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New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9184, 5 January 1891, Page 2

* 1 Immediate and forcible resistance" is a strong expression at any time. _ When it occurs in the formal notice given by the representative of a Great Power to the Foreign Secretary of another Great Power it looks very like an “ ultimatum.’’ Mr Blaine’s order to the American cruisers in • Behring Sea has produced this plain statement of intention from the British Am-

bassador at Washington. If he persists in sending his -ships to arrest British sealers in Behring Sea there will bo fighting, and if there is fighting there will be war between the two countries as a matter of course. The whole commerce of Great Britain and her colonies will be exposed to the attacks of innumerable privateers, Canadian independence will be seriously threatened, aud the whole American seaboard will be exposed to the attack of a powerful navy. For mankind generally such a war would be hugely disastrous. The only people likely to reap any advantage would be the .Republican Party in the United States. Even to them the advantage of a diversion of public opinion 1 to Foreign complications would be so dearly purchased, that one can scarcely believe that there is any serious intention of settling by force the difficulty of the Behring Sea which has so long been the subject of fruitless negociation. But the cable messages have been most explicit. The last one, which we publish this morning, makes the disputed point perfectly clear. The Islands of St. George and St. Paul, the principal seat of the seal fishery, are not within the three-mile shore limit. To make them American the Americans claim the whole sea in which they lie. The British Ambassador declares that his Government is ready to oppose force to any forcible assertions of that claim. The dispute is in itself trivial. But if blood is shed the dispute will become serious. Just at present the question is not too pressing, because the ice keeps both parties rut of the sealing grounds. _ It is possible that before the spring wiser counsels will prevail. In the meantime we can congratulate ourselves that the new Australian squadron is at sea ; and our Government might do worse than take note of the state of our forces, the condition of the weapons, and the quantity of the ammunition in stock. We ought to be in a position to give any raiders a warm reception.

Who is Frank Smith ? He is a very important man in the Salvation Army. Ho it was who first suggested to the “General” the necessity for combining social regeneration with the religious propaganda. The Army having gone into the by-ways and slums cirao out again with the conviction that without the combination it was useless to go on preaching faith and righteousness. The “General” was startled, did not see his way at the time, but moved nevertheless. It was then that he started the “ shelter depots,” the food distribution, and the refuges, which form the work of the social wing of the “Army.” That was a new departure in 1887, and nearly caused a schism in the “ Array but the prestige of the “ General ” prevailed. The success of the social wing, of which Frank Smith, to whose suggestion its establishment is due, was put in command only the other day, supplied the last links to the chain of reasoning on which the great scheme of 1890 is founded. Soon after the operations of 1887 were begun, the “General” sought ideas fora complete scheme of social regeneration. Herbert Mills’ book on Home Colonisation gave him some ideas, but when Mr Mills told him it would require L 25,000 to settle 200 families on the land, the General knew Mr Mills and his scheme no more. Then Mr Rees’ book, “ Prom Poverty to Plenty,” came across him—• Mrßees(nowM.H.R. for Auckland City) was in London in 1888. His book’s suggestion for a colony gave the “ General ” the idea of founding over-sea Colonies. Before that he had between Mr Mills’ book and his own and his wife’s thoughts about things, evolved the idea of the City Colony and thsHomo Farm. Mrßees’ book gave him the third idea, and the successes of the “social wing ”in the highways, and by-ways, and slums gave the finishing touch of hope and organisation. It is of this social wing that Frank Smith was pub in charge as soon as the General had determined to make it a part of the great scheme he has devised. The defection of the commander of the social wing at the present time, when the first instalment of the required LIOO,OOO has almost been subscribed by the public, is a very serious matter for the “General.” If he prevails, it will be a sign that the scheme he has devised has some of the elements of vitality, which it deserves.

Mb Ballancb having reason to believe that he has a solid following of forty-one, has a very simple course before him. When the House meets the one thing he has to do, if the Government has not resigned, is to table a motion of nqcontidence. That is the strictly constitutional course ; it will, according to constitutional practice, stop all other business ; the field will be clear for the conflict of parties which the House is called together for the very purpose of bringing about, with a view to settlement. The Government is at present scattered. By the time Ministers come together, they will have marked their card too, and they will know* whether they ought to meet such an attack or resign. They have a reasonable time in which to come to a reasonable conclusion.

Mr Charles Brown makes a statement which should be either disproved or regarded as unanswerable. If it cannot be disproved, then all we have to say is that when public money is given for a railway, that railway must be worked fairly and reasonably for the benefit of all property owners in its neighbourhood, not for covering the monopoly of one. The money was, voted to put an end to one monopoly. If another is going to grow up, tho best thing to do is to let the vote lapse, till the House meets. The Government should pause awhile for a reply to this statement of Mr Brown’s.

Sporting notes and other reading matter will bo found on our fourth pago. Up to the hour of going to press there were no signs of the San Frauoisco nihil having reached Auckland. Owing to the boisterous stats of the weather on Saturday, the measurement of the yachts, which was to have taken place during the afternoon, had to be postponed until next Saturday.

The Rev Robert Day, Secretary of the New South Wales Congregational Union, conducted the service at the Terrace Congregational Church yesterday. There was an unusually Urge congregation at both morning and evening service.

Mr J. E. Page (Town Clark), who has been spending the Christmas holidays in the South, and Dr Gillon, who has been on a trip for the benefit of his health, were passengers by the Waihora, which arrived from South on Saturday. The Christchurch Midland cricketers left here on Saturday evening by tbs steamer Penguin, and were seen off by the majority of the team who played against them here, besides several other cricketers. Three cheers were exchanged as the Penguin atoamed away from the wharf. .

Mr W. W. Collins delivered a lecture at the Princess Theatre, Tory-street, last night to a largo audience. The subject was ‘■General Booth and his pauper scheme." The lecture was cue of the beat yet delivered by Mr Collins, and it is almost unnecessary to say that it was listened to most at. tcntively. ’ , The member of the spieler fraternity, Henry McLaughlin, arrested on Friday on the Otaki racecourse by Constable O’Rourke for playing a game popularly known as under and over, was charged before M essrs Simcox, Carkeek, and Small, J.P.’s, on Saturday with illegal gaming, and sentenced to two month’s hard labour iu Wellington Gaol.

On Tuesday evening a public meeting will be held in the Theatre Hoyal, under the auspices of the Trades Council, to discuss the present position and fatnre prospects of Unionism. Amongst the speakers will be the three local members of Parliament, Messrs B. S. Hawkins and W. W. Collins. Both sides of the question will be under discussion, and ladies are invited to be present.

The circumstances under which the award of the first aggregate prlzs was decided at the Rifle Association Meeeting on Satarday were somewhat peculiar. Seaman Stitt, of the Wellington Navals, and Corporal Bellinger, of the Guards, were a tie, and in ordinary circumstances would have Hied off. Corporal Ballinger, however, had left the ground, and so Seamen Stitt tired five shots in accordance with the regulations, and won.

Amongst the many political rnmonrs at present afloat ie one, seemingly well fonnded, to the effect that neither Sir John Hall nor Mr Rolleston will be candidates for the Speakership. Mr Scobie McKenzie is now mentioned as the Government candidate for the appointment. It is also asserted that the Opposition membera who have given promises of support to Mr Ballance number over 10. The new Back Creek lead on the West Coast appears to be a promising field. The Brnnner News is informed by one who bae visited Back Creek that men from all parte of New Zealand are on the ground, and the crowd is swelling rapidly. His opinion is that if two or three more shaft* strike gold, the biggest rush the West Coast baa ever seen will be immediately on. Personally be ■aw a dish washed from Jones' paddock; which went half a pennyweight. There is a great scope of oonntry yet untouched, and if a lead is traced for even a short distance, the whole terrace on the line, or supposed line, will be a scene of Industry not witnessed for many a day.

The Midgets are still being shown at the Exchange Hall. Slavin the pugilist, was declared a bankrupt in London, on the 17th of December. Sir Harry Atkinson was a passenger by the Waihora, which arrived from South on Saturday.

Woodward street will be closed to vehicle traffic this day until completion of repairs.

The Feilding hounds were brought to town on Saturday night by Dick Koake, the well known huntsman.

Several persons charged with drunkenness, were the only occupants of the cells at | the Central Folios Station last night. Owing to the Caledonian Society’s gather, ing being held on Saturday, the howling match Civil Service v. All Comers, which was to have taken place on that day, was postponed until Saturday next. Harvey’s minstrels continue to he wellpatronised at the Opera House, and Mr Canard's illusion also attracts considerable numbers of people. Au entirely new F ro * gramme will be submitted to.uigbt. Three drunkards, being first offenders, were discharged with a caution at the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, and Mary Ann McDonough, an old offender; was fined ss, with an alternative of 24 hoars’ imprisonment.

An organ recital will be given at St. Paul’s Thorndon, to-morrow evening, by Mr Robert Parker. In addition to an interesting programme of organ music (which will he published to-morrow) the choir will sing some carols aud other pieces appropriate to the Epiphany festival. The offertory will be for the organ enlargement fund, with which it is intended, as soon as possible, to add a choir organ to the present instrument at St. Paul’s. The Matoh Committee of the Wellington Rowing Club have chosen the following crew to represent the Club in the Maiden and Junior Inrigged Fours at Wanganui Regatta; —3. Jenkins (stroke), M. F. Marks (No. 3), W. Wilson (No. 2), H. Barber (bow). With the exception of No. 2 oar, at which Wilson has replaced H. Gamble, the latter being nnable to visit Wanganui on the date the regatta is expected to come off, the crew is the same that rowed second in the Maiden Race at Nelson on Boxing Day. On the arrival of the steamer Takapuna from the South on Saturday morning last information was given to the Coroner that a little child named James Gilpin, 17 months old, had died on the voyage from Lyttelton. It appears that the child, who was accompanied by its mother, was unwell before going on board, and Dr Stuart of Christchurch was doubtful if it would live very long. From the evidence given at the inquest by the parents it appeared that teething was the cause of death, and tho jury returned a verdict accordingly. A sad case of suicide is reported from Narrabri, New South Wales. A young woman, tho wife of a boundary rider on Gurley station, in that district, became deranged through the loneliness of the life she was leading, and poisoned herself aud her infant child with strychnine. She left an incoherent letter, in which she stated that she wished to live happily with her husband, bat could not bear to lose him for throe or four mouths. The child and tho mother were found lying on the floor when the husband returned from work.

The New Zealand Midland Railway Company intend very shortly to send away to Sydney a trial shipment of 300,000 ft of timber, which will be exported in the shape o! flitches say 9 inches thick by 20 or 30 inches depth—for the purpose of being resawn. If the trial should meet with anything like reasonable success a regular trade will be opened up between Greymoath and the Australian Colonies, and in that event the Company will make arrangements by which they may always have a stock of seasoned timber of two or three million feet to draw from, as our timber when exported wet from the saw has anything but au attractive appearance when landed after being steaming in a close hold for several weeks. The Oregon timber is always pretty well seasoned before being sent away, besides being cut at the proper time of the year. It is understood that the Midland Railway Company will pay atteutiou to this point, and get their timber felled daring the months that the sap is down—between August and March. The remit of the experiment will bo awaited with great interest. Messrs J, H. Bethune nnd Co. have to let furnished a very pretty residence at the Lower Hutt, about ten minutes walk from the Railway Station. It has nine rooms, scullery, dairy, stabllug and other outbuildings, and about eight acres of ground very tastefully laid out. It is one of the moat perfect and delightful residences in or near this city. Mrs (Colonel) McDonnell will shortly remove to a new and more commodious residence, The rumour that she had relinquished her collegiate school for young ladies is unfounded. To-day at 2 o’clock Messrs J. H. Bethune and Co. by instructions from a gentleman who is leaving the Colony, will sell by public auction at their rooms, Featherston street, a quantity of superior household effects, recently purchased in England from the beat makers, including e.p. ware, cutlery, blankets, table linen, and a variety of sundries. The articles being all of the best quality, buyers will do well to attend the sale. The Equitable Assurance Society’s local office has received a cable message from the head office stating that the assurance written by this Society in 1890, exceeded L 40,000,000 sterling, nnd that the assets now stand at L 24,000,000. Mr E. Fearce, of Cuba-street, will address the ratepayers in the Princess Theatre this evening at 8 o'clock. The D.I.C. are offering bargains in every department. Messrs A. and C. Brandon announce that they have taken the Hon T, W. Hislop into partnership. A. J. Reid sells on Wednesday next, at 2 p.m., salvage goods from the late fire at W. and G. Turnbull and Co.’s, E, C. Reynolds, and Co, will sell on Thursday, the 15th Instant, at Port Chalmers, the ship Ottoline. The City Council call for tenders for street work. F. R. Jackson and Co. sell live stock at Johnsonville on Wednesday, Our carpet and furnishing department is just now worthy of a visit from all who are thinking of furnishing or re-furnishing. There are several excellent reasons (enumerated below) for doing this at Te Aro House. First reason.—We have a most commodious room, in which there is abundance of space for showing carpets and linoleums in a proper and effective manner, in which customers can move about with comfort and ease. No other carpet room in the city is anything like equal in this respect to Te Aro House. Second reason.—Our carpet room is well lighted, there are no dark corners anywhere. Thanks to the care of the architect, our customers by this advantage are wonderfully helped to a right decision at Te Aro House. Third reason.—Our stock of carpets and linoleums is at all times large and well selected. We pay groat attention to the selection of the best designs and colorings, and as a consequence we have invariably managed to hit the taste of our numerous customers at Te Aro House. Fourth reason.—What is required for household purposes, such as mattings, mats, rugs*, blankets, quilts, curtains, &c., &c., we have in profusion, and being all bought direct from the manufacturers, aro sold at as low a rate as our iniquitous Customs tariff will allow, at Te Aro House. Visitors to Wellington and the general public are reminded that the splendid showrooms of Wilkins and Field, in Manners street, are always open for public inspection, and that a; pleasant half-hour can be spent in examining their beautiful stock of Novelties and New Goods specially imported for Christmas and New Year's Gifts. They have now displayed the finest stock ever seen in Wellington of ladies’ and gentlemen travelling and dressing cases, ranging in price from Ll to Ll2los each; also leather hand bags, cigar and cigarette cases, and purses. Special attention is also directed to their magnificent stock of silver-plated ware and sterling silver goods, imported direct from the celebrated manufactories of Blkington, Dixon, Mappin and Webb, Shaw and Fisher, Round and Sous, &c., comprising all the latest novelties, specially suitable for Frizes and Christmas and New Year’s Gifts.