NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10083, 19 March 1896, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

On Sunday last the Primate referred in th course of his sermon to the Armenia 4 Atrocities, and deplored that the j< i], «d suspicions existing among the Kiould prevent anything he?ng done "q retrain the Turkish oppressor?. i t ° pars that an effort b just now b-inp ij.f by the leaders of all the elmiji,,./ " inland to obtain some measure of reV forthe Armenians. Early in ti.o car a ,' apieal was issued to Christians throu-i out the world to help in this mutter. V sided by the Bishops of Roches-tor, 'i» r " ford and Southwell, Canons Scott-!|', a . Con, and Wiiberforce, I)is. Fai: b.u r ., (Maisfield College), Parker, Clifford, ol' wall Dykos, and other representative clergymen. Though Dr. Cowie stn, conlemned the terrible inis^uveriimet U ~of the Turks, and regretted the want of a»- eo meit among the Powers, he recognised the gr&t difficulties and dangers of British in torevence, which might mean a Kurgan wa\ Though the state of affairs is re"i ■[ talle, it is worse than useless to blame !i,# Brtish Government for their caution in th;j maiter.

The appeal on behalf of tlio Armenian," referred to above, is as follows: "(."hnst* maabas gone, tho New Year has come, m: still the dreadful tragedy proceeds. At anciait Christian people is being plundered starved, murdered, and martyred. This i. happening in the sight of all Christendom ; with i;s lull knowledgo; within the ran« of its public responsibility. Men are tortured, women are outraged, children arc violated, homes are burnt; no one can doubt it; Consuls have reported it; Amtag. Sadors have known it; eye witnesses h«« placarded it; photographers havo recorl-. the terrible proofs. These unhappy people for the most part are without arm.-, at-.dii has Only been in two or threo exceptional cases that, after years of despairing appeals, they have turned on their oppressors. These out rages, barbarities, massacres, still continue. The protest of the European Powers has hitherto, servod only to intensify the horroi 01 multiply the deaths. Thousands of men, women, children, homeless and foodies-, art awaiting the terrors of an iron Asian wink It is incredible, it is intolerable tint Christendom should continue look on in apathy and impotence at a sight so appalling. We most humbly and earnestly implore all those who influence the mind and direct the efforts of the Church of Christ | scattered throughout the world to draw I the whole force of the Church's Corporate I Prayer into an entreaty to God the Father, and Christ our King, and the Ilolytihost the Comforter, that this shame may cea^e; that this crime may bo stayed ; and that wo may no longer, by our selfish indifference, our hindering joalousies, withhold tho Righteousness and Compassion of Cod from coming to tho succour of Hi 6 people who are keeping fast their faith to the death."

Public men in New Zealand, especially if thoy happen to be Ministers, are for ever complaining of their critics. Wo wonder what they would say or do if they wen attacked in this manner. Senator Tlllmau, of South Carolina, addressing the Senate upon a financial matter, said : "In the entire history of tho United States tin office of President has never been 9. prostituted, and never has tho power 0' making appointments been so abused wit! relentless purpose. President Clevelani has ignored his oath of office. He has paid gold instead of coin, thus overriding the law, and has given no heed to the interests of any but hi? moneyed friends, his owners a:.J partner?. U bile to the besotted tyrant, coin means gold only, he cannot by bis mero Iput dixit change the law of the land." Mr. Tillman described Mr. Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury, as " the Judas from Kentucky," and then, reverting to President Cleveland, he went on:— "If he were honest at first, his association with Wall-street and his connection with wealthy men have debauched his conscience. He issues bonds at will, and does it with his law partner a» sole witness. He creates in the minds 0! millions of his fellow-countrymen the impression that the President of the United States uses his high office for private gain."

The topic of the hour at homo is apparently the Soudan campaign which tho British Government have suddenly resolved upon. Jt appears to be generally approved of. Abroad ib i* regarded with grave suspicion. The Russian view is that it it intended to postpone indefinitely the British evacuation of Egypt. Tho German Emperor looks upon it as an unwarrantable extension of British influence, and an Daren tly considers that England lias no right to meddle in the Soudan. Italy, on the other hand, regarding the step as one intended to assist her in her operations in Abyssinia, is grateful tc Britain. What France thinks we are nol told, but we may expect a violent out' burst in the Parisian press, unless, indeed, the now departure has been taken with the knowlodge and approval of the French

Government. Portugal and America a-'. taking steps to strengthen their navies. By a violent snowstorm in Russia over a hundred persons perished. The Transvaal Government have engaged counsel in England to represent them at the trial of Dr Jameson.