OUR ENGLISH LETTER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 656, 19 September 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR ENGLISH LETTER.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

THE FEDERATION OF THE EMPIRE. inXj London, August 1. On the 30th of July a meeting was held at ft? Westminster Palace Hotel which may Drove in the light of future events to be the beginning of a most important.political movement It was remarkable for its neutral composition. Party feeling was conspicuous by L absence in face of the growing desire on all sides to promote a stronger Board of Union between the Home country, her colonies and dependencies. At this meeting, ( . which was simply a conference for considering the question of federation, Mr Forster presided, supported by Lords Wemyss, Lord Rosebery, a number of members of Parliament, the Marquis of Normanby, Sir Chas. Tapper (Hig Commissioner of Canada), the Hon. Diver Mowstt (Premier of Ontario), Mr Gisborne (of New Zealand), and many others. The following resolutions were passed unanimously “ That, in order to secure the permanent unity of the Empire, some form of federation is essential and 2, “ That for the purpose of influencing public opinion, both in the TJnited Kingdom and the colonies, as to the incalculable advantages which will accrue to the whole Empire from the formation of such a Bystem of organisation, a society be formed of men of all parties to advocate and support the principle of federation.” It was also agreed that copies of these resolutions should be sent to the Secretary of State and all Agents-General for the colonies. AH the speakers agreed that the details of any scheme —indeed, the slightest outline of any scheme —must for the present be left untouched. The object of the conference was for the present to sow the • seed ; the plant must be such as the soil m which it is sown is most calculated to en-o-ender and nourish. Great as the practical difficulties are, Mr Forster was right in saying that it was “ the characteristic of the determined English character to get the better of difficulties. He believed that even he would live to see the world encircled by self-govern-j n cr English communities in. firm and fast friendship and permanent alliance one with another.” The Earl of Roseberry, who is one of the rising men of the day, and already noted as an eloquent speaker, pointed out that the recent difficulty which has arisen with France in reference to the deportation of convicts to the Southern Seas has pressed the question of confederation very forcibly upon us; for, as he remarked, no one believes that if Australia had been as much an integral part of Great Britain as the county of Kent, that France or any other country would have dared to fix a penal settlement within a few days sail of that colony. Bnt this unity of purpose and interest would undoubtedly involve expense, in which what has occurred with the case of New Guinea convinced him that the colonies would readily bear their part. The report of the proceedings has evoked quite a chorus of applause from papers of all shades of thought. It is very curious to notice the change which has come over the mind of the Liberal party during the last few years. During Mr Gladstone’s former reign the coherence of the Empire was tabooed, and again, in 1880, when the Jingo policy of Lord Beaconsfield had caused a reaction against Imperialism, people talked freely of confining our dominions within the limits of the two islands ; but events move rapidly, and people are beginning to see that there is a mean course between a policy of annexation and a policy of disintegration, such as some of Mr Gladstone's acts and speeches would lead us occasionally to think him capable of promoting. Anyhow, the keynote has now been forcibly struck, and it remains for thoughtful people to mature some reasonable and efficient scheme of federation.

EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS. We hear of no movement at present for Gordon’s rescue, but if all the reports which are now reaching us are true, that gentleman is not only holding his own at Khartoum, but is proving a very serious thorn in the side of the Mabdi. On the other hand, as yet, no actual communication from Gordon has reached the Government, but the rumors of his doings have spread so far, and are all. of the same coloring, that he is evidently doing something more than merely sitting still. Mr Stanley, the eminent African traveller, has just landed in England, and is reported to be of opinion that no expedition ought to be sent to Gordon at all, as escape is quite possible up the Nile to Gondokoro, where Lupton Bey is stationed with some 400 troops and plenty of money, an article in which Gordon is said to deficient. From Gondokoro, which is eight days’ journey from Khartoum, Mr Stanley thinks a route to Uganda might be found as several explorers have gone that way already, and from thence down to the Congo. It is noticeable that Dr Scbweinfurth, also an eminent African authority, is of opinion that Gordon should be rescued, though he believes, contrary to the opinion . generally held, that the Mahdi’s power is declining. There are, however, two considerations in n the matter that Mr Stanley overlooks, one that the General would be a marked man for the emissaries of the false prophet directly it was known he had escaped, and the other that Gordon has himself pleaded his inability to leave those who had faithfully trusted him. In all probability public opinion will force the hands of the Government, however unwilling they may be to incur additional expense m a petty war with fanatics. TheConferenceof European Powers on the financial condition has held several sittings, but as yet without definite result, and it is feared that the whole negotiation may end in nothing. The fact is the English proposals for a general reduction of interest on the debt, and the raising of a new loan for £8,000,000 which shall take precedence of all other obligations is distasteful to

the foreign bondholders, and France has accordingly made other suggestions, the exact nature of which has not transpired, but it is understood that they meet the approval of all the members of the conference except the English representatives. The members are to meet again, but the anticipation is that the result will be an agreement to raise a small loan to meet temporary expenses, and to postpone the further consideration of the disputed questions for another year. The condition of Egypt financially and legally is deplora . , Prince Bismarck is known to hold the opinion that annexation by England is inevitable, and the only proper solution of the question. Hut public opinion is not ripe here for this consummation, so the fiction of Khediveal authority is still to be indefinitely maintained.

THE HOUSE OF LORDS. On the 21st July a great demonstration was made at Hyde Park against the action of the Upper House, and in favor of the extension of the franchise to the agricultural laborers. Accounts differ largely, according as they have a Conservative or Liberal origin, as to the numbers that took part in the procession; one account putting it at -.80 000, another at 75 000. The probability is that about 50,000 to 60,000 working men did really give up half a day’s work to express their feelings in a tangible form that was meant to be and was impressive. The affair went off most creditably to all concerned, as no roughness was permitted, and as the Park gates were not pulled down amidst the tears of the Home Secretary, as in the year 1866, when the last Reform Act was before the House. There was no doubt a little wire-pulling done to get so many men together, especially as amongst the lot were 600 Jewish tailors who were mostly Germans, and had not the faintest idea what the object of the demonstration was, and, according to the Conservative papers, many at least of the crowd seemed to be under the impression that they were asked to join to protest against the actions of Mr Gladstone, whereas, of course, the whole aim of the meeting was to support him Still, there can.be.no doubt the great bulk of the processionists knew very well what they wanted,. and are fully prepared to act up to their opinions . A series of great meetings are being held in the provinces l , at one ©f which Mr Bright epoke with all his old vigor, though he professes to have virtually foregone politics ; but like the war horse he sniffs, the battle from afar and cannot be reined in. There is no doubt that the Lords have made a serious mistake. As Mr John MorJey said at a meeting held in London recently, the question now simply lies between “ ending and mending.’ All the Radical party are for ending, but the moderate men probably hold the key of the position, and will insist simply on lessening the power of veto which their Lordships now hold “in terrorem” over the head of every Liberal administration. The session is now rapidly drawing to a close, and Bill after. Bui is beiDg dropped. The autumn session is intended simply for the purpose of parsing once more the Franchise Bill, and if the Upper House again rejects it, there is no telling what the result will be. Many people are in favor of using the Royal prerogative, as was done by Mr Gladstone in the case of the abolition of purchase in the army, some twelve >’® a £ s ago. But this is a dangerous weapon, and if the Tories once more got the upper hand, it might be unpleasantly effective in their hands. However, your readers will tee that we are now at a serious crisis that may have the. effect of entirely reconstructing the Constitution on. a new basis, and more than one venerable institution may suffer in the shock.

THE MAORI KING AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE. I understand his Majesty is very angry at the report of his interview with the representative of the Pall Mall Gazette. He says he did not understand who che gentleman was, and his remarks having been made m a casual sort of way, were not intended for the general public. He bas, however, now gained his object in having an interview with the becre* tary of the Colonies, and Lord Derby went.so far as to say the deputation was the most interesting that he had ever received. We have not up till now clearly understood what the chiefs want, but from their statement it appears to be really a demand for Home Rule for ,those parts of New Zealand which are inhabited exclusively by the native races. This claim is based, it is needless to say, on the Treaty of Waitangi. Lord Derby made a long reply, in which he openly admitted tha , inasmuch as the Government had years ago handed over the entire administration. of the islands to the local authorities, it was lmpossible for him to interfere, even if some injustice had been done, except in the form of advice and pressure upon the House of Assembly. Mr Gorst, M.P., who has taken the cause of the natives in hand, has discovered, or thinks he has dissevered, that the Crown has a legal right to reserve certain native districts without regard to the local anthority at aU, but his Lordship remarked that he was not prepared to admit the tact without further consideration, and, indeed, doubted if the Crown did possess such P°wer at all. He, however, expressed a decided opinion that the Maoris would make a great mistake if they sought to live in separate communities, instead of mingling with the general inhabitants of the island, and concluded by informing them that the matter would be referred to the New Zealand Government. The Queen has expressed a wish to have an interview with the chiefs, but as she has now retired to Osborne, I imagine it will not come off. THE REAL LORD BYRON. It may be in your readers’s recollection that Mr Jeaffreson published some time since a volume with the above title, which excited considerable attention in the literary world. A new edition of the work has just been pub-

lished which has set at rest the Beecher-Stowe story of his unlawful love for his sister Augusta, which so disgusted and horrified everyone years ago. The letters published now entirely dispose° of this fabrication. How the idea grew up in Lady Byron’s mind—as it certainly afterwards did—is not clear, but it was a fancy of late growth, and not entertained by her at the time of her intercourse with her husband’s sister. It is evidently quite , baseless, and was emphatically denied by her in an interview with Lady Byron, which took place in the presence of Mr Robertson, the clergyman, at the White Hart Hotel, Reigate, when both ladies had grown old. The attempt at reconciliation was, however, a failure. Another matter of interest to the literary world is also now laid to rest. It has hitherto been believed that the collection of manuscripts known as the Hobhouse M.S., in the British Museum, would, when opened at the date assigned, throw a flood of light on Byronic bistory, but it is now clear that this is a mistake. There is good reason for supposing that nothing of the kind exists. The writings only contain allusions to Byron in connection with' passing events. All that can ever be known about him is already public. HARVEST PROSPECTS. We are now pretty far on in the summer, and able somewhat to forecast —trembling, indeed with our uncertain climate—what the harvest will be alike. After a long cycle of wet seasons, dry weather has come at last, and had it not been fora spell of cold east winds and late frosts in April and May, farmers would have been rejoicing in a bounteous year. As things stand at present, small fruit crops are very partial ; pears are a failure, and wall fruits are poor, but apples promise a good crop. Potatoes are the only roots doing well up till now, and no cry about disease. July, however, has brought abundant rain, and it is feared that the tubers may shoot and reproduce. Most other root crops in England and Ireland are very bad ; Scotland is an exception. Hops have suffered, from blight, but if the weather turns in again warm and bright, a fair, though not full, crop may be expected. As to wheat the straw is very short, owing to the dry weather, but the ears are full, and there is a great absence of mildew. Persons competent to judge, therefore, believe that if the harvesting season comes off with fine dryiDg sun we shall have a fair average crop, perhaps rather above the mark than under. Allowing for seed, &c., the yield may be assumed at about 10,000,000 quarters, leaving some fifteen to twenty millions to be made up from abroad. Unfortunately for farmers, the price is, and remains, very low. Since the beginning of the year, the highest point attained is 39s g quarter, which has now crone down to 37a Id. It may be expected to fall even lower, perhaps even to 30s ; for last year’s harvest in Ru-sia and elsewhere was abundant, and large stocks are still on hand. Americans reckon that this year s crop Will yield more than enough to give us all we want for the coming winter. These facts may be of interest to your readers, and enable them in some degree to estimate what advantage it will be to them to send oyer their produce. Of course a bad ingathering would send the price up at once, but such a catastrophe would be almost as good as ruin to our farmers. Apropos of this question comes the rumor that the'Select Committee on Indian Railways have recommended the Government ito expend £28,000,000 on . new lines, and £5,500,000 on improving existing ones, provided only that no further burden is placed upon the taxpayers. At present, as is well known, most of the lines are guaranteed 5 per cent for a period of 99 years by the Government ; only by this means is a dividend secured, but with all only about 10,000 miles have been constructed in a country more densely populated than any in the world. Indian railways do not attract the native investor ; out of some 44,212 shareholders only 166 are natives. One great reason why lines do not pay is that internal communication is bad • some stations are so situated that they are unapproachable by carts for three months in the year, but if this were remedied no doubt a favorable change would take place. The thing to be noted, however, is that it is believed an extension of line 3 would open up the Jpeninsula as a great. granary for Europe in general and England, in particular. Should this prospect be realised, not only would our hold on India be strengthened, but all approaches thereto would more jealously be guarded than heretofore. Labor is so cheap and land so plentiful that there are few countries in the world that could successfully compete in price with the native produce ; and should the Bcheme now. proposed be worked out, farmers in the colonies and America will have to consider their position. At present the chances against it are many,.for no one can see how the money is to be raised in the market. Investors are very shy of Indian railways and irrigation works that are not subsidised by the State, and m any case it must be some years before serious competition U brought about. At first local feeders to the present main lines must be constructed and pressure is being brought to bear on the local Governments to try and construct them. Time alone can show with what success.

AN ANSWER TO THE “ BITTER CRY.” Your readers will remember the sudden outburst which roused people with a trumpet cal to look into the painful moral and physical condition of our toiling masses in the great cities. It cannot be said that, as yet much has resulted. A Royal Commission is at work, with the Prince of Wales and Sir Charles Dilke at its head, on the question of the better housing of the poor in our great towns. This difficulty is great enough and important enough truly, but it only deals with the mere fringe of the problem, the core of which is, how are men to keep body and soul together when there is actually no work for them to do and no money put by against a rainy day. It is the want of constant, regular employment at

fair wages which demoralises » man, and leads him ultimately to suicide or drink; or even to criminal pursuits. A Mr Furlong has been writing to the papers telling ns bow the difficulty is, in part at least,, dealt With in Amsterdam. There, it appears, the municipal authorities provide an establishment where work is offered to all comers at a small but regular wage. Food is not provided, as by a money payment many a little home can be held together in hard times, and the family that would otherwise be broken up, kept from dissolution. We are not. informed in what way the means are provided for keeping up an institution of this kind, but doubtless it must be through taxation, as probably the labor returns are not of sufficient value to pay the expenses. There is no doubt a good deal to be said for a scheme of this sort, but its practicability is open to question in towns of magnitude. It is to be feared it would involve a heavy tax, and possibly shopkeepers would object to have rival competitors set up who would be supported out of the common rates. Such complaints have been made repeatedly .by tradesmen against the practice of employmg convicts aDd prisoners in the basket-making, cabinet work, shoemaking, and other employments. Still, the example of the Dutch is worth consideration and adoption under proper restrictions. Foreigners are, however, content with much less wages than Englishmen. In Berlin female telegraphists only can earn £4 a month at the very outside ; in the same city the Tramway Company pays its female servants for thirteen or fourteen hours work per day the miserable pittance of £2 4s 2sd per month, and never a single holiday, year in year out, unless they like to take it at their own expense. What would some of our grumblers say to that ? The fact is, people in our English-speaking communities little know how much they have to be thankful for, and if they would consent to spend a little less on beer and tobacco, and become vegetarians, the tales of misery and wretchedness that are so shocking would be reduced to a very small number. &

THE IRISH SCANDALS. The charges against Mr Cornwall, late Secretary of the Post Office, are being proceeded with in earner!, and a number of persons of ' decent social position are joined with, him in the dock. Everyone is utterly astonished at the arrests which have been made, and it is now pretty evident that most of the prisoners will be committed for trial. The Magistrate declined to admit the reporters, on the ground that the public would have ample chance to be disgusted when the Assize Court is opened ; for that he (the Magistrate) had never before investigated so frightful a mass of evidence. There seems to have been an infamous gang hauDtinc both Dublin and London for some years, if° all that is rumored be true, but how it could have escaped, the attention of the police ia most extraordinary.

MRS WELDON AGAIN ! This lady, who has been really fighting the battle of the general public against the operation of the lunacy laws, has just been successful all along the line. It may be remembered that some years ago her husband tried to place her in a private lunatic asylum, though without doubt she is sane enough, but she evaded bis attempts, and has now brought a series of actions against the doctors who examined her and certified for her removal, the manager, of the private asylum who was to have had £SOO a year for taking care of her, and many others. So far she has been fully successful, and has in all cases conducted her own case. She has just gained £IO2O damages against oue doctor, and in a previous case in which she was nonsuited has had the judgment reversed by a superior court. The state of the law is scandalous, aod should be looked into in all countries. It is a monstrous thing that any two doctors should have the power to incarcerate a man or woman for life, if in their ignorance they should choose to consider some eccentricities of character or temper a sufficient indication of madness.

THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS. The visitors are continuing a good progress, but their success is not so uniform as in former years. The great match, England v. Australia, come off on July the 21st and following days at Lord’s, in the presence of many thousands. Between 30,000 and 40,000 paid for admission during the three days the match was on, and as the Australians. took half the o-ate money at 6d a head, they did very fairly well from a financial point of. view. The match was very good one, but in the end the visitors were defeated in one innings and five runs to spare, England’s score amounting to 379, towards which Mr A. G. Steel contributed 148 off his own bat in the one innings of tbe Home team. Ulyett’s bowling was also very destructive on a very hard wicket, the colonists being unable to stand up. against it. This match was followed by one with Sussex, drawn very much in favor of the county. A match with the Players is now proceeding. The return [England v. Australia comes off at the Oval on August 11.