The Lyttelton Times. THUMRSDAY, APRIL 21, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11559, 21 April 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. THUMRSDAY, APRIL 21, 1898.

The evacuation of Thessaly by the Turkish troops will commence on April 24. Fugitives captured by one of the .British gunboats on the Nile state that two thousand Dervishes perished of thirst or were lost in the desert after the recent defeat of Mahmud’s forces by Sir M. Kitchener. According to a Router's message. President M’Kinioy was to have signed the resolution of Congress yesterday, granting to Spain one day in which to yield. There is a general feeling in the United States that war, should it break out, will be short, and that there will be little bloodshed. The Spaniards, however, declare that hostilities will last three years, and that they will fight to the last. It is reported that General Crespo, President of Brazil, has been killed in a battle with rebels. The resolution finally adopted by the conference of the two Houses of the United States Legislature stands thus:— Congress directs and empowers President M’Kinley to use the land and naval forces to compel Spain to relinquish the authority and Government of Cuba and to withdraw her forces, and render the Cubans free and independent. Several American newspapers think that the President will veto or use his discretion in enforcing the resolution, using such forces as may be necessary to avoid war. Spain is laying torpedoes in many ports in Cuba, aud has erected new batteries at Havana, and strengthened the garrison. A Bill is being drafted, placing two hundred thousand men at President M’Kinley’s disposal in the event of war. The United States Consul at Sydney has received offers from hundreds of Australians who are desirous of assisting America in the threatened war. The Miners’ Federation is arranging for a congress to consider the question of demanding a widespread increase in wages. At the meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Education yesterday, Mr Alfred Saunders was elected chairman for the ensuing year. At the sitting of the Police Commission yesterday,evidence was taken on the questions of political influence in appointments to the force, and the administration of the licensing laws.