NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 12 February 1895, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

HOMfi AND FOREIGN. THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. London, February 7. The Marquis of Salisbury, in his speech in the House of Lords, declared that the resolution dealing with the House of Lords had not been given notice of in the first lists owing to the trivial majority of the Government, who had raised the popular agitation to divert attention from other measures, so as to pass these by means of log-rolling. Lord Rosebery said the passing of such a resolution would virtually involve a dissolution.

The Tories offered to support Mr John Redmond in a vote of want of confidence if he would limit his demands to a dissolution merely. Mr Sydney Buxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Colonial Office, speaking in the House, said the greatest attention would be paid to the deliberations of the Ottawa Conference. He highly praised the Earl of Jersey for his great tact as British representative, and his valuable report on the proceedings. In replying to a question, Mr Buxton said that next session a Bill would be introduced allowing intercolonial trade treaties, and that the Government were considering, amongst other matters, whether the German or Belgian treaties, while allowing England to favor colonial goods as against foreign, prevented the colonies receiving a preference regarding English goods. .

THE CHINA-JAPANESE WAR. Shanghai, February 8. The Japanese fleet on Sunday fiercely bombarded Suikungtan forts. The Ting Yuin and three other Chinese warships bravely assisted the forts. Admiral Ting ordered all to fight till the last and until slain to death. On Monday the shore batteries were held by the Japanese, and the latter's warships resumed the bombardment of the Chinese ships and repeatedly hit the guns, which were disabled, though the crews fought with spirit. Both Ting Yuen and Chef Yuen were riddled with shot and sank at their stations amidst frantic shouts from the victors.

Other Chinese ships are in a disabled condition, and their capture is regarded as a certainty. The Japanese are preparing to attack the forts on the Suikungtan. General Otera was among those killed. Mines at the entrance to the harbor prevented the Chinese fleet escaping at night. The Emperor has ordered envoys to remain at Ngaski, declaring that he has been deceived and is just beginning to understand the situation. The Chinese loan has been a failure. Paris, February 8.

The Chinese onvoy has arrived. He is accredited to endeavor to persuade the Great Powers to intercede and arrange for peace. London, February 8.

Russia, Great Britain and France intend to advise China to open ports to the world-, also that the Japanese will not be allowed to annex the territory on the mainland, but the latter will not be restricted with regard to indemnity and the retention of the captured fleet and strategic positions. TERRIBLY COLD WEATHER. Washington, February 8. Terrificly cold weather is being experienced in the Northern States, where the thermometer averages 25 degrees below zero, and 50 in the Western States. Lake Champlain is entirely frozen over. London, February 8. Violent snow blizzards swept over Scotland and the northern portion of England and Wales, and many trains are snowbound. Ice floes block the upper reaches of the Thames. The present winter is said to be the most severe experienced since 1880. The French-American liner, Cascoigno, and Cunarder, Cephalonia, are overdue, and some anxiety is felt for their safety owing to the Majestic reporting terrible storms in crossing the Atlantic, and of various signs of disasters. London, February 9. Numerous trains are imbedded in snow in England, and there is much distress owing to the stoppage of trade. The thermometer registers ten degrees below zero in the Midlands. MaDy snowstorms have occurred, and some of the counties are isolated. The river Scheid is completely frozen, and many vessels are snowed up. London, February 7. The Irish Party have re-elected Mr Justin McCarthy chairman. Washington, February 8. It is reported that a syndicate, including the Rothschilds, Morgans, and Belmonts, will take the whole of the American bond issue. Mr Brand intends to introduce in the House a Free Silver Coinage Bill as a substitute for the Bond Bill. Sydney, February 8. A large digester in the Gunnedah Boiling Down Works burst, wrecking the building. Ten men, including the two Goodalls, were scalded by boiling fat and injured by falling debris. Four of the employees are under treatment at the hospital.