CONTINENTAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1354, 10 February 1898, Page 36

CONTINENTAL.

Paris, February 1. In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Lockroy, who was Minister of Marine in the late M. Bourgeois’ Ministry, said France must create a port opposite Gibraltar where a flotilla of torpedo boats might prevent a British entry into the Mediterranean. Paris, February 4. Prince Henry of Orleans, replying to the toast of his health at a banquet given in honour of "his departure to Abyssinia, said he was working for King Menelik, and was supported by Eussia. He added that the world would soon see the French flag dominant in the Upper Nile regions. Constantinople, February 1. On the strength of the Sultan’s offer to pardon the members of the Young Turkish Party and grant them reforms at a future date if they would assist the Turkish Government during the crisis. arising out of the Greeo-Turkish war, it was agreed by the party to suspend hostilities against the Government. The Sultan having failed to fulfil his pledges, the Young Turks intend, to resume their agitation for reforms. Constantinople, February 3. Izzet Bey, a favourite of the Sultan and one of the Secretaries of his household, has been arrested on a charge of treason. A son of Izz9t, who is also implicated, effected his escape, taking with him a number of secret documents. Constantinople, February 3. An earthquake occurred at Balikesr, a town in north-western Asia Minor, and destroyed the Turkish military prison, 20 persons being killed. Athens, February 1. A body of Turkish troops forming part of the army of occupation of Greece captured two villages near Karditza in Thessaly after considerable fighting. The villagers took refuge in the mountains. Athens, February 4. Eussia has approved the scheme submitted by the International Commission for the settlement of the old Greek debt. England and France are delaying their approval. Berlin, February 2. The Emperor William has ju3t celebrated his 39th birthday. In replying to loyal greetings from his subjects, His Majesty said he noted in the addresses a joyful and patriotic echo of the recent successes in the development of the Empire’s interests abroad. Berlin, February 3.

The Reichstag is discussing a Bill providing for the extension . of the foreign

market for German manufactures oUtSide Britain, America aiid the British CqlonieA The reason assigned fdr the introduction of the measure io the decent developments in thb S'biAtions between the British and German Empires. Berlin, February 4. America has intimated to Germany that her action in forbidding the importation of American fruit without notifying the American Ambassador is unprecedented. America threatens to adopt retaliatory action., Berlin, February 6. In connection with the protest by America against Germany stopping the importation of American fruit, the German Imperial Gazette explains that traces of a, dangerous insect were discovered in Californian fruit. A steam launch capsized at Kiel while conveying a guard to a man-o’-war. Nino Bailors and three workmen were droWhed. Vienna, January 5. German students at the University of Prague, capital of Bohemia, having been prohibited from wearing their club colours, students throughout the Austro-Hun-garian Empire, to express their sympathy, refused to listen to the professors. Frequent conflicts between Germans and Slavs have occurred in many towns. St. Petersburg, February 7. The failure of the harvest is causing terrible distress in Central and SouthEastern Eussia.