NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 162, 21 January 1896, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

COLLISIONS IN THE CHANNEL. London, January 17. Two collisions occurred in the English Channel, resulting in the drowning of 18 p-rsons. DIFFICULTIES. London, January 17. The Eight Hon A. J. Balfour, speaking at Manchester, said he was unaware of any Power that was prepared to dispute England's decision to control the Transvaal externally. As to the Venezuela difficulty, when the facts were revealed the Anglo-Saxon race would discover a settlement. He declared that the British Empire was never in better fighting trim than at present time. The Queen has sent the Sultan an autograph letter, with reference to the Armenian trouble. TURKISH AFFAIRS... London, January 17. The effusive friendship between the Russians and Turks on the frontier of Asia is causing some comment. The Daily News says that France is transferring the Armenian refugees to the Sultan. The Duke of Westminster, referring to the Armenian outrages, says the country wants to kuow who thwarted Great Britain's endeavor to stop the Sultan's redhanded villainy, and thus enabled a monster in human shape to destroy 50,000 people. Constantinople, January IG.

Ismail Bey, who was concerned in the Sassoun atrocities, has been entertained at a banquet. London, January 19.

Both Mr Gladstone and Sir Vernon Harcourt decline to stimulate Great Britain's action in Armenia.

The Queen warned the Sultan in an autograph letter that his throne was endangered unless reforms "were carried out. The Sultan replied that the massacres were exaggerated.

THE VENEZUELA DIFFICULTY.

Ottawa, January 18.

Captains of steamers on Lake Ontario have offered their services in the event of an outbreak of war.

New York, January 18

The New York Sun states that friction is likely to ensue from England's retention of an island in American waters. The Pope has offered to arbitrate in the Venezulean difficulty. A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY. Melbourne, January 18. A tragedy is reported from Oakleigh, where Mrs Moylen, wife of a local publican, in a fit of dementia, attacked her two children with a hammer, battering in their skulls. The brains of the unfortunate children, whose ages are five and seven years, are protruding, and but little hope is entertained of their recovery. The woman escaped to the bush. THE HEAT WAVE. Adelaide, January 18. Intense heat continues, especially in tbe interior. At Farma it was 122 in the shade. Several more deaths from sunstroke are reported. Perth, January 18. Sis. inches of rain has fallen in the north-western districts, and good rain has fallen along the Dunbas Road. At Coolgargie only a slight shower fell. SPEECH BY THE GERMAN EMPEROR. Berlin, January 19. The Emperor of Germany, addressing the Generals and Statesmen, on the 25th birthday of the constitution of the Empire, thanked Providence that the desired work had been achieved, and he was determined to perfect a scheme of defence, and promote the welfare of the people. He appealed for united support, which would continue a strong pillar for maintaining peace. The Emperor also sent an autograph letter to Prince Bismark, expressing gratitude for long and valuable services to the country. London, January 18. Great Britain and Fance have virtually arranged the disputes over the customs duties in Tunis and the Niger boundary. Sir Henry Norman, ex-Governor of Queensland, denies the published statement that he referred to the Queensland unemployed as " dissolute." News from Ashantee states that the British force has occupied Coomassre without opposition, and that Kiug Prempeh has accepted British demands. Washington, January 18.

Mr Oluey, Attorney-General, is in favor of the- purchase by the United States of Danish possessions in the West Indies, for the sum of ten million dollars.

It is reported that President Cleveland is willing to prohibit the cession of South American territory to any European power on any pretence whatever.

Washington, January 19. The Foreign Committee of the Senate has recommended Congress to carry a resolution to prevent the cession or purchase of any territory in the western hemisphere. Madbid, January 18. Marshal Campos, Commandant of the forces in Cuba, has been recalled. Paris, January 18. At the request of France the Italian Government prevented a steamer carrying fifty thousand rifles for the Abyssinians from landing them in the Red Sea. Melbourne, January 18. The Mueller party has struck a rich reef in the Omeo district, seven feet thick, which is estimated to yield 80oz of gold to the ton.