NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume VIII, Issue 356, 8 February 1898, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

THE FRENCH NAVY.

Paris, February 5.

A great sensation was caused in the Chamber of Deputies by a pitiless analysis of the present condition of the navy by M. Lockroy, who declared that 50 per cent of the vessels were quite unserviceable. M. Besmard, Minister of Marine, intimated that the Ministry iutended the Mediterranean to remain a French gulf. The Government will establish a strong coast defence and contemplates building ships for service outside of Europe.

Paris, February 6.

The Chamber of Deputies has adopted the amended Budget proposals which provide for the expenditure of 96 million francs in the construction of new warships during the year.

BUSH FIRES IN VICTORIA. Melbourne, February 5. The heat and bush fires show no signs of abating. The reports of the losses and the sufferings of the settlers are harrowing. A school at Gippsland was suddenly hemmed in, and the children got out with difficulty. An hotel near Moe caught fire. The water was exhausted, and they had to use beer to extinguish the flames. Leongatha, a labor colony was destroyed. Hundreds of pigs were roasted, and churches, public buildings, and miles of fencing destroyed in some districts.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

St. Petersburg, February 6.

The Czar has informed the Sultan that Russia will withdraw from any further initiative in affairs at Constantinople if Turkey persists in opposition to the appointment of Prince George of Greece as Governor of Crete.

BULGARIA. Constantinople, February 5

Bulgarian Government has sent a strong protest to the Porte demanding that oppression on the Macedonian frontier population be terminated. Request is also made for the dismissal of Turkish officials guilty of recent outrages at Uskub, where 33 persons were tortured-

London, February 5

The Standard says it is clear that Prince Ferdinand sees an opportunity for supporting Russia.