NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 897, 10 May 1889, Page 25

NEWS BY CABLE.

ENGLISH. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION-.) London, May 1. Before The Times-Parnell Commis ■ion to-day the cross-examination of Mr Parnell was continued. The wituess asserted that he always tried to conduct the agitation constitutionally without crime. He admitted inciting tenants not to pay rents, and that he was personally acquainted with John Devoy, convicted of Fenianiem, and a trustee of the skirmishing fund raised by the Irish World; J. W. Nally, convicted of* crime ; John Walsh, of Middlesborongh, organiser of the Invincible conspiracy in Ireland ; and a number of Fenians. He was not aware that the latter had seceded from Femanism, neither was he aware that the national fund raised in America was identical with the skirmishing fund. It was not his duty .to exclude anyone from membership of the League on account of his antecedents. He held that the Crown ought to be the sole link between England and Ireland. He was not able to remember if, when speaking at Lynn (Massachusetts) during his American tour, he had stated that not until England had been beaten to her knees by an enemy, would there be a chance for Ireland. Be admitted saying at Troy (New York) that, of the amount subscribed as the result of his tour in America, for every five dollars he accepted for bread he accepted twenty for lead. What he meant by that was that he accepted the American donations, and would apply the moneys raised in the proportion of 5 dollars to charitable purposes, and 20 dollars to the objects of the League in the sense of carrying on the fight for Home Buie. The witness stated that he still adhered to the views he expressed at the interview with Ires and Farrell. Loudon-, May 2. The Bev. Henry H. Montgomery, M.A., Yicar of St Mark’s, Kensington, who was nominated in March last for the Bishopric of Tasmania, rendered vacant in consequence of the acceptance by Dr Sandford of the coadjutorship to the Bishopric of Durham, was consecrated Bishop of Tasmania at Westminster Abbey to-day. In the course of the proceedings the Bishop-elect referred to the colossal growth of Australia, and expressed an opinion that before the close of this century, the responsibilities of Great

Britain would embrace one-fourth of tho human race. He deplored the indifference of British statesmen to the maintaining of a political connection between Great Britain and the colonies. The Marquis of Donegal, who recently floured in the Divorce Court, has become a bankrupt. His liabili ties are stated at half a million, and his assets at only LIOOO. The BtaudanVs Vienna correspon•dent declares that the Czar tried hard during March last to compel the Sultan to become a party to a treaty by which the control of the Dardanelles would be secured to Russia. When the Porte rejected the Russian overtures, the Czar warned the Sultan that the Russian Black sea fleet would be made ready for action. The same correspondent states that M. Nellidoff, the Russian Ambassador at Constantinople, who has recently been on a visit to St Petersburg, has returned to Constantinople with fresh instructions. The shipping companies are com plaining of great depression in the Australian trade. At the wool sales to-day a firm tone prevailed. Sixteen thousand bales were offered. London, May 2. It is thpught that Stanley and Emin Pasha have stopped in Uganda on their way to the coast, and are engaged in pacifying that kingdom, which has lately experienced several changes of rulers. Mr Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, speaking at Manchester, said that the storm of revolution in Ireland was abating, and social calm was likely to descend on the face of society. It is expected that the Government will not proceed with the Bill to give effect to the Sugar Bounties Convention this session. The measure has occasioned much adverse comment on the ground of its protectionist tendency, and several members of the Government party are active in opposition to it. The Leaseholders’ Enfranchisement Bill, introduced by Sir W. Lawson, enabling holders of leases to purchase the fee-simple on certain conditions, was rejected by a majority of 29. The Supreme Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, England, has cancelled the charters of nine Chapters in New South Whies, which have entered the Grand Lodge of that colony. A number of noblemen and gentry have subscribed LIO,OOO to place settlers on the farms of Scottish tenants in Ulster who have been boycotted. The plebiscite which was taken in Edinburgh on the proposal to confer the freedom of the city on Mr Parnell was largely against it, but many voters did not record their opinions. The Marylebone Cricket Club passed several important alterations in the rules, which come into immediate operation. Among the alterations made by the Club now decided on are that an over shall consist oi five balls. It was also decided tbat the bowler may change ends as often as he likes, provided he does not bowl successive overs. On the last day ot a match, or at any time during day match, the batting side may declare the innings closed though it should not be completed. AH the leading county Clubs, with the exception of Surrey, have agreed to the alterations. The cross-examination of Mr Parnell by Sir R. E. Webster was continued yesterday. The Irish leader is skilfully answering the AttorneyGeneial’s questions. Respecting his knowledge of Gallagher, Harris, Walsh, Devoy, Breslin, and other Irish Americans, Mr Parnell said he did not know they were Fenians ; they never told him they were. Tho statements as to his approving Nolan's past history, and saying none were truer than those standing beside Nolan were mere election exaggerations. He admitted that Condor, who "was one of those who planned the rescue of Kelly and Deasy from the custody of the police at Manchester on 18th September, 1867, when Policeman Brett was killed, was the chairman of his (Parnell’s) Reception Committee at Washington, and asserted that he introduced him to Congress. He knew Finnerty, the dynamiter, and had never repudiated him. He admitted writing to him in 1882, as a personal friend, congratulating him upon his return to Congress, but was not aware that he was a dynamites till 1882. Before The Times-Parr.ell Commission,- the cross-examination of Mr Parnell yyaß continued, The witness

said he was not aware that the chairman of his American Reception Committee was a member of the Gael. He was not aware that Devoy threatened to mui'der English Ministers of the Crown and burn cities. He admitted that he never denounced the use of dynamite except when replying to Mr Forster, the Irish Secretary, in the House of Commons. He might have subscribed to ths present to Kelly, who shot Constable Talbot, and he never condemned thepastcareer of the violent party. He considered that the enthusiasm of Mr W. E. Redmond, M.P., approached to rashness, and he had privately reproved him for menacing speeches. He admitted that his protests against crime since 1880 were not sufficient in view of the increase of outrages. His norent manifesto was an act of retaliation for imprisonment in Kilmaiuham Gaol, and the arrest of the members of his party. He was willing to admit that the manifesto was open to condemnation, though it had never been formally withdrawn. He regarded many of Mr W. O’Brien’s articles in the United Ireland newspaper a 3 too strong. It is rumored that the office of the Viceroy of Ireland, which will shortly become vacant in consequence of the intended resignation of the Marquis of Londonderry, will be abolished under the new Irish Local Government scheme, and that upon the resignation of the present holder the office will be administered by a Commission until a scheme, to be submitted by idio Government, be dealt with by tlie Parliament §UeJ! It is reported that. Sir F. Dillon Bell and Sir Graham Berry are to be created Knights of the Legion of Honour. Sir Robert Morier, British Ambassador at Sfc Petersburg, in the course of a despatch addressed to the Marquis of Salisbury, declares that M. Vishnegradsky, the Russian Minister of Finance, could never have effected the recent remarkable revolution in the Russian financial position without the assurances of the Czar that the nation intended to preserve peace. Tallow—Best mutton, 26s to 26s 6d ; beef, 25s 6d to 265. Q-erman sugar is firm at Hamburg and Antwerp at 235, f.o.b. Ox hides, 3fd per lb. The kauri gum market is flat. The next wool series open on June 18. Arrivals up to 4000 bales have been admitted. The fourth series open September 17 and the filth series November 25. The catalogue will be unlimited. The American copper delegates have failed to arrange lor a limitation of the copper output. New Zealand mutton, 5d ; beef, 3£d. The creditors of Messrs Spalding and Hodge, the well-known printers and. stationers, have accepted 14s 6d in tho pound. Wool.is unchanged. London, May 2. The weekly returns of the Bank of England show the total reserve in notes and bullion at L 13 ,676,000, and the proportion of reserve to liabilities at 39 per cent, being a decrease of L 526.000 on the reserve of last week. Consols are steady at 98-^. New Zealand 4 per cent, inscribed stock has advanced to 106. The market is active. Australian wheat, ex warehouse, 39s 6d ; market quiet. New Zealand long-berried, ex store, firm at 393. Copper —Chili bars, £3B 5s ; market firm. Iron—Best Scotch pig, No. J, f o.b. London, May 3, Tho following are the advances in merinos, as compared with the closing rates of the February sales :—Combing, best lambs, Id; greasy clothing, inferior lambs, to .Id ; inferior scoured, Id to Hd ; superior fine crossbred, Id. The general advance is from 10 to 15 per cent, over last year’s prices. Stocks are low, and the prospects for the next series are bright. Steady business is being done in wheat. New Zealand sorts are quoted at 4s 5d to 4s lid ; South Australian, os 6d. on the Clyde, 43s 9d. London, May 3. Mr W. L. Rees sails for New Zealand in the Kaikoura. Lord Calthorpe has been selected as arbitrator in the disputes between Sir G. Chefcwynd and the Earl of Durham. It is expected that tho proposal to confer the freedom of Edinburgh on Mr Parnell will be dropped, in view of th-3 result of the recent plebiscite.

An official bulletin has been issued stating that the recovery of the Duke of Edinburgh from the fever is assured, but the duration of his illness is doubtful. All the Liberal Unionists and 20 Tories oppose the ratification of the Sugar Bounties Convention. The Times considers it unwise to persist with the Bill in the face of such opposition. Mr Gladstone supported Mr Goschen’s proposal for increasing the death duties, though he expressed the opinion that they set a precedent for graduated taxation which might be unduly pressed at some future date. An alteration in the deed of settlement of the Bank of Australasia has been confirmed by the shareholders. It is asserted at Berlin that, in view of Austral an interests at Samoa, England will in many points support the American proposals. The sentence of imprisonment on Dr Tanner, Mr J. O’Connor, and Mr Condon, M.P.’s, have been confirmed on appeal. Mr Parnell, in farther cross-exami-nation, said he had often remonstrated with Mr W. O’Brien, but he never publicly repudiated his utterances. Baron de Worms, replying in the House of Commons to a question by Sir G. Campbell as t.o the nature of Sir Hercules Robinson’s speech at Capetown, sa'd the Government did not consider it desirable to take any action in the absence ot the full text of the speech. IT.ey would await the arrival of Sir IT. Robinson in England. m The Rev J. T. Wegner, of New Cross (London), has been appointed President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland. Mr Charles A. V. Conybeare, M.P. for Camborne, Cornwall, has been sentenced to three months’ imprison - ment for inciting the Falcarragh tenantry to support the Plan of Campaign. To-day the cross-examination of Mr Parnell was continued before the Special Commission. Sir R. E. Webster, the Attorney-General, read several articles in the Irishman newspaper, in which persons committing crime in Ireland were highly eulogised. Mr Parnell admitted that these were calculated. -to encourage the use of physical force. He believed that O’Donovan Ro3sa had never originated the outrages, and only boasted of them after they were committed. The outrages attributed co the Clan - mi - Gael Society were, he thought, probably the work of scattered organisations composed of Irish Americans. If constitutional Government for Ireland failed, be might consider liis retirement from public life. Mr Parnell said that he disapproved some ot the speeches delivered bv Mr Dillon, but it was not within his province to reprove him for them. He considered that fund was used for innocent purposes, but that the name given to the Society was likely to cause people to regSrd the executed murderers as martyrs. Mir Parnell admitted that the statement made by him in the House of Commons on January 7th, 1881, to the effect tbat secret societies had ceased to exist in Ireland, .was intended to deliberately mislead the House as to his views, owing to the rejection of Forster’s Habeas Corpus Suspension Act. He undoubtedly had wished to mislead the House, but he feared it had failed, as the Act had since been applied. His statement was a gross exaggeration and not founded on fact. He intended to exaggerate in order to produce an impression of the influence of the National League. ( This admission created a tremendous sensation, which was intensified by Mr Parnell’s cynical nonchalance; there was also some hissing.) Mr Parnell added that secret societies and crime had ceased in Ireland after the Arrears in Rent Act had come into operation. This result was largely owing to the influence of Messrs Davitt, Egan, Sheridan and Boyton. He assumed that some of the books of the Land League were in possession of Egan, but the cash book, the letter books, and the ledgers had disappeared. Sir James llaunen said he attached great importance to the fact that the boohs had been lost, and Mr Parnell promised to try and recover them. In reply to a further question Mr Parnell said that the accounts of the Laud League had never been audited, London, May 4. Mr Barry Snliivan, the tragedian who has been ill for some time, is improving in health.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has intimated to the English Presbyterian Synod that the Anglican Synod is ready to confer with other Christian communions with regard to arranging a fuller organic unity. The Synod has approved the proposed conference, and forwarded a sympathetic response. O’Connor has covered Searle’s deposit to scull for the championship of the world next September. The health of the Duke of Edinburgh continues to improve, and the daily bulletins by his medical advisers have now ceased. In the House of Commons last night, Sir George Campbell, member for Kirkcaldy, in order to discuss the Western Australian land question, moved the reduction of the salary of Lord Knutsford, Secretary of State for the Colonies, by £IOOO. D uring the debate on the question, a strong opinion was expressed that Lord Knutsford ought to make a safeguard in the interests of emigrants before conceding Responsible Government to Western Australia. It was asserted thatassent tothe Enabling Bill would be refused unless public lands were available for selection by emigrants. The English Emigration and Colonising Committee, it was stated, intended to make an extensive deportation to that colony. After furthur discussion the motion for the reduction of the salary was withdrawn. The Times condemns Lord Ivnutsford’s policy respecting the disposal of Imperial patrimony, and declares he is prepared to yield to pressure from any quarter. The press generally supports the proposal, as providing an outlet for surplus population. It is reported that Mr Chamberlain has withdrawn from Liberal society, and this is thought to be significant of his future action in the matter of disestablishment. London, May 4. Tallow—Medium mutton, '23a 6d ; medium beef, 23s Oid. Leather has advanced. The total quantity of wool catalogued for the series just closed is 312,200 bales. Of this quantity 182,000 bales were sold for export, and 4600 bales were held over for next series. Cargoes of New Zealand wheat on passage sold at an average of 355. Forward business is steady. Foreign arrivals are moderate. There are no cargoes off coast or at ports of call. The English wheat market is steady, Continental market dull, and the. American market unchanged. New Zealand hemp is quoted at from L 36 15s to 1 87. Arrived—Ship Turakina, from Napier (1 Sth February). Sailed— Ship Waimea, for Port Chalmers. R.M.S. Kaikoura left Plymouth today for Wellington, via Hobart. ' R.M.S. Tongariro* arrived at Plymouth yesterday. Her cargo of frozen meat is in good condition. R.M.S. Ruapehu left tho Cape of Good Hope yesterday for New Zealand, via Hobart. Correction. —It is reported that Mr Chamberlain has withdraws) from the Liberation Society, and this is thought to be significant of his future action in the matter of disestablish- : ment. May 5. The wool sales (April-May series) closed yesterday very firm at an advance generally of to Id above tho closing rates of the February sales. Trade i 3 healthy, and the advance will probably be maintained. Lord Dunraven will probably uccept the amended conditions for tbs race for the America Cap between bit* yacht Volkyrie and the New York Yacht Club’s Volunteer. The Marquis of Hartington and Mr J. Chamberlain have announced theirintention of opposing the Sugar Coiiivention Ri»L Mr Dawes, of Gray, Dawes, and Cq., who recently purchased the late ; Sir W. Pearce’s interest in the Now Zealand Shipping Company, has joined the directory of that Company. The Duke of Edinburgh continues to improve in health. It is rumoured that Lord Cadogan, Lord Privy Seal, will succeed tho Marquis of Londonderry as Viceroy of Ireland. London, May 6. Mr Parnell’s evidence before The Times-Parnell Commission has caused a revival of sympathy with The Times, and the Tories are jubilant in consequence of the admissions Mr Parnell has been compelled to make. The general impression ia that a great mistake was made in calling evidence. A syndicate is being formed at

Dublin, with a capital of L 1,000,000, with the object of controlling a portion of the whisky trade. , , The Prince of Wales presided the annual meeting of the Imperial Institute. A satisfactory report was presented as to the progress of the building and the success of Sir Somers Vine’s mission to Australia. Up to date L 400,000 has been subscribed or Soap Works, London, damage to the extent of a quarter of a million has been done. A cargo of Australian wheat has been sold at 34s 6d. London, May 7. Sir Charles Dilke, in the course of a brilliant speech at Dean Forest, said England had better follow the example of the colonies in other matters than the ballot or the cloture, such as the extension of the franchise based on age instead of property. He though t, at it was, they were pretty certain to follow in colonial footsteps m the direction of religious equality, comnulsory education, and xree schools {which must not he pauperised) schools such as Victoria and i\ew Zealand had. He advocated the boarding-out of pauper children and old and helpless people dependent on toe State for their subsistence. Tie opnosed the lauding of indigent paupers in England, or hordes of people content to exist on an inferior and brutish level. He drew attention to the system of provident insurance under State auspices in New Zealand, and advised following the example of the colonies with regard to local option. He was not in favour of the principle being pushed to a point which would lead to the restriction of individual liberty, hut he desired to see the abuse of drinking put a stop to. He was in favour of the adoption of a shorter term ior the existence of Parliament, the payment of members, aud the freeing of candidates from the burden of election expenses. He commended the dissolution of the Upper Houses in order to carry Bills against their vetoes. He approved cumulative taxation, graduated succession duties, and also I graduated property-tax, but to a less heavy extent. He supported a higher income tax. The eight-hours system he confessed presented a difficulty. His proposal was that an attemp Sould be made to get the principal manufacturing countries of western Europe to come to a general agree ment in favour of limiting the hours of labour. The Government and municipalities ought to set an example by enforcing the principle m all renewals or extensions of contracts. 'The time was not ripe for he compulsory adoption of the system Jut it ought to be experimentally tested. He was m favour of the checks upon sweating, as in vogue in Victoria/ The colonies were far in France of the Mother Country in the matter of local government. The Secession of responsible government had converted New South Wales from a dangerous condition in o a most Wl country, and from this example, to argued, it would bo to fong withhold similar justice from Ireland.

SPECIAL. London, May 1. Sir H D. Bell has formed a commit Tee to procure exhibits for the I" p'ictu": < Trn ‘to Melbourne loan collection sn&d be Se l fc report is again current to the effect' tlmt Henry Iryi..?, iho known actor, is to he Knighted. _ The Bounties Commission has resumed its sittings in London. - ! ‘ !, y , •

Mr Howard Vincent, M.P., r o ' ceived a communication from the Victorian police announcing Ha. the franchise has been conferred on them. Mr Vincent has, in reply, expressed his gratification at what he looks upon as the fi-st political concession ever mflde in the British dominions to the champion sculler, has intimated that he will withdraw hiS offer lo row O’Connor unless the latter accepts before the 10tn May. Notwithstanding statements to the contrary, it is definitely announced that the formation or a syndicate to control the output of the paper mills has been completed. Sir John Walsham, British Minister n t Pekin, has failed to make any prolleas in his negotiations With the ChTnese Government u> reference to

emigration to the Australian colonies. The Imperial assent to the Exclusion Bills passed by those colonies will be withheld pending a further attempt to arrive at a settlement with Ghina, but the British Government is agree able to allow exclusion to be enforced meanwhile in terms of the Bills. China objects to negotiate unless the Bills are suspended pending the drawing up of a new treaty. In cross-examination, Mr Parnell admitted advocating the non-payment of rent. This, he alleged, was ihe only unconstitutional act of his whole career. fcir R. Webster’s questions are few in number, and so far have not produced much result. London, May 3. gir T. 11. Farrer, in a letter to the press, urges that the adoption of the Sugar Bounties Convention will compel’Victoria to repeal her differential duty on beet sugar. In reply to a question in the House of Commons, Sir L- Playfair said the whole of the colonies had accepted the convention except New South Wales. MrJjVizetelly, the London publisher who was recently fined for selling certain books of Zola’s, has been committed for trial on a further charge of selling Zola’s works. Boulanger hr. 3 summoned a council of his followers to meet in London. A great sensation has been caused iu English society by the separation of the young Buke of Newcastle from his newly-married wife, nee Miss Candv. London, May 5. It is rumoured that Boulanger intends to return to Paris and rely on ( the protection of his friends. He complains that he is boycotted in London. The tenants on the Vanueleur estates have paid their rents and a portion of the arrears. Sir C. Russell is to fix the amount of the rent to he paid by each holder for the next five years. Mr Heaton, whose good services were instrumental in bringing the arbitration about, has been thanked for the part he took iu effecting an amicable arrangement. The Parnell fund has reached L 37,000. Twenty pounds has been paid already to Mr G. Lewis, solicitor for tne defence. London, May 7. Lord Knutsford has notified that in future the title of “ honourable ’’ will only have currency in the particular colony in which it lias been conferred and will not hold good iu the other colonies or in England. The fire at the City Soap Works extended to twenty-four warehouses, The total amount of the damage is upward of half a million, ihe premises of Stevenson and Soub, of Melbourne, were slightly damaged. The Congregational Union proposes that a national conference shall be held, in compliance with the, request of the Victorian Jubilee Conference. Boulanger denies the rumour that he intends to return to France. It is reported that O’Brien will be released unconditionally to enable him to attend Ilia Parnell Commission. Sir C. Dilke, in a speech at Dean Forest, said be was confident ol being enabled to return to public life, and hoped his position would be strengthened by the suffering he had undergone. The New Zealand Loan and Mer cantiio Agency Company (Limited), have received the following telegram from their London office, dated the 4th instant: —“Wool. —The sales closed firmly this day. at an average advance of about 7\ per cent on last sales’ closing rates. the principal improvement has been in superior o-reasy, fine crossbred, and medium to good scoured, which have advanced Id to lid per lb ; medium crossbred has advanced id per lb- For coarse cross bred the market is unchanged. The sales comprise about 302,000 bales. Five thousand bales have been held over for future disposal, 181,000 bales have been taken for the Continent, and 5000 bales for America. Tallow— Good mutton has declined 6d per cwt Frozen meat—Mutton : Market firmer Canterbury is worth 4fd and Wellington 4id per lb. Beef: Market depressed, and quotations are unchanged. Lamb: Market quiet.” Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co. are in receipt of the following cable messago from their London firm, Messrs Sanderson, Murray, and Co., regarding wool sales, under date 3rd

May : The next series of sales is fixed to commence 18fch June, 'and will be limited to uew arrivals, 400,000 bales. The fourth series ol sales is fixed to commence 17th September.; the fifth series of sales 26th November.” Another message, under date May 4, says :—“ Sales have closed very firm ; 4000 bales held over.” CONTINENTAL. (per press association.) Paeis, May 1. Owing to the expressed determination of the representatives of the Foreign Powers to absent themselves from the opening ceremonies in connection with the Paris Exhibition as a protest against commemorating the revolution, it has been decided that President Carnot shall open the Exhibition without any ceremony. Vienna, May 2. The Austrian diplomatists are of opinion that peace is assured fox* this year. St. Petersbiteg, May 2. A commission of the leading Bussian engineers have approved of General Paneker’s Siberian railway scheme. _ The police of Gronstadt have discovered large stores ol explosives, and have found evidence of a plot against the life of the Czar. The Czar was expected to be present at a military demonstration at Krasnoje-Selo, near St Petersburg, but wired at the last moment that he would not attend. Belgeabe, May 2. The ex-Queen Natalie is expected to arrive in this city within a fortnight. Mexico, May 2. A Mexican mob made an attempt to release five Jesuit priests wno had been committed to gaol at Guanaxuato, the capital ol the State of the same name, for preaching seditious sermons. The troops were called out to protect the governor of the gaol, and were compelled to fire on the mob. Two hundred of the latter were killed. Suakiuc, May 2. The expedition sent to drive the Arabs from. Pore llaliab was successful, aud the Dervishes retreated. Paeis, May 2. It is expected that the Anarchists in Paris intend to incite the workmen engaged on the Exhibition buildings to strike for an increase in wages. Berlin, May 2. It is expected that the Conference will reinstate Malietoa in the sovereignty of Samoa. A committee is engaged in drafting a plan for the government of the islands under native rulers, and also settling the constitution of a tribunal to adjudicate on questions of private land tenure. It is expected that the Conference will appoiut a council of three to advise the king. In some quarters it is feared that the complaisance which England is showing to the wishes of Germany may offend America. Rome, May 4. It is reported that Victor Emmanuel, Prince of Naples, is betrothed to a sister of the Emperor Will.'am of Germany. Sofia, May 4. M. Stambouloff, in replying to the overtures made to him, declares that Bulgaria will not be deluded by Russian promises. Paeis, May 3. There will be a brilliant fete at Versailles on the Sunday previous to the official opening of the Exhibition. President Carnot will unveil a tablet in commemoration of the meeting of the National Constituent Assembly on sth May, 1789. It is expected that the Directors of the Comptoir d’Eseompte will surrender twenty million francs. It is reported that the general election has been postponed until next year. St. Peteesbukg, May 3. More Nihilists have been arrested here, Constantinople, May 3. A body of Kurds outraged and burned an Armenian girl in the presence of her parents at a place called Amris. The indignant villagers sent a deputation, to the Porte to inform the Turkish Government that if reparation were not exacted they would ask Russia to annex the country. Brussels, May 5. The Duke of Nassau, who assumed the Regency of Luxemburg last month, has left the duchy for Frankfort. The whole population turned ont to witness his farewell. Constantinople, May 5. _ The plain of Monich in Armenia

has been occupied by hordes of marauding Kurds, who are repeating the outrages already notified by cable. Among other atrocities they have plundered and burned alive a native named Pastoran. The Porte suspects that a conspiracy against the Turkish Government exists in Armenia, aud many arrests have been made iu consequence. Beblin, May 5. The sub-committee appointed by the Samoan Conference has agreed upon a b.asis of settlement, and it is hoped the Conference will terminate in a week. The ex-German Consul, Dr Knappe, in his published despatches, attacks the American sailors, aud asserts that Mataafa ordered his followers to abstain from rescuing the Germans during the disastrous storm in March. Constantinople, May 5. . There is a growing discontent in Armenia with Turkish misrule, and it is feared a rising is imminent. Paeis, May 5.

M. Ferry, addressing his constituents of the Department of the Vosges, declared that it was incredible that France should surrender herself to gutter dictation. Crowds are flocking into Paris for the opening of the Exhibition, It is reported that a warraut has been issued for the arrest of M. Hentsch, formerly chairman of the Comptoir d’Eseompte. It is also stated that the liquidators have reopened negotiations with the owners ol British and American mines tor limiting the output of copper. The Journal des Debats complains of the withdrawal of the French Naval Squadron from the Levant, and -declares that Italy will be certain to occupy the position thus vacated. 'ihe League of Patriots has decided to abstain from agitation during the time the Exhibition is opeu. Beblin, May 5. A Bill amending the law relating to elementary schools has been presented to the Reichsratb. It hands over to the Church religious education, stipulating that teachers shall obey the rules of the Education Department. The Bill determines the amount of time that shall be devoted to instruction in each subject, and fixes the age of compulsory attendance at between 6 and 14 years. A White Book has been published containing despatches from Dr Knappe, formerly German Consul at. Samoa, in which he condemns the unwarrantable hoisting of the American and British flags over the huts and lands belonging to the natives. He alleges that the natives pledged some lands claimed by Germans for arms and ammunition. r J he holders, therefore, were justified iu hoisting their own national flag. Dr Knappe also states that Captain Hand, of the British cruiser Royalist, declared that he could not support the claims made for the possession of this hypothecated land. An American firm had for years imported handkerchiefs bearing the national colours and portraits of the President, and since the outbreak these had been hoisted recklessly over houses and huts in all directions. Considerable excitement was caused in Berlin by the inopportune publication of these despatches. The Samoan Commission has ascertained that the land claims exceed the total area of the whole islands Mr Sewell aud Herr Branders have both been attending the sittings. The Emperor will formally receive the delegates after his return from Kiel. Paeis. May 6.

President Carnot, in his speech yesterday at the unveiling of the memorial tablet, said the experience of a century would prevent France confiding her destinies to one man. The authorities have ordered the closing of a panorama at the Exhibition containing a portrait of Boulanger. The English and American Courts at the Exhibition are well advanced, but all the others are incomplete. A witness examined by the Committee of the Senate engaged in procuring evidence against Boulanger testified to the latter’s intimacy with Denfert Rochereau, manager of the Comptoir d’Escompte, who committed suicide in March. Cardinal Lavigerie, who has been preaching a crusade in Europe against slavery, haß convened a conference at Lucerne to consider the best means for the suppression of the evil. President Carnot yesterday marched to Versailles, attended by an imposing precession, and inaugurated the Fountain of Neptune with a memorial tablet in honour of tho cen’enary of

the French Revolution. The President delivered an oration suitable to the occasion in the Hall of Mirrors. The weather was splendid, and large crowds took part in the fete. At the beginning of the proceedings an ex-soldier named Perrin fired a blank cartridge at the President while he was leaving the Elysee. He was promptly arrested, and stated he merely fired his rifle in order to attract public notice to a grievance. He alleged he had been unjustly punished and his wife and children were starving. The excited crowd tried to lynch the man, but did not succeed. M. Hentsch, formerly chairman of the Comptoir d’Escompte, has been arrested and admitted to bail in one million francs.

There was an enormous gathering to-day to witness the formal opening of the Exhibition, and Paris appeared in her most brilliant array in honour of the occasion. President Carnot was escorted through the streets by squadrons of cavalry, and, at intervals, salvoes of artillery were fired. At the Exhibition itself there was but little ceremony, and the proceedings were conducted without any great display. The Premier (M. Tirard) delivered an address expressing the gratitude of France for the homage done to her by foreign nations in assisting to make the Exhibition superior to all preceding it. The President in his speech said the Exhibition marked the completion of a century of progress. Visitors would be able to judge whether the calumnies aimed at France were correct. He extended a hearty welcome to all their guests, and concluded by saying that these great festivals of labour enabled the nations to approach and understand one another, and cement the peace of the world. The ex-soldier Perrin, who fired a blank cartridge at the President yesterday, is apparently insane. The police are making domiciliary visits to the houses of Boulangist partisans at Neuilly, a mile and a half out of Paris. Five arrests have been effected. St Petersburg, May 6. The Russian press is assuming a very bellicose attitude in regard to the Balkan difficulty. Beblin, May 6. The Samoan Conference held its secoud meeting on Saturday, and received the report of the sub-committee appointed, to consider the land question. It is understood the report was considered satisfactory, aud another sub committee was appointed to consider the future form»of government of the island*. It is expected that the Samoans will be a*ked to elect their own King, but it is anticipated that the question of the foreign control of this ru’er will be likely to raise considerable difficulty. The Samoan Conference is discussing the question of the Kingship, with a guarantee of an orderly Government in Samoa. A land commission is to be appointed. Vienna, May 7. Baron Hirsch, the well-known Aus trian financier, has sold all the railways owned by him in Turkey to the Austrian. State Railway proprietary. Paeis, May 7. After delivering their speeches at the opening of the Exhibition, President Carnot and M. Tirard made a tour of the courts. They were received at the colonial portion of the building by Sir Graham Berry, Sir Francis D.JBell, and Mr Braddon, Agent-General of Tasmania. The city was generally illuminated last night and presented a magnificent and unequalled spectacle. St. Petersburg, May 7. It is reported that the Czar is shortly to be crowned King of Poland. AMERICAN. y Chicago, May 2. During a display of fireworks in this city, a rocket accidentally found its way into the crowd. Many were badly injured by the . explosion, and many more crushed iu the panic which the accident caused. Altogether several hundred people were hurt in one way or another, but fortunately none of the injuries are likely to prove fatal." New York, May 2. President Harrison yesterday reviewed an industrial parade in which 80,000 men took part. He afterward attended divine service in the church where Washington worshipped on the same date a century ago. The celebration was of a most impressive and solemn character. New Yobk, May 3. The fNs thp Calqmet and Hecla

copper mines have at length been extinguished. Ottawa, May 3. Parliament has authorised the Government of the Dominion to arrange for a fortnightly mail service from Vancouver to Australia and New Zealand, and agrees to subsidise the service to tbs extent of L 25,000 yearly. Parliament is also willing to vole LIOO,OOO for a weeklv service between Canada and England. Washington, May 4. Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British Ambassador to the United States, was accorded a cordial reception by President Harrison. New Yoke, May 6. Teemer declines to row Searle on the Thames. THE EAST. Calcutta, May 2. The Maharajah of Cashmere, who was lately discovered plotting against the Government uuder circumstances which led to the suspicion of insanity, has consented to surrender the government of the principality into the hands of the Native Council. Massowah, May 4. The news that Johannas, the Negus of Abyssinia, has been killed by the dervishes, is confirmed. Menelek has proclaimed himself Negus. Calcutta, May 3. It is rumoured that the Indian Government intends to extend the railway to Candahar. Capetown, May 3. Sir H. Robinson left the Cape for England. In his parting speech he asserted that Imperialism was a diminishing quantity in South Africa, and the chief factor in the future of colonisation was Republicanism. Ho condemned irresponsible bodies in England meddling with the colonies. The colonial press generally approves the tone and style of Sir Hercules’ speech. . AUSTRALIAN Sydney, May 2, Arrived —11.M.5. Zealandia, liom San Erancisco, via Auckland. A man named Hibble was to-day sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment on a charge of bigamy. Hibble was recently married to Mrs Corston, of Auckland. The youth Sawyer was acquitted on the charge of murder of a hawker named Olund near Young in January > There is a good demand both in Sydney and Adelaide for New Zealand seed wheat. Values, however, have not changed since previous quotations. Brisbane, May 2. A teamster named Bell has surrendered himself to the police, and has confessed to the murder of a man named Sidewell, at Amoro Creek. His accomplice, a man named Scott, has also been arrested. . Melbourne, May 3. Arrived —Mararoa, from the Bluff. Wheat —The demand is limited. Holders are unwilling to accept 5s 7d. > : Bbisbane, May 3. Captain Emerson and two seamen belonging to the steamer Lark were drowned at Cairns by the capsizing of a boat. . Adelaide, May 3. Information has been received from the Mauritius to the effect that the sugar prospects of this season are simply magnificent, and it is confidently expected that the highest average ever touched will be topped. Hobart, May 3. The Coptic - arrived late last night, and sailed at 10 this morning for New Zealand. She brings 55 passengers for New Australia and 58 for New Zealand. Sydney, May 3. Sailed—Tarawera, for AucklandThe House sat continuously for 24 hours discussing the proposal to purchase DarliDg Island for railway purnoses. There were many disorderly scenes during the sitting, and the cloture was enforced. The question was a - non-party one, and in consequence of Mr Dibbs, the leader of the Opposition, voting with the Government, he was accused by Mr Toohey, member for South Sydney, of betraying his party, and he formally withdrew his allegiance to Mr Dibbs. , -- Sydney, May 4. Arrived—G. M. Tucker, from KaiPa Saiied—Agnes Oswald, for LyttelThe passengers of the steamer Guthrie, who w ere (jqarafltiuctt on

accouut of the existence of smallpox on board, were admitted to pratique to.day. Newcastle, May 4. Sailed —Lome and E:llan Dorian, for Auckland. Melbourne, May 4<. Arrived—Grasmere, from Kaipara. The New Zealand shipment of fish by the Mararoa is believed to have arrived in excellent condition. The British Government have intimated to the Government of Victoria that a protest has been received from the Chinese authorities against the colonial measure restricting the iramigration of Chinese. Mr Gillies states that the objections made by China to the proposed colonial legislation on the subject are not so serious as at first anticipated they would be, and he believes they will be overcome by the concerted action of the colonies. Mr Hay ter, Ihe Government statist, estimates the population of the colonies at the end of last year as follows : —Victoria, 1,090,086 ; New South Wales, 1,085,356 ; New Zealand, 607,380 ; Queensland, 387,463 ; South Australia, 313,065; Western Australia, 42,137 ; Tasmania, 146,147. Brisbane, May 4. Arrived —Rio Loge, from New Zealand. The man Hogan has been sentenced to death for the murder of Gilfoyle, near Haberton Sydney, May 5. A double murder and suicide is reported from Pyrmont, one of the city suburbs. A commercial traveller named John Monaghan took a revolver and shot his wife, aged 21 years, thrice through the head, and his child, aged three years, once, the injuries inflicted proving fatal in each case. Monaghan then committed suicide. The cause of the deed is attributed to domestic infelicity. Melbourne, May 4. Cutler, the man who was acquitted on a charge of murdering a Chinaman and subsequently arrested for perjury, has again been acquitted. If this decision is accepted as correct in accordance with the evidence, then it is considered that the five men—Mack, Young, Lewis, Tower, and Mahoney—who recently received sentences of nine years each on a charge of perjury in connection with their evidence at the trial of Cutler for murder, were sentenced wrongfully.

Sydney, May 5. In the course of an interview yesterday, Mr Quong Tart, the wellknown Sydney merchant, said that the returned Chinese emigrants suffered destitution, and he appealed to their couutrymen for sympathy and assistance, lie said, in referring to his recent visit to China, that the stories of-the imprisonment of ships carrying Chinese to Sydney had inflamed the popular anger of all Chinese, and this sentiment was smouldering ready to break out at any moment in a manner unpleasant to the English residents in China, particularly those in the employ of the Chinese Government. Mr Quong Tart asserts that had it not been for the Mandarins there would have been something approaching an open revolt in China, I but those gentlemen had kept the people quiet by stating that the English Government would suppress the policy of the Colonial Governments regarding the Chinese. Melbourne, May 5. The New Zealand frozen fish ex steamer Mararoa are being sold at satisfactory prices. Sydney, May 6. Arrived—Te Anau ; barque Lindus, from the Bluff, Heavy rain is falling generally through the colony. Owing to the floods a portion of the railway line was washed away near Junee, and a train was thrown off the rails. Several carriages were wrecked, and six passengers injured ; one named McLeilan is dying from the effect of his injuries. Thursday Island, May 6. The barque Lady Douglas, bound to Roebuck Bay, in Western Australia, struck on a reef at Wednesday Island, and was beached. She afterward became a total wreck. The crew were saved. Brisbane, May 6. Nine business places were destroyed by fire at Bundaberg, a seaport on the Burnett River, nearly 8,00 miles north of this cily. The damage is estimated at LIO,OOO. Albany, May 6. Arrived —-O.roya, from Plymouth. The Maori football team are passengers. Berth, May 7. A resolution passed by a public meeting has been forwarded to Lord Rmutsfoid, intimating that if Chief

Justice Onslow is removed from that position in consequence of the dispute with the Governor, serious loss will result to the Colony, and such action will affect the independence ot any future occupant of the office. Melbourne, May 7. The revenue from railways lor the financial year just ended is the largest yet earned, and exceeds L 3,000,000, being double that earned nine years ago- , A cable message from Lon con, received by a pi’ivate firm, states that cotton goods have advanced 5 per cent, and woollen goods have advanced 10 per cent. Sydney, May 7. Arrived—Tekapo, from Wellington, New Zealand. Wheat is rather easier. Tuscan, 4s 9d. Sailed—Wakatipu, for Wellington. The youth Madden, who was sentenced to death for attempting to poison a man named Eosgrove, at Glen Innes, has had hia sentence commuted to ten years’ penal servitude. Melbourne, May 7. Obituary.—Mr B. Ormond, M.L.O.