OUR LONDON LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 22

OUR LONDON LETTER.

+ (From Our Own Correspondent.) London, April 6. SAMOA AND GERMANY. The United States Government do not conceal their chagrin at the high-banded action of Germany at Samoa. It is not customary with diplomatists to disclose their disappointment quite so bluntly as Mr Bayard, the Secretary of State for the United States, has just done in a despatch to the American Minister at Berlin. Mr Bayard expresses regret that a powerful company like that of Germany did not fiud it possible to take a more liberal view of the condition of Samoan life and civilisation and the unfortunate condition of the native king, who, regarding himself as the rightful ruler, could point in confirmation of his title to a long series of acknowledgments by all the Treaty Powers. He further remarks that in the opinion of the American Government the course adopted by Germany cannot be regarded as consonant with that just consideration which the ancient friendship of the United States and Germany entitled the former to expect. Mr Bayard does not disclose what steps, if auy, America will adopt ; but contents himself with observing that the present condition of affairs at Samoa cannot, in view of the circumstances under which it was brought about aud is still maintained, be regarded by the United States as satisfactory. While willing to accept the explanation of Germany that her action was influenced by a desire properly to protect the people, Mr Bayard says he cannot bring himself to believe that the course taken was a proper one. The grim Chaucellor of Germany will not like such extremely plain speaking. Contrast it with the meek acquiescence of the British Foreign Office. Perhaps, however, Great Britain i 3 to obtain compensation in Tonga when the old King joins the great majority. FRAUDULENT TRADING BY FOREIGNERS. Public opinion has awoke to the necessity of vigorously counteracting the abominable deceptions by which several of the continental countries, but more especially the Germans, are ousting British traders from markets which they have enjoyed almost exclusive possession of for years. It is felt to be especially necessary to defeat these disgraceful tactics in Australasia and in India. It is notorious that the colonies are flooded with articles of inferior cutlery of German manufacture, but stamped " Sheffield." In India large quantities of Belgian iron, of the lowest class, have been imported as the best Staffordshire. The disgust of the purchasers may be imagined. These are only indications, for false descriptions of merchandise are given in all sorts of samples. To make the matter still worse, it has been discovered that after genuiue British goods have been displaced by cheap German trash bearing forged British trade marks, the German manufacturers have supplanted the British merchant permanently by sending out better class of merchandise with genuine German brands. Some time ago, when the Imperial Government contemplated legislation to prevent these dishonest practices, the colonial office appealed to the colonies to follow their example so that legislation on this subject should be as nearly as possible uniform through? out the empire. At the Imperial Conference last year absolute uuanimity prevailed as to the expediency of united action. The Imperial Statute, the Merchandise Marks Act has already had a beneficial effect both in this country and abroad. Indeed, I hear that the act has completely destroyed certain " branches of German industry." The London Trade Marks Commifcteo are very anxious that the Australasian colonies should legislate at the earliest possible date on the lines of tho English act. They have submitted their reasons in writing to the Hon. Julian Salomons, the vice-president of the Executive Council of New South Wales, and he has promised to do what he can on his return to Austrclia to sepure early and effective legislation for the suppression of the vile vice complained of. ANGLO-COLONIAL ITEMS. The Agent-general does not believe all he reads in the newspapers, and consequently is not severely disturbed at the report that his salary is to be reduced to £800 a year. In any case he will not be the victim of enforced economy, for

he hopes to be quit of the cares of office by next October. Whoever accepts the appointment will find it no sinecure if he follows in the footsteps of Sir Francis. A more indefatigable wcrker never lived. Almost the last batch of nominated immigrants sail for New Zealand in the Tongariro. They are about 200 in number, and about 60 of them are single women. It is possible there may be one more small shipment to wipe off the few remaining nominees. Nothing is really known respecting the-in-tentions of the Colonial Office in regard to the governorships which will become vacant before many months. Rumour makes very free with the name of Mr Raikes, the Postmaster-general. He has been allotted the succession to both Sir Hercules Robinson and Sir William Jervois. It is improbable that he will be sent to the Cape, being an altogether untried man, out it is by no means so unlikely that he may be sent to New Zealand, more especially as thatiswhere he wishes to try his 'prentice hand should he attempt a gubernatorial career. He told Mr Henniker Heaton as much only a few days ago. You have co doubt remarked the interest he is taking in the extension of the parcels post to New Zeaand. Lord Brassey's "Naval Annual for 1887" contains a cordial tribute of praise to "the high sense of national duty aud the public spirit the great colonies of Australasia have shown in the fortification of their principal harbours." The presence in Australian waters of a larger force is advocated, and it is pointed out. that " the geographical position of Sydney in reference to ludia, China, and the- Pacific station, would facilitate the despatch of reinforcements on an emergency." The news of the destructive gales experienced in both the North and South Island has occasioned a good deal of anxiety in colonial circles, and details are eagerly awaited. The stocks of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company constitute the largest asset possessed by the Assets Company (Limited), which held its sixth annual meeting, in Edinburgh, on the 31st ult. The chairmaa reported that the news from New Zealand was on the whole satisfactory, and he hoped that the bill promoted by the Land Company, and at present, before the House of Lords, would pass within a few months. Reference was made to the fact that Mr Andrew Graham, the agent for the properties in New Zealand, had mentioned that indications of oil had been found in a portion of their property. The directors' report was adopted. All difficulties have been overcome in connection with the amalgamation of the Blue Spur and Gabriel's Gully gold mines. A transfer has been effected to Sir Robert Stout, as solicitor and trustee of the company recently floated in London, and the purchase money has been remitted to him, by telegraph, through the Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The amount sub cribed has been paid up in full, and the statutory meeting will be held in about three weeks, when the chairman, Sir Walter Buller, may be expected to take the shareholders into his confidence, and tell them all he can about the mines and the prospects of the company. It is confidently believed by the promoters that the directors will soon be in a position to announce monthly dividends. Sir William Pearce, Bart., M.P., is believed to be financially interested in more than one New Zealand concern. It is satisfactory to note that he regards the so-called " depression " under which the colony is supposed to be labouring with easy indifference. He has just had built for his personal use one of the most perfect yaohts ever launched on the Clyde. It is 735 tons, 216fb in length, 27ft in breadth, and 19ffc in depth, aud will be propelled by triple expansion engines, indicating 1400-h.p. The accommodation is spacious, well planned, and replete in all respects. The cabins are luxuriously furnished, and the yacht will be supplied with a complete electric light installation. Bishop Cowie has been in consultation with Mr W. Kennaway respecting the cutting of the die for the somewhat elaborate seal of the Auckland University Cottege. The work has been entrusted to Mr A. Wyon, of Regent street, the great die-cutter. A few old identities may remember that close on half a century ago the Rev. George Butt was in New Zealand, working under the late Bishop Selwyn. A few years later he received the appointment of vicar of Chesterfield, and held fche position until his death, last week, at the I age of 73. Sir J. Pope Hennessy has not yet sailed for Mauritiu-, but it is doubtful if he will be allowed ro remain in London until his action against the Times is settled. He professes to be very sanguine of gaining heavy damages for the accusation levelled against him that he " edited " an official memorandum written by his old opponent, Mr Clifford Lloyd. The report is current that Sir John would uot be at all unwilling to exchange the Mauritius for an Australian governorship. At any rate, he has suddenly betrayed a warm interest in one of the " burning questions " of the colonies. He has written an article in the "Nineteenth Century" on "The Chinese in Australia," in which he expresses views which will certainly rnako him popular amongst those who suffer from periodic attacks of tbfl " yellow ngony." It must be remembered that Sir Johu Pope Hennessy has had five years' experience as Governor of Hongkong, so that his opinion on this subject cannot be lightly dismissed. He declares that those who admit that thjp objection to the influx of Chinese into an Anglo-Saxon community as well founded will acknowledge that the objection is really stronger in Australia than in the United States. He contends that thpre is nothing to prevent the colonies securing the prohibition of the entry of Chinese labourers into Australia except that their hands are tied by mistaken Parliamentary sentiment in England, and by the erroneous but traditional policy of the British Foreign Office. He believes that the governing classes in China would view with at least indifference, and probably with satisfaction, a policy of prohibition on the part of Australia, He is so far supported in this contention thab China has undoubtv dly acquiesced in such a policy so far as the United States are concerned. The Marquis Tseng, it may be remembered, expressed very similar views in his memorable article on "The Awakening of China," holding that to a true Chinaman Chinese emigration is objectionable on political and religious ground.*, and wholly unnecessary, since there is abundant room for her surplus population in Manchuria, Mongolia, and Turkestan. The conclusion Sir John arrives at is that it in folly for the Foreign Office to run the risk of embittering the relations between Australia and En^lanri owing to a mistaken idea that the policy pursued will be regarded with favour in China. IMPERIAL -FKDFItATION. — A DREAM. The future of the English-speakiug peoples U a favourae theme for Mr John Bright's political oratory As a practical statesman he has always copaistenHy refused to believe in the possibility of reading the vague . aspirations in which theoretical admirers of Imperial federation delight to indulge. At a great banquet given at Birmingham on the 28th ult., in honour of Mr Joseph Chamberlain, the old Tribune of the Peoplu, delivered a striking speech full of force aud freshness of argument and illustration, but

unfortunately intended to ' demonstrate the' utter impracticability of bringing about the federation of the empire. He bases his contention upon two main points — first, the dive?* gence of fiscal and economical polioy between the mother country and her colonies! and even, as on the Australian continent, between cod* tiguous colonies themseves ; and, secondly, the ■impossibility of the colonies affiliating themselvt s to a State with a " sfcupid foreign policy of war," in regard to which they would not be consulted and in respect to which they felt no interest,' The second point' was the one Mr Bright elaborated most. " I should like to ask the federation people," remarked the •• rebel orator," •'whether Canada and the great colonies that cluster in the South Pacific will be willing to bind themselves to the stupid foreign policy of war? Will they be willing to undertake the responsibility of entering into wars the seat of which is 10,000 miles away, and in which they cannot have the slightest interest, and when they may not have been in the least consulted 'as to the cause of the quarrel' which this country was rushing into? In my opinion the colonies will never stand it. If I were a Canadian, or Victorian, or New South Wales man, or Queenslander, or New Zealander, I would take good care, as far as I was concerned, that my voice should never go in favour of the policy of the old country as far as that was concerned. It would be much better for humanity and for us that these colonies should be under governments of their own and independent, and should not enter into quarrels in which they are not concerned, but endeavour to maintain their own honour and not take part in the miserable quarrels, contests, and wars which for a long time past have disfigured the history of the kingdom in which we live." For these reasons Mr Bright declared it quite hopeless to expect a federation between the wide colonies aud their vast populations and the people aud the Government of this country. The whole thing was a dream and an absurdity* Nevertheless many things might be done to bind the colonies to the mother country and to create a perpetual friendship between them. He had the greatest possible belief in the great future of the colonies and in their strengthened amicable relations with the parent country. By the end of the century there would be in Great Britain, her colonies, uud the United States some 150 millions, chiefly of the same blood, nearly all owing their origin to the small country of Great Britain, speaking the same language, having the same literature, mainly the same laws and the institutions of freedom. He hoped to see the highest and noblest federation established amongst them— under different governments it might bty— but united by race, by sympathy, by freedom of industry, by communion of interests, and by a perpetual peace. Under such conditions they might help to lead' the world to that better time which we all long for and believe in, though our mortal eyes may not behold it. In predicting the future destiny of the English-speaking races Mr Bright is not held to have exhibited his powers of optimistic foresight to much advantage. If his splendid vision of a great Anglo-Saxon confederation, embracing America, is ever to be realised, it is ' thought that he should at least advocate the federation of the British Empire as a step towards the greater end. The press has not been slow to point out how misleading are some of Mr Bright's assertion*. The generous aid given in the Soudan war is recalled, as well as the eagerness with which the colonies watched Mr Gladstone's policy when war was imminent with Russia. The conclusion is indeed drawn by some critics that whenever Great Britain is cautious to avoid a breach with other Powers there is dissatisfaction in the colonies. Others point out, with more reasonableness, thatthe abnegation of her Imperial position by England and the detaohment from her of her colonies would undoubtedly give rise 'to such a scramble among European nations for the partition of territory all over the world as has never before been witnessed in history. FINANCIAL. It is much to be regretted that the New Zealand loan could not be submitted at the present time when the conjunction of circumstances is so eminently favourable. It is some comfort that good judges in the financial world hold that the market will continue satisfactory for borrowers for some months to come. Colonial stonks are in great demand since Mr Goschen's conversion scheme has rendered small investors dissatisfied with consols. New Zealand stocks have gone up 10 per cent, since last November, and 4 per cent, since the Chancellor of the Exchequer propounded his scheme. It is estimated that if the Australasian colonies reap the full advuntage of that ncheme, they may save their taxpayers as much a« half a million per annum. The great advance which colonial securities made immediately after Mr Goschen's conversion scheme was announced has not been quite maintained, but tho leading Australasian stocks are still remarkably high. New South Wales 4 per cents have declined from 118 to 116j}, aud her 3£ per cents, to 106£. New Zealand 4'h are at 100£ (ex div.), having also declined somewbar. Mr Westgarth thinks the time has come for the colonies to adopt a 3 per cent, stook. He believes that in fch»- case of Victor/a and New South Wales ifc would probably now or hereafter bring 05 to 97, and if these colonies issued 3 per cents, he ctnsiders it would be better, for the sake of uniformity, fer the others to do the same, even although at some greater discount. All of them should aim to consolidate respectively all their stocks, so that v they might be fa their most negotiable form, and the interest dates should be as nearly as possible the same. Mr Westgarth will shortly be in Australia, and it would be well that his advice should be sought on these and kindred points. The city editor of the Standard has been girding as New Zealand again. He professes to have ' received private advices thH the population is deserting tbe colony faster than the usual service of steameis can carry it away, and that extra boats have been put on to take the emigrants to Victoria. Naturally next day th* re was a fall of lin New Zealand inscribed stock. The report is again current that Mr Pleydell has teplaced Mr Larkworthy. The latter only smiles, and contradicts the canard by bis punctual attendance in his accustomed place. Mr Murdooh sailed a week ago in the Britannia. In well informed cc-louial circles it is asserted that the Bank of New Zealand w*U not again pass the dividend. The shares are quoted at £16 to £17. At the Imperial Conference Sir Francis Bell pleaded with the Government for the introduction of an Imperial act authorising the investment of trust funds in colonial inscribed stocks. It was a forlorn hope, and nothing came of it except tbe conviction that the Lord Chancellor would nt-.ver authorise trustees to invest in cole nial stocks which were liable to be depreciated by the issue of g, large amount of additional stock, aud over which neither the Imperial Got vernment or the courts possessed any control. D.uring the recent debate in the ComrLona on the Consols Conversion Bill, the subject was again broached, but with no better success. Tfce Chancellor of tue Exchequer referted to thediffi* culty of the Court of Chancery in deciding which of the colonial Btooks should be sanctioned and which should not. He also dwelt upon the pos, sibility of " extravagant colonies piling up debt very fast," but he' mentioned no names. Tbs j

Government, he said, had left the position where it was, and could not sanction the principle of putting colonial and other stocks precisely in the came position as the stocks of the United Kingdom. There are, however, many indications that investors will not be long satisfied with this decision. The favourite stocks at the present time are colonial. ANGLO-COLONIAL ITEMS. Up to the present about 60 persons have applied for the position of Chairman of the Railway Commissioners of New Zealand. No American applications have yet been received. With the assistance of some well-known railway experts the Agent-general will shortly proceed to sift the applications preliminary to making an appointment. The funeral of the late Mr Lauchlau Mackinnon, J.P., one of the principal proprietors of the Melbourne Argus, took place at Plympton, near Plymouth, on the 24th ult. Mr Mackinnon, •who was in his 71st year, never got over the shock he sustained from the sudden death of the Eev. Dr Mackinnon, of Strath, his elder brother, a few months ago. Mr Lauchlan Mackinnon •was greatly beloved and respected in Plymouth, having lived near there on his estate at Elfordleigh for many years. He was a generous supporter of all educational and philanthropic institutions, and in private life his liberality was boundless. H.M.S. Orlando will be commissioned in about three weeks' time as the flagship for the Australian station. It has again been semi-officially announced that the Nelson, when paid off, is to be handed over to the Australian Government. The vagueness of this expression naturally occasions speculation as to which Government is intended. Friths picture of the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales is the private property of the Queen, and usually hangs at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty has graciously lent it to the Melbourne Exhibition. A rival to Mr Rider Haggard as a writer of romance has appeared in the person of Mr H. B. Marriott Watson, the author of a book cailed 11 The Arahuna," which has just been issued. Mr Watson is a native of Melbourne, but was brought up in New Zealand. About three years ago he came to England, and has been a contributor to the St. James' Gazette for the last 12 months or more. He will certainly take high rank as a writer of sensational fiction, for " Marahuna" is decidedly more fascinating than Haggard's •• She," though the plot is not so carefully constructed. The mysterious young female, who gives her name to the book, was " raised " somewhere beyond the ice barrier in Antarctic waters. To all appearances she is a daughter of the fire fiend, and she is certainly wanting in certain human characteristics which the terrestrial race find useful. She cannot comprehend the emotions of fear, love, hate, &c, but in other respects is a very beautiful and intelligent young lady. She works great havoc in a quiet English home before she rejoined her fiery race by a flying leap into the crater of Kilauea in Hawaii. " The Claimant " has almost dropped out of remembrance of late, but in view of the early termination of his ticket-of-leave, and the then possible reopening of his case, an effort is being made to revive an interest in the Tichborne mystery. As might be expected, the necessary spice or" romance is supplied from the American side. The story runs that a footman died at St. Louis 18 months ago who had been for many years in the employ of the Earl of Gosford, who was a witness at the great trial. Among3t the effects of the footman was a package of papers, bearing the inscription :—": — " Be sure to burn this, or bury it with me. May God paralyse the hand that opens it." The packet was placed in the coffin and buried as desired. The impression has somehow got abroad that the papers have an important bearing on the Tichborne case, and they are likely to be " resurrected " despite the footman's curse.