HOME AND FOREIGN

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1715, 11 January 1905, Page 16

HOME AND FOREIGN

BRITISH SUBJECTS’ SHOT. Cologne, November 12.—The “Koelnische Zeitung” publishes the following telegram from its Berlin correspondent: “The news is confirmed that two illegitimate sons of a British subject, a farmer living at Koes, named Freyer, in German South-West Africa, have been shot under martial law for having treasonable relations with the rebel leader Morenga. “The farmer himself is suspected of the same offence, but-, as he is a European, the case against him has been referred to the Court at Keetmanshoep.” The journal further confirms the statement regarding the disarmament by the authorities of Cape Colony of a German patrol, which crossed the boundary in pursuit of Hottentots. KAISER. AS WAR, LORD. Berlin, November 12.—Addressing the newly sworn in recruits of tne ga. risen of Potsdam, the Emperor reminded them that special honour had been shown them in being selected for the Guard, a body which performed its military duties directly under the eyes of the war lord. He asked them further | to remember that, without God m their ! hearts, they could not so easily fulfil i the onerous duties of military life. | Soldi era should joyfully confess their belief in iJod and not wait to do so until their hour of need. He told them they should be proud of their court, which was the Kaiser's, and that tney should do nothing to dishonour it. MISSIONARIES THREATENED WITH MURDER. Brussels, November 14.—Private letters to hand by last mail irom tne Upper Congo state that an English missionary and his wife, Air and Airs Harris, nave narrowly escaped being murdered, under the following circumstances : For some time the British missionaries at B-iringa on the Abir concession have been denouncing the. method of treatment of the natives or that dis- \ tnct oy the soldiers of the company, j or “rubber sentries’' as they are called, with, the tacit connivance, or as toe ‘ 6oldiers themselves declare, the dehoerate incitement of the company's agents. . me investigations of Judge Bosco, whoae reports the authorities of the Congo State here have suppressed, bear out the allegations of Air Karris and his colleagues. The action of the British missionaries earned for them the resentment of the company's agents, and latterly they appeared to the tsntish Consul at Korn a ror protection. Tne crisis was readied wnen tne ( order for the arrest of M. van Canton, i the principal representative of the Auir | Company at Jbarmga, was received. }

As soon (writes a correspondent on the spot) as he knew, he cueeiared before the tetate omcers, mcmoing juuge Bosco, that he would murder both Mr and Mix before he went down river, tt, arranged that he should be taker, a jay in two’ or three days, but he said again and agam that he would kill the missionaries. To our surprise, however, we found that the man was still allowed to go about, and had been seen on the beach quite near to the steamer.

A letter or protest was therefore sent to the oincer who had come to arrest Van Caiken, insisting that he be disarmed and placed under effective arrest. A t> -v hours afterwards the officer came ever tr assure us that Van (Jalken had been disarmed, and could do no harm, as he was under the constant surveillance of the {State soldiers. He had scarcely left us when we heard two shots fired—evidently ride shots. The officer hastened to the spot as quickly as poynble, and found the man supposed to be disarmed in possession of a rifle, which lie had just fired in the direction of the mission station, having first •walked up as close as he could to it without bemg seen by his

“guard.” This brought matters to a crisis, and he was then closely watched . until removed. Van Calken is now at Boma awaiting | trial. TORTURING GERMAN SOLDIERS. Berlin, November 13. —Two military malefactors of the worst sort, named Klusmeier and Alband, have been sentenced at Coblence respectively to twelve and four and a half months’ imprisonment, with degradation to the ranks. Of the two, Klusmeier was the greater brute. For the slightest misdemeanours he was m the habit of ordering his men to prostrate themselves twenty times on the ground. He boxed their ears and struck them over the nose with straps until the blood flowed. Hundreds of times he knocked their heads against iron beds, and kicked them in the abdomen and face. He resorted to the most refined methods of torture, and sometimes, when in his Wilder fits, soldiers had to take refuge on the tops of cupboards. It was noted w*ith satisfaction that the court-martial tried these men with open doors and not in camera as is the usual practice. I j AIURDER, OF A BULGARIAN ! PRIEST.

I A Bulgarian priest named Pop Stamat was shot dead on the evening of 18th October. He had just alighted from a tram-car and taken a few steps, which brought him to his own door, when some person unknown discharged an old-fashioned blunderbuss full in his ohest, killing him on the spot. The murderer left his weapon beside his victim and disappeared. Pop Stamat had for years past been the iife and soul of the revoluntionary party in the district, and there is little doubt tliat this act must be put down to the savage vendetta, at present being carried on between the Greeks and Bulgarians. It is feared that the Greek Metropolitan of Salonika, who received a threatening letter some weeks ago,, may be the next victim. BOAIB OUTRAGE AT BARCELONA. When the Minister of Agriculture arrived at Barcelona to preside at a meeting of Spanish Chambers of Commerce, he was accorded a hearty welcome. Some minutes after his arrival a dynamite bomb exploded, doing great damage to the buildings in the vicinity, but injuring nobody. A panic ensued. The police have made several arrests. It is thought the outrage is the work of the same band of Anarchists who have been concerned in recent outrages of a similar kind. A TERRIBLE CRIME. A terrible crime was perpetrated at Lev tons tone on October 27th, a young I woman being discovered at the bottom | of a flight of cellar steps with her throat cut, and under conditions which | point to a shocking murder having been committed. The author of the crime is still at large. At No. 11, Park Grove road, Leytonstone, two brothers, William and Thomas Mossman, carry on the business of coal dealers. The shop faces the high road, and occupies a prominent position. A young woman named Helen Walden, twenty years of age, and single, has been acting as housekeeper to the brothers for some time past, and resided on the premises. At 8 o’clock in the morning Thomas Mossman went out, as usual, leaving his brother William in charge, of the shop. A,bout 1 o’clock Thomas returned, and found the front door locked. He had, however, a key with him, and let himself in. He could not find his brother, and when he called to Miss Walden he could get no reply. He then began to search the premises, and after some time came to, the top of a flight of stairs leading to the cellar. Here he was horror-stricken to discover at tlie bottom- of the stairs the body of

Miss Walden lying in a pool of blood. Her throat, was hacked about in a shocking manner, the head being nearly severed from the body, which was still warm, and was lying on its left side. The face was marked with, the impression of fingers which had been covered with coal dust.

The brother immediately gave information to the police, but although the premises were thoroughly searched no trace, could he found of either a knife or a razor. Doctors Jekyll and Brown, who examined the body, gave it, as their opinion that the unfortunate woman had been murdered. The cut in the throat had been made from right to left. William Mossman, who is missing, is thirty-eight years of age, and is described as having a sallow complexion, with black heard, hair, and moustache, and thin features. He was wearing a black serge double-breasted coat and vest and serge trousers. It is stated that there had been some bad feeling between the deceased woman and William Mossman, he having accused her of having stolen £l9 of his money. Miss Walden, however, had stoutly denied the charge. The tragedy has created great excitement in Leytonstone, and all through the afternoon crowds of people were gathered outside the scene of the crime.

A RETIRED MAJOR’S LOVE AFFAIRS.

! In the Scottish Court of Session on Tuesday, October 26th, Lord Kincairney had before him two actions at the instance respectively of Mrs Jane Macdonald or Parkinson, 21, Plewlands te'u-ace, Edinburgh, and Mrs Emily Gethen or Elliot or Parkinson, L.ynednch House, Edinburgh, against Reginald Hope Parkinson, some time Major of the Highland Light Infantry, now retired, living in Walker street, Edinburgh, for declarator of marriage. Mr David Anderson, for Mrs Macdonald or Parkinson, explained that Lord Stormonth Darling had remitted the action by Mrs Elliot or Parkinson to his Lordship l on account of coaitingency. These were two actions by two different ladies against the same defender, both seeking declarator of marriage. Mr Spens acted for the defender in both cases; while Air Hunter acted for Airs Elliot or Parkinson. On behalf of Mrs Alacdonald or Parkinson, counsel said he had part in a minute in the action by Mrs Elliot or Parkinson claiming to be sisted as a party. He had not been called as a party to the action, but the marriage sought to be declared in that action was- said to have taken place in May of this year. The marriage which lie sought to have declared in the action at the instance of Mrs Macdonald or Parkinson took place in August of this year. So that if Airs Eilliot- or Parkinson succeeded in her action it would make the marriage with Mrs Alacdonald or Parkinson of no effect. The authorities came to this, that while it was not necessary for his friend to call Mrs Macdonald or Parkinson as a party to the action, she was entitled to intervene.

Mr Spens, for the defender, said he maintained that the marriage with Mrs Elliott or Parkinson was a legal and valid marriage, and that ho was not married to Mrs Macdonald or Parkinson. He agreed that the cases should be taken together. He failed at the moment to see exactly why Airs Alncdonald or Parkinson should be sisted, because she would bo represented when the case came up, and it would be for his Lordship to say which of the two marriages was proved. Air Anderson was then heard in support of Ids motion. Lord Kincairney said this action was very like a mu 11iplopoinding for the possession of this gentleman. Mr Anderson: Yes, my Lord, the two ladies being claimants. Air Hunter, for Mrs Elliot or Parkinson, objected to Mrs Alacdonald or Parkinson being sisted as a party, bfit after some discussion he withdrew his objection, and liis Lordship granted the sist-.

The cases were continued in order that they might come out in the adjustment roll together.

| CAUGHT IN OWN TOILS. Paris, November 14.—During the past few days inspectors of police have been raiding many of the streets of Paris, in the effort to purge them from I “rodeurs” ; therefore a shopkeeper rei turning at midnight with his wife and j daughter from the theatre was not sur--1 prised when, near the Boulevard Bellei ville, two men approached him, bowing with true French politeness. “In the name of the law,” said one, exhibiting a tricolour scarf, “I demand that you empty your pockets. I am M. Hainard, chief of the detective staff, and,” pointing to the other, who was waiting hat. in hand, “this is my secretary. We are raiding this street, arresting all those who are carrying arms!”

The shopkeeper, in his desperate anxiety to prove what a harmless citizen he was, obligingly emptied all the contents of Ins pockets into the secretary’s hat. With an official dignity the so-called Ar. Hamard told his secretary to put all tiie objects under reals; on suspicion of having been stolen, and asked the shopkeeper for his name and address. Before the latter and his party could recover from their fright, the tw’o men, still bowmg deferentially, walked away.

The next minute Nemesis was on their track. Some roughs, having seen one of the men show the official scarf, j jumped to the conclusion that were genuine detect! res. They shadowed them along the dark street, and finally, with a cry of “Mort aux Vachcs,” flung themselves upon the two “raiders.” All explanations were in vain, and the unhappy couple were only saved from being beaten into insensibility by the timely arrival of policemen—real ones this time. The two men, whose names ere Emile Variot and Jean Vadet, were brought before AI. Boussard yesterday, and the shopkeeper wdi probably receive the contents of his pockets once more. j KILLED IN WARSAW RIOTS. The “Neues Wiener Tagblatt” lias a fun report of the street fights in Warsaw. It says that seventeen persons were killed and 1(X) wounded; 1090 were arrested. The demonstrations began at 12 noon by a large group of young men assembling on the steps of All Saints’ Church, where they unfolded a red flag with the inscription “We will not be soldiers of the Uzar,” and began singing a chorus. The police arrived, and the demonstrators opened fire. Two policemen were killed and several wounded ; one has .since died. The police had to retire, but, cavalry arriving, tiie crowd fled, many into the church, which was searched. Revolvers, knives, and iron sticks were found behind the pillars of the church, and also a wounded student. A lady passing in a cab was killed. The Socialist papers say that 2JO shots were fired. Fresh demonstrations are expected. REBEL RISING IN BRAZIL. Rio do Janeiro, November IG.—The Gomboa and Ganea districts of the city are still very disturbed. Alatters are further complicated by a (strike of firemen and dock labourers, otherwise the town is calm. The President sent a message to Congress saying that the only hindrance to his restoring order now is the parliamentary immunities which prevent him from arresting deputies and senators who really led the disturbances. Botli Houses thereupon passed a resolution declaring a state of siege for thirty days in Rao and the neighbouring town of Nictheroy. General Travassos was wounded in the leg by a bullet. It is probable that amputation will be necessary, in which case the operation will be performed at the military hospital. An unconfirmed report is current that Senator Lauro Sodre, another of the instigators of too revolt at the military schools, has committed suicide. It is stated tout in the fight between

the cadets ana the troops on Monday a terrible fire was maintained for , twenty minutes. It ceased directly General Travassos was seen to fall from his horse. The number of the wounded is not known. Two hundred of the cadets will be tried by court-martial. FRENCH SPY SYSTEM. Paris, November 17.—1 n the Chamber to-day MM. Flayelle and Renoist asked leave to interpellate the Government with regaid to the case of M. Bemardin, examining magistrate, who was alleged to have supplied the Grand Orient with information about the queers stationed in his district. M. Combes, in reply to the request, said that the enemies of the Government were mistaken if they thought that Republican otncials were going to be banded over to their vengeance. “We do not mean,” continued the Premier, “the labour of the Republican party for the past five years to be thrown away. Yv e are determined u> surround ourselves with information about officials legaliy obtained. I protest against the system of intimidation which it is sought to impose upon me, and mean to reassure Republicans by asking the Chamber to perform an act of enlightened justice.” M. Ribot twitted the Government with having allowed the Minister of War to go’ forth alone after having made common cause with him. M. Combes moved that the interpellation should he postponed until after the other interpellations in the list had been disposed of. The motion was adopted by 296 against 267. 31; Syveton was brought beiore the examining magistrate this afternoon. He declared that his intention in sinking General Andre was to insult him, and not to injure him. STOCKYARD ON FIRE. New York, November 15. —An incendiary fire was started this morning in the New Jersey stockyards, which destroyed an acre of sheds and 2000 dressed beef carcases, causing a loss of 750,000 dollars. A falling wall released a shower of blazing lard, which severely burned many of the firemen. Thousands of frightened cattle breaking out of control, stampeded through the walls ol their stalls into the sheep pens, bringing about a deadly struggle for the narrow passage way. Oilier walls were demolished in this way, which set the pigs free. The steers charged, 'tossed the pigs and sheep, and forced the.r AVoy through the passage over the writhing bodies of the smaller animals, killing some 2500 of them. DEATH ON THE CYCLE TRACK.

Paris, November 15.—The French cyclist Brecy met his death at the Tare des Princes to-day. He Avas endeavouring to break records. He was rushing round the track at about firty-five miles an hour, when the front fork of the motor cycle of his paoer broke. Both Brecy and the pacemaker were thrown. They were picked up alive, but after examination at the hospital to which they were removed Brecy’s condition was pronounced by the surgeons to- be hopeless. ‘Jtlis pacemaker recovered consciousness in an hour. Brecy had covered sixty-six kilometres at the time of the mishap, and had beaten ail records from one to sixty kilometres, and was over two minutes in advance of the hour record set up by Bi-uni a few days ago. Up to thirty miles Brecy had travelled almost at the i*ate of a mile a minute, his time being 33mm 10 l-ssec- Lie completed sixtykilometres (thirty-seven miles) in 39inin 43 2-ssec, and had nothing happened to interrupt him he would undoubtedly have covered fifty-eight miles in the hour. JAPANESE WAR LOAN. The Japanese Avar loan of £6,000,000 offered for subscription in London has been a gigantic success. When the lists were finally closed it was calculated that the amount had been applied for about eleven times over. Such enormous applications do not imply an equally great public demand for the stock for investment. Many applicants are Avhat is known on the Stock Exchange as “stags,” or, in other words, premium-hunters. As a matter of fact, a great number of applicants have already disposed of any allotments by selling “results,” the prioe of Avhich was 3-16 premium, so that they stand to make that small profit on any stock allotted to them. This extensive dealing in “results” had the effect of iveakening the premium on the new bonds, which at the close Avas barely 1 per oent. for cash and 1-J per cent, for special settlement. The issue of the other half of the loan in New York has been equally successful.

A New York correspondent states that the £6,000,000 offeued there has also been subscribed many times over. Though many of the applicants were

desirous of securing the premium on the New York market, yet a good deal of the stock will he taken up as au investment, and it will be allotted as widely as possible. KRUPPS’S SECRET ORDER. Berlin, November 16.—For some weeks' past Krupps’s great works at Essen and Witten have been working at high pressure, and with a largelyincreased staff. The number of men now employed at Essen exceeds 27,000, or 2000 more than at the corresponding period of 1903. It is chiefly war material which is engaging attention. One order, whoa© origin and destination a.e kept a proround secret, is said to be for shells ot new construction. STRANGE SCENE IN A PARIS CAFE. Paris, November 16.—There was an extraordinary occurrence in a wellknown boulevard cafe the night before last, winch will most probably have its sequel in the English divorce court. Four mysterious gentlemen were dining in the cafe in obviously ill-fitting dress clothes, when to them entered a fifth. Thereupon the four guests got up and bowed. The last arrival, after a brief colloquy with the manager of the cafe, adjourned with the others to a private' room upstairs to continue the in oerrupted darner. After the meal had been completed they rose from the table, and, putting their shoulders to the door of the next room, where a lady and gentleman were enjoying a teie-a-tete dinner, forced an entrance. The scene that followed baffles description. The lady, who is said to he well known in London society, fled as L ne fifth guest, who proved to he her nusband, was dragged away from the prostrate body ox her companion. A FRONTIER INCIDENT. Tho “Pall Mall Gazette” published the following telegram from its special correspondent, Mr Angus Hamilton: — “Moscow, November 16.—A message has reached here from Baku, dated Friday last, announcing .that trouble has occurred between Russians and .Afghans at Kushk. The Afghans exploded a Russian magazine, and many soldiers were killed.”

The telegram is correct enough in itself, but it was interpreted by the “Pall Mall Gazette” and several other evening contemporaries to mean a Russian incursion into Afghanistan. This, of course, is not the case. ' Kushk is Russian territory, and has been so since 1885. The mistake arose out of a confusion between Kushk town and Kushk post. Kushiv town is the capital of 'the Afghan province of Badghis, and lies some twelve miles south of the Russian frontier. But Kushk post, which takes its name not from the town, but from the River Kushk, forms tho boundary line of Russian territory, and a secret branch of the Transcaspian line runs from Merv to Kushk station.

In 1885, when the Afghan Frontier Commission AA'as at work, the Russians made a sudden attack on the Afghan garrison of Penjdeh, and nearly precipitated a Avar Avith England. But the question Avas settled by diplomacy, and the Russians gained a few miles of territory by the “incident,” advancing their frontier line from Penjdeh to Kushk. The present affair, therefore, is an outrage committed by Afghans m Russian territory, and is probably the work of a few adventurous spirits. It can be settled by tne punishment of the Afghans and the payment of compensation for the lives of it lie Russian soldiers, Avho AA r ere killed. It need not lead to any political unpleasantness, unless Russia is looking for a cause of offence.