CONTINENTAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1201, 8 March 1895, Page 36

CONTINENTAL.

Paris, March 1. During a debate in the Chamber of Deputies on colonial affairs, M. Deloncle urged that the Government should obtain compensation from Great Britain in return for discontinuing the transportation of convicts to New Caledonia. Paris, March 1. The weekly death rate from influenza in Paris has reached 500. M. Percher, editor of the Journal Egyptian, published in Cairo, who secretly prompted the Khedive in his recent open antagonism to the English administration, has been lulled ju a duel with M. Chattellier, mining engineer. They had a dispute over the colonial question, and a duel was arranged. The two men fought, and Percher was stabbed in the lung, and died a minute afterward. Paris, March 4. In the Chamber of Deputies M. de Villiers advocated that the colonies should be granted economic freedom similar to the system of the British colonies, to whom, he declared, the British Empire owes its prosperity. M? Chantemps said that Prance intended a policy of peaceful expansion, but speaking with regard to the Soudan, lie said she”would not abandon one morsel of the territory she possessed there without resorting to military action,

Berlin, March 1. The naval programme for the year includes the construction of two ironclads, one first-class and seven second-class cruisers. The Committee of the Reichstag rejected a proposal emanating from the Clergy to impose long terms of imprisonment on those who attacked belief in God, the immortality of the soul, and the religious character of the marriage ceremony. The Clergy assert that Herr Rintelin, leader of the modern science movement, is poisoning society with his doctrines. Berlin, March 3.

Prince Hohenlohe declares that Germany must build warships in order to obtain the respect of nations, as many of the present fleet are obsolete. The Reichstag has rejected the proposal to vote a sum of £IOO,OOO for torpedo boats. Herr Liebknecht, the well-known Socialist, submitted a proposal to the effect that the army be converted into a militia, on the model of that in Switzerland. The question is still under discussion. Bucharest, March 3. A horrible accident happened at Itzkanz to-day, resulting in the death of several people under most painful circumstances. The boiler of a distillery exploded, and twenty workmen, who were on the floor above that on which the accident occurred, were precipitated into the boiling spirit. So far twelve have succumbed to their injuries. St. Petersburg, March 3. The Czar is suffering from influenza. St. Petersburg, March 4. Twenty-six persons in Poland, mostly students, have been placed on trial for treason in forming a secret society,whose object was to regain the independence of the country. Rome, March 3.

The R.M.S. Oroya, on her way to the colonies, is ashore in the Bay of Naples, on a sandy bottom. Stormy weather prevents the floating of the steamer. The passengers were all landed safely. It is hoped the vessel will be got off tomorrow. The place where she lies is a shifting sandy bottom. The steamer has been lightened as much as possible. Rome, March 4. Seventy of the Oroya’s passengers were landed. One boat capsized, and three of the sailors were drowned. A steam tug has been engaged to assist the vessel off, and the weather is improving.