THE OUTLOOK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11540, 29 March 1898, Page 5

THE OUTLOOK.

BRITISH AND FRENCH UTTERANCES. PROTECTION OE BRITISH COALING STATIONS. WAR RATES ON EASTERN CARGOES. United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Beceived March 28, 11.20 a.m, LONDON, March 27. Viscount Cross, Lord of the Privy Seal, in a speech, said that a welldirected policy would settle tbe difficulties with regard to China and the, Niger, provided that Great Britain was prepared to show that she wak not afraid of war.

PAEIS, March 27.

M. Hanotaux, in the course of an interview, said that England and France were willing to mediate between America and Spain. He addei that the Powers ought to prop the middle Empire of China. He referred to the Niger difficulty as on the high grade towards an agreement. LONDON, March 27.

The Spectator, commenting on the interview, expresses disbelief in M, Hanotaux’s oily sentences, and aaya ; that the outlook is rapidly darken-, ing. Beceived March 29,12.50a.m.

March 28.

Sir Thomas Sutherland, Chairman of the P. and 0. Company, has coctvened a conference of shipowner, members of the House of CemmoEA and Admiralty officials to consider means to prbtect the mercantile marine in the event of the ouihiaj|&: of war.

The Times says that the opammais expressed that many coaling static®*, are defenceless, but it is the Government contemplates making provision in the matter at date.

All cargo shipped to the Eariwia paying war rates.