The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MAT 16, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11580, 16 May 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MAT 16, 1898.

Speeches by Lord Salisbury and Mr Chamberlain on the foreign outlook have caused a great sensation in Great Britain. Lord Salisbury said that the outlook was very grave, and it was necessary that the country should look the facts in the face. Mr Chamberlain said that momentous issues were before them, and. the time might come before long when the Government must appeal to the patriotism of the people. He referred to the manner in which all parts of the Empire had drawn together, and said that their next dxity was to maintain bonds of permanent union with their Transatlantic kinsmen. That war was near was strongly felt, but war' would bo cheaply purchased if it resulted in the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack waving together over an Anglo-Saxon alliance. Accounts from both American and Spanish sources state that the Spanish Cape Verde squadron has arrived off Martinique. The committee of the United States House of Representatives has reported in favour of the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. The American cruiser Wilmington, the revenue cutter Hudson, and the torpedo boat Winslow attacked Cardenas. The gunboats and forts shelled the attacking vessels. Through her boiler being struck as the result of an explosion of ammunition, tho Winslow was rendered helpless. The Hudson was also badly damaged, but she towed the Winslow into Pedras. Owing to the proximity of the Spanish fleet General Miles has suspended the preparations for the invasion of Cuba.^ Admiral Sampson, who has been joined by Admiral Schley, is searching for the Spanish fleet, which consists of four cruisers and three torpedo destroyers. The American fleet comprises three battleships, two monitors, ten cruisers, and two cruising steamers. Owing to reports that Spanish warships are off tho New England coast New York ,Harbour is completely closed at night. Mr Gladstone’s condition is becoming , -Slave,

Reports from West Africa state that two of the chief loaders of the native rising at Freetown in Sierra Leono have been arrested. The revolutionary disturbances continue to spread in Italy, and half of the country is now under martial law. Rioting of a most desperate character has taken place in several cities. Hundreds of frenzied women carrying petroleum with which to lire public buildings were conspicuous at Pisa. The Government of the Argentine Republic is increasing the export duties on wheat, with the object of preventing a scarcity of grain. New Zealand 4i per cent stock is quoted at 112 per cent at 108 and 3 per cent at 98}. Mr W. Lingard, son of the Ven Archdeacon Lingard, has written two very interesting letters describing his experiences on the Klondyke goldfields, and extracts therefrom are published elsewhere.