OUR ENGLISH LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7271, 9 March 1885, Page 6

OUR ENGLISH LETTER.

[FROM OV& OWN OOKBBSPOSDET.J »*- London, January 29. ; . GERMANY AND ENGLAND. THB bombardment of the Colonial and Foreign offices by German White Books shows no sign ol abatement Heretofore, conflicting claims a* to unappropriated territory have been the causes of conflict, but the case has assumed a new complexion now when the English Government is taken to task for its administration within its own territories. A formidable volnme of the class which has for some time been issuing from the German Imperial printing office, has msde its appearance, dealing with the claims of German colonists in Fiji, Who allege that they have been wrongfully deprived of their rights, acquired in those islands prior to annexation by the British Government. This White Book, like its predecessors, give* a historical narrative of the offioial correspondence that has been for some years passing between the two Governments on the subject, and apart from the merits or demerits of the claims preferred, it must be admitted that our Governmenthasbeen again exhibited in the same unenviable light as in the Angra Pequena business. The diplomatic correspondence, comprising thirty-three documents and desnatches, extends in all over a period of ten years, beginning with finn and decisive Refusal on the pare of the British Governmeat and ending with apparently unconditional surrender. There is a special interest attaching to this particular contest from the fact, as alleged, that it was because of the Stance offered to the settlement of the German claims in Fiji that the German Government was impelled to adopt its nresent vigorous colonial policy. It was wheT the final report of the commission appointed by the Governor of Fiji to'investigate the claims of Europeans to Fijian land had been sent in, disallowing a large number of those claims, that the German Government proposed to appoint a mixed commission to investigate the disputed claims. To this Lord Granville replied by giving the opinion of the Colonial Office that the proposal could not be accepted. In reply the German Government requested to be informed as to the opinion of the British Cabinet, and not that of the Colonial Office, and again pressed the appointment of a mixed commission. On the first of January, last year, Lord Granville again wrote that, taking into consideration the recorded opinion of the Colonial Office, Her Majesty Government was not disposed to assent to the proposal of the German Government. From this time the dark shadow of the Egyptian complications is seen to fall over the negotiations, and notwithstanding the solemn warning of Sir Arthur Gordon as to the disastrous results likely to arise from any re-opening of the question of claims, a change came over the spirit of the Government, and in June of list year, the German Ambassador in 'London informed his Government that Lord Granville had agreed to the appointment of a mixed commission, to be composed of English and German officials. Nobody questions the cause of the change in the attitude of the English Government, and it is only another illustration of the way in which Ehaliah and colonial interests are being sacrificed in the effort to propitiate Germany in the face of the embarrassments caused by our position in Egypt. The commission, it is expected, will shortly sit In London, and will consist of only two members, of which the German ConsulGeneral in Australia is one, having been already appointed as tbeGerman representative. It was supposed that the Hon. J. B. Thurston, of Fiji, would have been the representative of England, but it has been considered that his intimate connection with Fiji and the part which he has already taken in connection with the question will fit him more / for conducting the defence of the decisions' of the commissions. Now that the reopening of the enquiry is actually determined on, the gravity of the case is fully realised by all those acquainted with the circumstances ~of ,Fiji, and the -relations between the races there. In the 'most solemn manner the natives had been repeatedly assured that the settlement was final, and it is the opinion of Sir Arthur Gordon that " if the natives are now told that they are still liable to be deprived of the land adjudged to them by a fresh consideration of the applications of dissatisfied claimants, it would be impossible to exaggerate the discontent and distrust which wpuld be excited." Indeed, it is acarely to be expected that in the event of the German claims being validated they can be met by the allocation of land, and it is more likely that pecuniary compensation would be granted instead, but, by those acquainted with the finances of the colony, it is held that any such course would inevitably lead to the bankruptcy of Fiji. ; If justice .had its way the adjustment of such claims might very fairly be added to the charges incurred in the Egyptian campaign, tor there can bo no doubt in any reasonable mind that had it • not been for the necessity of conciliating Prince Bismarck, imposed by the critical position of the Egyptian Question, the Government would have maintained its attitude of firmness, and we should have heard nothing of this contemplated reversal of the action of a Colonial Government. What the end of this may be, no one can predict. Already, it is said that American claims in Fiji are about to be pressed by representatives from Washington, and it is only reasonable to suppose that in the face of such concessions to foreign powers the claims still maintained by some of Her Majesty's own subjects cannot be ignored. Indeed, as much as this has been admitted, for in a communication combatting the request of the German Government for enquiry by a mixed commission, it was stated that it would be difficult to reverse previous acts of the Fiji Government in favour of Germans without admitting Englishmen and Americans to the same privilege. NEW GUINEA. The same "infirmity of purpose" which has characterised the dealings of the Government in relation to the German claims on Fiji and the whole colonial policy in later times has received a fresh illustration in relation to New Guinea. After backing and filling for so long Lord Derby appears to have screwed up his courage to the sticking point, and suddenly the protectorate gives place to actual annexation. That this has been a necessity of the position and inevitably consequent on the partition of the island by Germany is evident, but it is something that, for once, the colonial policy has exhibited signs of stiffening. Naturally arising out of the complications over colonial claims in the Pacific, and as a sequel to the Congo Conference, a project is rumoured for the holding of a Conference in' London for the adjustment of differences in relation to the Pacific, and to affirm some kind of principle on which future annexations or protectorates are to proceed. The proposal does not necessarily involve any actual partition of territory, but aims rather at placing unapprppriated groups of islands under some form of international protection, guaranteeing the peaceful extension of commerce, without establishing any rights of sovereignty. At present the nations having interests in the Pacific are England, France, Germany, the United States, Holland, Portugal, and Spain, but, as in the case of the West African Conference interests, prospective as well as existing, will probably be regarded as giving a right to take part in the Conference, and the Conference is likely to be international in the fullest sense. Of course the initiative has been with Prince Bismarck,' and the matter has proceeded so far that the summoning of the Consul-General for Germany in Australia (Dr. Krauel) is mainly in connection with this Conference, at which he is to represent the German Empire. In connection with German pretensions, it is alleged as of authority that Germany has designs on Tonga, and means to effect its purchase, and a correspondent in the Times asserts that he has reason for believing that the German Consul on those islands, who is also the Solicitor and Attorney General of the King, is authorised to sell the islands to Germany. As the air is full of rumours with regard to Anglo-German relations'} there may be no basis of truth for the statement, When the Australian claim in New Guinea was jumped by Germany, the indignation of colonists appears to have been chiefly moved by the idea that the English Government had ■ been acting in collusion with Germany, or at all events that the Government was aware of German intentions, and had shaped its course accordingly. ;A similar feeling was largely entertained in this country, and the conviction was that, in simple terms, the colonies" been '-'sold." Naturally the Colonial Governments took steps to have this Lnleasant suspicion tested, and representa-

1 the Colonial Office on the subject. It will relieve the tension of public feeling to learn that- the suspicion was not warranted by facts, the Colonial Office having been taken by surprise quite as much as the colonists by the precipitate actios .the German Chancellor, and the assurance.: has been given to the Agents-General. that there was no concerted action between the English and German Governments. '•''■'■ IMPERIAL; FEDERATION.' Quietly but steadily ; the work of the Imperial Federation League progresses under the able and zealous guidance of Mr. Forster. Indeed, it is expressly•' accepted as amain principle in its operations that it is to maintain a passive rather than an active attitude, to encourage action rather on the part of others than to formulate any course of action for itself. As a result of this, branch associations affiliated to the League are spontaneously springing up in various places, both at home and in the colonies. At Newcastle, Liverpool; Manchester, Bradford, Cornwall* in Devonshire, at Harrow, and in various parts of London, men of influence are coming together and forming branches ef the League. At a largely-attended meeting of the Executive Committee, recently held at the. offices in Westminster, on application was received from the South African Empire League requesting affiliation. On the motion ■of Lord Bosebery, the affiliation . was unanimously approved, and a resolution passed welcoming the assistance of such an important society. Among those who have recently joined the General Committee of the League are the Duke of Portland, Lord Alfred Spencer Churchill, Sir A. H. Layard, G.C.R, Sir R, other. Sir W. 0. Lanyon, Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales, and several members of Parliament. I observe also the name of Mr. Hugh Carlton, a name familiar to old colonists, among those enrolled to federate the Empire. Mr. Gisborne also has joined the Executive Com* mittee, and purposes devoting himself to the cause. The Executive have recently been devoting attention to the . matter .of a presumably practical character, to wit, the institution if possible of an ocean penny post between England and the colonies. Information bearing on she- coat'of transmission of mails is being collected* but whether efforts in this direction are likely to result in success is somewhat doubtful. As to the general growth of feeling in favour of the principle of federation, or rather the unification of the Empire, th«re is no manner of doubt. The question springs up in the most unexpected quarters. At political meetings, at working men's unions, in after-dinner speeches, in the magazines, as well as in the leading and correspondence columns of the newspapers, it is everywhere, and is assuming fast the proportions of a general craze. The judicious action of the committee of the league in not laying down any hard and fait lines, and leaving people to think it out for themselves, has disarmed hostility, and contributed much to the spread of the discussion, while it is prepared to second all spontaneous action on the part of those who interest themselves in the subject. It is expected that on the completion of the new buildings of the Royal Colonial Institute, the League will take up its quarters in a portion of the new structure. Mr. L. Sergeant has just been appointed Secretary to the League. The necessity for a neutral tint in the federation policy of the Imperial Federation League is imposed by the very varied views entertained among the strongest advocates of Imperial unity who are united in support of the League. One theory as to the modus operandi advanced by Earl Grey has latterly received very particular attention. This principle is a Colonial Board of Advice, of which the Agents-General would be members. One of the warmest advocates of this method for solution of the difficulty is the Marquis of Lome, who since his return from Canada has taken a very prominent lead in all colonial questions. This proposal of Earl Grey has as keen opponents as it has supporters, the Agents-General being themselves divided on the matter. As a temporary expedient, it appears to have the most likelihood of being put to the test of all the various proposals hitherto made, but that it would meet the case of the coming time when the colonies will contain the preponderance in the population of the Empire can hardly be maintained. At all events, no other state question of modern times has more attracted the earnest attention of thinkers, and to this a very powerful stimulus is applied by the semi-isolation in which England at present stands among the nations. NEW ZEALAND AND THE ISLANDS.

Every movement in the colonies in the j direction of the South Sea Islands excites a keen interest in the German mind in its present quickened state on colonial questions. The alarm created by the telegram about your steamer, with banked fires, waiting for Lord Derby's permission to speed away and annex Samoa was only ephemeral, as it was speedily known that England and Germany were under mutual obligations to respect the independence of Samoa. But it has not escaped notice that efforts are being made in New Zealand to strengthen commercial ties with those islands. Referring to the intention of the colony to establish steamer communication between Auckland, Samoa, and Tonga, the North German Gazette regards it as "an intended attempt to counteract German enterprise, which has hitherto been paramount in the Samoa and Tonga Islands, and to gain a commanding influence there." and adds that " the inhabitants of New Zealand, at all events, expect an extension of British rule in the eastern portion of the South Pacific." It appears to have given also a filip to the projected discussion on the German line of steamers, whioh has resulted in the recommendation of the scheme by the steamer subsidy committee. The contract is to be thrown open to tender, but exclusively among German shipowners. It is to be for a period of fifteen years, and the steamers are to sail at least once a month, and to have a minimum speed of eleven and a half knots an hour. SPAIN AND THE ISLANDS. But Germany and France are not the only countries casting longing eyes on the " isles of the sea," which New Zealand has been encouraging herself to believe should be exclusively her- own; and of all countries in the world Spain < is the last one would have expected to see ; seized With the prevalent epidemic. Yet, so it fa, and at the last meet-ing-of the Mercantile and.Colonial Geographical Society at Madrid it was proposed that Spain should occupy the Vavac group which forms a portion of the Baraoan Archipelago. The' grounds alleged for such action are the rights possessed by Spain as'discoverer, the Samoan group having been first visited, as alleged by Monrello, a Spaniard, in 1781. f' : EXPEDITION TO NEW GUINEA. j A" new expedition to New Guinea, for the purpose of exploring the portion recently annexed by England, is to .start .next week. It is under the conduct of Mr. H. O. Forbes, F.R.G.S., who has won suoh distinction in the exploration of the Malay Archipelago. It will be under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society, v and will have not only the countenance but the active support of General Scratchley, the Speoial Commissioner of New Guinea, as well as the approval of Her Majesty's Government. In this respect it will differ materially from the many other projects of exploration in that island which have been recently advanced. Mr. Forbes will sail in one of the steamers of the British-India Steam Navigation Company for Batavia, from whioh he will proceed to the Moluccas for the purpose of obtaining a party of natives, and thenoe by Thursday Island will make his way to New Guinea. It is expected that the expedition will be away from eighteen months to two years, and, as it is intended that the exploration of the British territory will be thoroughly exhaustive, very important results are anticipated. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. I am sorry to report that the frozen meat trade is still in a depressed state owing to the glut of every kind of meat in the London market. The country, owing to the dullness and • depression in trade existing, has been sending large supplies into the city, and though the import of frozen meat during the past few weeks has been moderate, the prices are still low, so much so as to have sensibly affected the usually large shipments of mutton from Holland. The shipment of the Ruapehu has been realising, for Wellington sheep, from 4sd to 5d per lb., and from Canterbury from 5d to sid. The oargo of the Viotory which arrived on the 20th from New Zealand has been selling at s£d. She landed 9101 sheep and 44 lambs in excellent' condition. There has been a large consignment of mutton from South America, the selling price of which at present is fourpence per pound. The price of Scotch mutton at present in the London market, is from 6d to 7d wholesale.

I Much m the rival lines of steamers have done for the colony, it falls far short of what is being done for America by the tierce competition of the rival lines on the Atlantic. I observe from recent quotations, that the cutting is so keen that steerage passengers are taken from Liverpool to New York for £1 12*, and from Antwerp to New York for £2 ; while owing to the competition between the railroad lines, an emigrant can go from Liverpool to Chicago for £1 16s, and as far as San Francisco for £9 4s. Competition is said to be the soul of business, though probably the companies would in this case prefer business without soul. But if a small modicum of this competition could take the place of the friendly understandings into - which rival companies trading to the Antipodes are prone to fall, it would be better for the colony. At all events one can see how heavily handicapped New Zealand is in the race for settlers, when the cost of transit to America is such a bagatelle. Mr. Courtney, the indefatigable agent for Taranaki, is organising a party of settlers to proceed with him to the colony, with the object of taking up land in Taranaki. He lately lectured at Charrington Hall,' Cale-donia-road, to a crowded audience of over a thousand, to whom he exhibited views of New Zealand with the oxycalcium light. He has also been lecturing in Gloucester, and has been invited to lecture again in the same place. What with scattering little handbills about, and speaking in season and out of season, he is really developing quite an enthusiasm in New Zealand in the circles with which he comes in contact, and if .New Plymouth is not waked up from its lethargy, it will be from no default of his. A notice which he received in the Illustrated London News with his address indicated has, I hear, overwhelmed him with correspondence, and many seem to have come to the conclusion that New- Zealand is a part oi Taranaki. Mr. Courtney expects to return to the colony with his party by the Eaikoura in March.

By the Kaikoura also Mr. Farr, of the Acclimatisation-Society of Canterbury, intends to return, after, as now is confidently anticipated, attaining a successful issue to his mission. On Monday last he got vigorously to work near Perth, and he will finish up with the Tyne. ( . He has received, much encouragement on every side, one gentleman having placed his hatchery at his disposal. Many colonists in New Zealand will be sincerely sorry to learn of the death of the Marchioness of Normanby at her residence in Kensington on Monday last, at the age of 6S years. The Marchioness bore the rather trying trip home across the United States very well, and appeared to be not only nothing the worse but even benefited. She succumbed to an affection of the heart of long standing. She leaves three sons. Earl Mulgrave, Lords Hervey and Henry Phipps, and two danghters, Lady Laura, married to Mr. John Vivian Hampton, and the Countess of Ellesmere. I am sorry to hear that the Marquis of Normanby himself is in very delicate health.

I regret to say that Lady Bell, wife of the Agent-General, has been for some time seriously UL Sae is, however, recovering her health.

One is everywhere impressed in England with the fact how far in advance New Zealand is on the question of temperance and the liquor traffic. They do not seem to have accepted the first principles of reform, and moderately advanced views in New Zealand estimation are here simply shocking. For instanoe, Sir William Fox has made an assault on the barmaids, 1 mean of course in a Pickwickian sense, or Parliamentary if you will. At all events he has ' been pushing the crusade, with which you are familiar enough in New Zealand, but the idea is regarded as altogether Utopian. Can't be done; need not be attempted. One evening journal thus weighs the chances philosophically: "Sir William Fox, exPremier of New Zealand," it says, "wants to put down barmaids. It strikes us very forcibly that the average barmaid is a young ?erson quite capable of putting down Sir William Fox or any other man." Among the recent addition of Fellows elected to the Royal Colonial Institute are the names of Mr. L. A. Nathan and Mr. Thomas M. Macdonald, both connected with New Zealand. The election took place on Tuesday last, Sir Henry Barkly in the chair.

The colony of Fiji is about to receive an endowment of £10,000 from the hands of the Hon. John Campbell, for the founding of an Anglican Bishopric in that colony. In the absence of Sir George Des Vceux, Governor of Fiji, who is about to return to England on account of his health, the Government there will be administered, it is expected, by Dr. Macgregor, the Acting Colonial Secretary of the. colony, until the return of Hon. J. B. Thurston, ' now in England. Commander Paul, of the Steam Reserve, and Commander Field leave Eugland to-day to take commands iu the Australian Squadronthe former as commander of the Miranda and the latter of the Dart.