The Lyttelton Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11541, 30 March 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1898.

The Spanish Government will not admit any encroachment on its sovereign rights with regard to Cuba, and is endeavouring to stay American action in the island, alleging that the reports published with reference to starvation and destitution amongst the population are inaccurate.

The Spanish Minister at Washington has informed the United States Government that Spain is prepared to oiler terms so liberal as to satisfy both Cuba and America.

President MTCinley has requested Congress to appropriate half a million dollars for the immediate relief of the distress in Cuba.

It; is believed that Great Britain will occupy Chusan until a definite understanding with China has been arrived at. The official report of the Naval Court of Inquiry into the Maine disaster has been published. It finds that a mine was exploded underneath the Maine, but fixes no responsibility. Latest advices from the Soudan state that Mahmud, the Dervish leader, hesitates to attack the British. In the evening he orders an advance, but next morning countermands it. Pour of the men concerned in the Kalgoorlie riot have been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. . The championship regatta was continued at Dunedin last evening, when the Champion Pours was won by the Picton Club, the Champion Sculls by M'Grath, of Dunedin, and the Champion Pairs by the Wellington Bowing Club. The Stock Exchanges generally are depressed in consequence of tbo serious international outlook, aud consols have fallen 3-16ths. Twenty million cartridges have been issued to the British volunteer forces. In view of the unsettled condition of affairs in the East, the Admiralty authorities are largely increasing the stores of coal at the Thursday Island Naval Depot. It is officially stated that the Australian squadron is being kept ready for sea, and could be despatched within an hour if necessary. The Russian flag has been hoisted at Port Arthur and Talienwan, and the Chinese forces have withdrawn from these positions. New Zealand butter is quoted at from 98s to 102 s in the London market, and cheese at from 37s to 40s.