. During races on March 2 in Cornwall, a portion of a grand stand, thirty feet long, collapsed, precipitating two hundred parsons to the ground, and many were injured, some fatally. A curious scene occurred in the Strand, London, on April 1. Viscount Hinton, who has made himself notorious playing the clown in pantomimes, and has also undergone imprisonment for robbery, was grinding a hand organ, accompanied by his wife. A gentleman endeavoured to persuade Hinton to desist, offering him a clerkship in the Stock Exchange. The offer was loudly declined in the presence of live hundred people. Hinton, who is heir to the Earldom of Paulett, swore he would never alter the course of his life till the Earl dies. During this exhibition Lady Hinton passed round the hat to collect coppers. A recent conference between English and German steamship men is to mean that an endeavour is afoot to create a steamship trust and advance passenger rates. J. H. Cadall, County Treasurer of Dublin, Ireland, was robbed and murdered on the road between Ifis County seat and his home on April 1. There is no clue to the criminals.

The fog signals at the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse, oil the East coast of Scotland,' exploded on the night of April 6. The dome was shattered by the explosion, and the light extinguished for the first time since the house was built in 1811. After the explosion a passing steamer had a narrow escape from being wrecked owing to the light being out. Tho London police made a demand, oa April 5, for shorter hours and increased pay. The demand was accompanied by a threat of a general strike unless both requirements are agreed to. The older British cavalry officers are, aghast at the probable introduction of the lance as the general weapon of the mounted service. They dislike learning the new drill.

Oa opening an ancient tomb on March 15 in the South wall of Canterbury Cathedral, the remains of Cardinal Haughan, who died in 1228, were found: undisturbed in a stone coffin. Not only were the features distinguishable, but a beautiful and unique collection of episcopal vestments, with ring, staff, mitre, chalice, and paten was obtained. The articles have been placed among tho treasures of the cathedral library.

The Emperor William has started on an extended trip in company with Herr de Caprivi. He will visit St Petersburg, Vienna, and Rome. Herr Caprivi has declined the services of detectives for protection. Prince Bismarck always had a guard of detectives following him.

Count Herbert Bismarck married Miss Von Carolatti Benthen on March 31. She is the same person whose relations caused a scandal nine years ago in Berlin, and brought about her divorce. Tho Pope has announced the formation of a hierarchy in Japan with Sees, at Tokio, Kioto, Nagasaki and Sinday. An Apostolic Prefecture has been formed in German Cameroona. On March 15, the magnificent railway train built at Florence for the gala journey of the Queen of Italy to Berlin, waa destroyed. All the presents and silverware were ruined. A photographer, named Versez, residing in Vienna, has succeeded in photographing natural colours. All Russian duties will be raised three months hetica,acaording to a despatch from St Petersburg of March 17. At Patama, Crete, on Sunday, March 2%., a priest waa dragged from the pulpit by a mob and paraded through the streets amid jeers and laughter. In the same* place sixty-four villagers are starving in prison. There is great distress among the labouring population of Milan. Thousands of idle men paraded, the streets on March 24 with red flags and bands of music, accompanied by their wives and children. Some rich American ladies visiting Rome, and out on a shopping excursion there on March 27, were taken to the police station by gendarmes on the complaint of a storekeeper who had missed some valuables. Their countrymen in that city are kicking up a terrible row about the affair, notwithstanding that the storekeeper has apologised. Advices at London, March 13, from Johannesburg, in tho Transvaal, state that three persons who were arrested there for taking part in the demonstrations against the Government, have been taken to Pretoria, charged with treason. There is intense excitement throughout the Republic. Tho King of the Belgians was in London on March 29, raising money for his pet canal scheme to make Brussels a seaport. An alliance, offensive and defensive, has been formed against the Italian Premier, Signor Crispi, in the Italian Chamber, which threatens his overthrow.

A desperate encounter took place os board the German steamer Chofoo, on April 7, between the ship’s crew and 250 Coolies. The latter attempted to burn the steamer and murder the officers. Thirteen Coolies were killed before the mutiny was suppressed. A SENSATIONAL PAMPHLET. The Emperor William has been spending a great deal of time in his study, engaged* it is said, upon the preparation of a speech which he has decided to deliver in person at the opening of the new Reichstag, and which will include an essay upon capital and labour. The Kaiser is also credited with the authorship of a sensational pamphlet published anonymously on April 5, in Berlin, in which Imperial Socialism, is fully explained and justified. The pamphlet gravely asserts that the Emperoris at the head of a Secret Society, which numbers amongst its members Da Caprivi and the Minister for War, which has for its chief object the reconciliation of the Democratic Parties alienated, by Prince Bismarck. The Emperor sees the monar-? chical principle gradually sinking? but this only stimulates him to daring deeds. The work of Imperial reform isbeingeteadily pushed. The cruel treatment of private soldiers by officers is denounced, and the latter ordered to core themselves of luxurious habits. In contrast with Prince Bismarck’s policy, the Emperor intends to pave the way to an entente cordiale with Prance, and thus isolate Russia. The Austrian alliance, ho says, remains unchanged. Believing the Emperor’s “luxurious habit’* order reflected upon them personally, font officers of high rank. Colonel Prince Egan Yon Tuenhenburg, Count Stiersdozf, Count Bismarck, Bohlen and General Pobialski Krano resigned on April 7.’

A cablegram from Home on March 17 says the Pope would consent to act asi mediator as to when the simultaneous die-' armament of European nations might he brought about. He holds that the existence of the great armies, which axe draining the wealth of Europe, and inflicting great suffering on the toiling masses,, is antuChrisUan. The Pontiff tfwdasimi

to Head the world-vide reforms demanded by organised labour. ' THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE. . The race between Oxford and Cambridge on March. 26. was won by the former. It was rowed over the usual course, from Putney •to Mortlake; a distance of four miles and a quarter. The weather was brilliant for a holiday crowd, but a fifteen-mile breeze made the Thames rather choppy. The crowd was unprecedented, both banks of the river being lined. Cambridge were decidedly the favourites in the betting, but as soon as the men took the water it 'was seen that Oxford’s awing was better than that of Cambridge, and the sliding was almost as good. Oxford was the first away. Cambridge, pulling the faster stroke, overtook them, passed them, and led at Clasper’s ; but by the time Craven steps (six furlongs from this start) were reached, Oxford had gone to the front again. At Hammersmith Bridge, a mile further on, Cambridge had a lead of half a length., When the Devonshire Meadows (three miles from the starting point) were reached the crews were pulling on even terms. Oxford led at Barnes’ Bridge, four furlongs further on, and then forged ahead, and won by half a length. Time; —23min 3sec. UNCLE AND NEPHEW. ' The Prince of Wales arrived at Berlin, on March 21, and was met by the Emperor and Empress Frederick and a collection of notables. When the Prince alighted from the train the English National Anthem was played by the band. The Emperor and Prince entered a carriage and wore driven to the Castle, escorted by cavalry. The Emperor was attired in the uniform of a General of the British Dragoons; the Prince of Wales wore that of a German General. The crowd along the route warmly cheered the Emperor and Prince. At a banquet at the Schlosa the same eVening the Emperor toasted the Prince of Wales, expressing hia thanks at being made an Admiral by the Queen, and drank to the continuance of friendly relations between Great Britain and Germany. The Prince replied that he had telegraphed to. the Queen that a brilliant reception had been accorded him. Herr Caprivi, Von Moltke, Count Waldersee and the Empress were present. THE POPE. A special message from Rome, March 27, says a number of the Cardinals are advocating the idea of the successor to Leo XIII. leaving Italy immediately after his election. They declare that the position of the Pope in Italy is untenable at present. The Pope strongly opposes the scheme, and has appealed to the Cardinals that his last days on earth be comforted by the assurance that the absentee idea be abandoned. The Tribune’s Vienna correspondent says negotiations have been in progress several months, between the Emperor of Austria and the Vatican, which may lead to the cession of some province to the Holy Father as a residence. The offer has already been made, and an answer' is awaited. The Pope has finally concluded, to recognise the United States of Brazil, on condition that the rights of the Church are respected.

THE QUEEN AT AIX LE BAINS. On March 29 Queen Victoria began at Aix, le Baina the usual treatment for rheumatics. She is taking baths regularly, and spends an hour every day swathed in flannel bandages, with a towel tied around her head. From her bedroom window, the Imperial invalid looks out on one of the finest views in Europe. The rooms are in the second story of the hotel, eight hundred feet above sea level. The air and baths at Aix-le-Bains have always benefited Queen Victoria,- but she is suffering at present from the most obstinate attack of rheumatics she has ever experienced. New York papers are publishing telegrams of a sensational nature regarding the Queen. One of the morning journals published on March 31 gives a report, “ on the highest authority,” that the Queen is seriously considering the step of abdicating the throne. The recent reception of the Prince of Wales by the German Emperor has had a greateffect on the aged monarch, who is convinced that her son ought to have a chance to play the leading role in England during the rest of her life, which certainly will be short. The Queen’s bodily infirmities are increasing. She is becoming so bulky that her breathing must be assisted by massage. One strong objection Her Majesty has to abdicating is, the contingency of being called ex-Queen; she wishes to assume the title of Queen-Kegent for the rest of her life. A special Bill willbe introduced in Parliament, it is said, when she is willing to resign the throne, and the Prince of Wales will be crowned King of England and Emperor of India. The Queen will confer with the Emperor William at Darmstadt, before leaving for England.

DOM PEDRO. ' The ex-Emperor of Brazil is still at Cannes,in Prance; but since the death of the Empress has been gradually failing in health. He is constantly breaking into fits of passion for the most trivial causes, and these outbreaks are followed by seasons of depression, during which he wanders aimlessly, crying like a child. The last outbreak of this kind was when he heard that the Government at Rio Janeiro proposed to make him a liberal advance on the sales of his Brazilian properties. What caused his fury was an allusion in the Decree of Allotment to his well-known financial embarrassment. “What do they mean, la canaille,” he cried, "do they take me for a beggar, that they should insult me with charity ? Write to them at once and tell them I refuse their bounty." A few minutes after ho broke down. He said ‘.‘lt is true all the same. lam ruined. What will become of me?" He seems to have a fixed impression that he will perish from starvation. His avaricious son-in-law Vefnass'to make an advance on the moneys ■fco which Dom Pedro is entitled, and he is too proud to accept any loans from many princes and potentates who have put their parses At. his disposal. The Prince of arrived at Cannes on April 1, and visited the ex-Emperor, who was delighted to see him.

, EMIN PASHA. Emin has agreed to enter the German service. He will not visit Europe, but will start for the Victoria Nyanza with a large caravan in the middle of April. The London Times had an editorial on April 3 reproaching the explorer. It points out that after British money and enterprise Had extracted him from his untenable position, he is now assisting Germany in her anti-British policy in Africa. A proclamation signed by Emin and addressed to the Arab populace was circulated at Zanzibar on April 3. In it the author vehemently and absolutely disclaimed being concerned in any way whatever with Stanley and the English in the recent civil action against Tlppoo. The Arabs were amused. '.'ilie"German officials are hastening the preparations for Emin’s departure to the interior. It is believed that the first Objective point of the expedition will be fhe Lake district. Seven hundred porters have been engaged for the expedition at larger wages than are usually paid for such work. BRITISH GRAIN TRADE. ' The Mark Lane Express of April 1, in the review of the British grain trade for the preceding week says: —“ English wheat fs quiet and unchanged. Flour is weak, foreign wheats are dull. The beat Russian and American command old prices. American corn, under enormous imports, has fallen threepence. Oats are weak. At the market on April 1 English wheat was sixpence.cheaper,) foreign slightly lower." A DISMAL FAILURE. ’ The Commission of engineers despatched to Panama to investigate tho condition of affairs returned to Paris on April 2. Their story is a dismal one. DeLesaeps is plunged into the depths of despondency, and is obliged to confess that his canal scheme is a complete failure. Tho Commissioners aay fr.lin.t-. aa immense amount of work is still necessary, but money is not forthcoming, Several, contractors, are charged „ with

swindling, and will probably be brought to account.

AMERICAN SUMMARY. San Feancisco, April 0. The failure of the old conservative New York firm of brokers and bankers. Geo. K. Sislaire and Sons, is announced, owing to the defalcation of 300,000d01s by Douglas Hilger, the Business Manager, who died on Saturday, April 3. Senator Leland Stamford, of California, has retired from the Southern Pacific Railway, and his career as a railway manager is ended. He will devote his time henceforward to his duties as Senator, together with the University he has founded and endowed in the neighbourhood of San Francisco.

William A. Welch, known as “The Niagara River Hunter,” was carried over the cataract on April 2. Thirty cases of trichinosis were reported at Aurora, Illinois, on April 8. They resulted from eating Bologna sausage.

Notwithstanding the severity of the winter season the condition of the growing crops in California is reported good. There will be a diminished grain average, however, owing to the heavy rainfall. A terrible storm was in progress in the Cleveland section of the State of Ohio on April S. It broke over Norwalk, the county seat of Huron, and levelled several buildings to the ground, killing several people. A furious gale also prevailed in Wyoming. Prophetown, Illinois, is reported to be blown away, and also Harper’s Ferry, Henry County, Kentucky, made memorable by the John Brown raid.

It is reported that Bedloe’a Island, on which the great statue of Liberty, by Bartholdi, was recently erected, is slowly sinking into tbe waters of New York Bay. It has been discovered by investigation that the statue is eight feet lower that when placed in position. It is thought that part of the shelf which forma the island has broken off, and that the rock foundation of the statue is slowly but surely sinking out of sight. Of course, the cause of the breaking of the rock shelf is not hard to tell. That calamity was undoubtedly caused by the immense weight of the stone pedestal on which the statue stands.

A hole which was accidentally burned through the roof of a caisson of the huge NoHh River (Hudson) tunnel, on April 3, caused its flooding, and the engines are unable to expel tho water. The accident reached the magnitude of a disaster. It is feared that a new start will have to be made from the New York end, in which case years of work may be considered lost. The tunnel is now two thousand feet long from the New Jersey end, but only one hundred and fifty feet from the New York end; yet this represents the work of years. Great engineering difficulties have been encountered.

An English syndicate has purchased the Remington Paper Company of Watertoa, New York, the Hudson River Pulp and Paper Company at Palmer’s Palls, the Glens Fall Paper Manufacturing Company, and the Rochester Paper Company’s Mills, with a combined capacity of 130 tons per day. The purchase price is 9,000,000d01. The main office will be in New York.

A strong movement is being made by the Chinese of New York to obtain the privilege of American naturalisation for themselves and their fellow-countrymen all over the United States. The strike of the labour bodies of New England, for nine hours as a day's labour, fixed for April 1, took place, but the success met with was not as encouraging as had been anticipated. All over New England the move was made, and it had been looked forward to with such dread by manufacturers and contractors, that they successfully temporised with their employees to postpone final action until May 1. This brought dissension into the labour ranks, and prevented the movement being unanimous. Most of the organisations made a stand, however, and numerous strikes were the result ; discontent among journeymen and strikes prevailing in fact all over the United States.

St Joseph’s Convent, Milwaukee, was totally destroyed by fire on the evening of March 31, entailing the loss of the lives of one of the sisters and the Lieutenant of the Fire Department, the mortal injury of a novice and a fireman, and a loss of 50.000d015.

Wyoming Territory was admitted into the Union of States on March 27 by a small majority. There is a female suffrage clause in the Constitution of the new State.

A large sugar refinery on the corner of Beeche and Taylor streets, Chicago, was shattered on March 29, by the explosion of a boiler. The flames caused by this reached the starch department, where a second explosion followed. Five workmen were killed by this accident and twentyfive injured. The Congressional World’s Fair Committee have agreed upon a Bill insisting that the fair buildings shall be completed by October, 1892, and that the fair shall he opened by May, 1893.

One of the assistants a? the Pasteur Institute, New York, was stricken with rabies on March 11, while at work on the brain of a dog that had died mad. The New York lauudrymenhave entered upon a crusade against the Chinamen in that city engaged in the same business. It is estimated that tho Chinese washermen send 4.000,000d01s annually homo from New York. A fire, which destroyed Bowen and Merrilegs’ immense book-store building in Indianapolis on March 17, also involved the loss of nine persons’ lives, including seven firemen. Many persons were also severely injured. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught will arrive at Vancouver on May 22, and leave on May 2-1, by the Canadian-Pacific. Short stops will be made at the glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, at Banff Springs, the Winnipeg, and Niagara; thence they will go to Toronto, Ottawa, Kingstown, and down the rapids to Montreal and Quebec. They leave Quebec for England on June 12. Influenza is raging with great violence throughout Mexico. The engineers surveying a lino for the Mexican-Pacific railway, in the district of Tonala, State of Chiapa, report the discovery of two mountains of almost solid iron, carrying from 60 to 64 per cent of metallic iron. The estimated amount of ore in sight is 200,000,000 tons. The iron is well adapted for conversion into steel, being free from sulphur and pnosphoroua.