SAN FRANCISCO MAIL. (by telegraph.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3972, 4 June 1885, Page 4

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL. (by telegraph.)

GENERAL SUMMARY.

Mr Gladstone gave notice in the House of Commons, on May 9th, of a motion jto provide a dowry for Princess Beatrice on her approaching marriage to Prince Henry of Battenbnrg. It was received with jeers from the home rule and radi cal benches. A formal opposition to the grant will be led by Henry Labouchere. The Anglo-German international commission, appointed to arrance terms ol occupntinn 0! Briti-h and German colonies in the Pacific Ocean, has concluded itlabors. The itatus ot Samoa remains un settled.

Lady Lonsdale, on whose account Edmund Yules Buffered impriionment for libel, wns married to Earl de Grey at S, <• Martin's Church. Charing Cross. Lord Ripon, father of the bridegroom, Earl Pembroke, and a few select friends of the bride and bridegroom were the only persons present. The Fortnightly Review published an article by Churlta Williams, the Soudan correspondent, substantially proving the incorapetency of Sir Charles Wilson, for tirtuolly slaughtering Gordon, oy his negligence. When the matter is brought up in parliament, which it wiU be shortly, Lord C carles Bereslord and many blue jackets are willing to be be witnesses. Since her arrival from Darcas'adt the Qucen'f health has notably improved Despatches of 4th May state that extraordinary precautions were adopted yesterday, before her arrival at Sheeruess. Several hours before the royal party were expected, all vessels in barbor were inspected diligently and patrolled by the police. From the landing to the railway station was lined by a military guard and many metropolitan detectives.

The discussion on the budget in the House of Commons discloses much discontent among the Irish -and Scotch members, vrho?e urievances are the disproportion betwe:n whisky and beer dutiew, the whisky tax bting iucreased by half a penny per glass nnd bee tux by only three lartliiugs per (.alion.

At (Ji\enock on May Ist, the wnter for the tir&t lime was admitted into the mi men?e Jtimea Witt docks which cost of L 500.000 They are intruded (or the ac cemmodation ol Trans-atluntic steamers.

The y.icht Galatea, a contestant for the American Cup, was launched at Greenock 00 May Ist,

The Japanese village which was for aome time on exhibition at Hyde Park was destroyed by b're on May day. The village consisted of five streets of bouses and ehopa, constructed and peopled by Japanese who were to be seen engaged m their various occupations as in their own country.

The country seat of the Duke of St. Albans was seriously damaged by tire. Many valuable picmrep, rare books, and old China were destroyed.

Cholera is prevailing in Calcutta to an alarming extent.

The Suez Ctuial commission have decided to place all prizes captured in naval ■wariare traversing the Suez Canal on the same footing as men of war. The work of tho commission ia progressing favorably.

Government announces that the Irish Crimea Act will be the first business in ptirliainem af er the Redistribution of Sitttß Bill is disposed of.