The Lyttelton Times FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11554, 15 April 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times FRIDA Y, APRIL 15, 1898.

The United States House of Representatives, by 324 votes to 20, passed a resolution authorising the President to use force to secure permanent peace and a stable independent Government for Cuba. The Foreign Committee of the Senate has reported that the .Maine was destroyed by an oliicial act of the Spanish authorities, or by gross negligence equivalent to criminal action.

The discussion of the President’s message gave rise to a great scene in the House. Members fought and rushed about the aisles like madmen.

The Spanish Ministers of War and Blarine have reported to the Cabinet that measures for the defence of Cuba are completed, Don Carlos has appealed to his supporters to assist the Spanish Government. The Madrid Press is displaying a warlike tone, and the city is practically under martial law.

The Austrian troops and fleet have been withdrawn from Crete. A serious disturbance between the Turkish and French troops at Canea, the capital of Crete, has occurred. The French Government has made proposals of a conciliatory nature to Great Britain with regard to the West African dispute. Russia is expediting the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway.. Large orders for rails have been given to American firms.

There has been a renewal of fighting in the Hinterland of Sierra Leone between the British force and the revolted natives. Fifty men of the West India regiment are missing.

The conference of owners of collieries in South Wales and the miners proved abortive, owing to the owners requiring their delegates to be allowed to exercise plenary powers. The United States Consul-General for Cuba, who has arrived at Washington, declares that the time for action has arrived. He has informed the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate that there is no Republic in Cuba to recognise. He further stated that he was convinced that Spanish officers were cognisant of the Maine disaster, but acquitted General Blanco of complicity. Sir Robert Hart, the Director-General of Chinese Customs, has completed new regulations for the control of the Customs duties. It is intended to appoint twentyfive officials of various nationalities, in proportion to the trade between their respective countries and China. Great Britain and Franco have been granted railway concessions in Yannan Fa.

It is reported in Paris that Captain Marchand, who was conducting a French expeditition to the White Nile, has been deserted by his carriers, but is continuing the journey alone. Russia has appointed two generals, men of the Skobeloff school, to the command of governorships of Turkestan and Amur, with orders to prepare for revenge for the Chinese concession of Weihaiwoi to Great Pontain.

The Czar has presented Montenegro with thirty thousand repeating rifles and twenty-five million cartridges. General Kitchener made a triumphal entry into Berber amid great rejoicing, Mahmud and two thousand Dervish prisoners following in the procession. The Hon W. Eolleston addressed a meeting of electors at the Upper Eiccarton School last night. About eighty people were present, and a vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimously.