THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 18

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Auckland, December 9.

Arrived (6 a.m.) : Monowai, from San Francisco. The voyage was a lengthy one, owing to strong head winds being encountered. Her dates are — London, November 4 ; New York, November 11; San Francisco, November 17; Honolulu, November 24 ; Apia, December 2. Passengers : Misses Holland and Smith, Mesdames Recce, Cook, Daniels, Gilkison, Cumming, Gray, and Brown, Archbishop Redwood, Father Mahoney, Revs. Leal, York, and Collins, General Hogge, Dr Kronher, Messrs Bonar, Gillies (2), Recce, Begg, Cooke, Auder'son, Daniels, Gilkison, Mann, Cumming, Gray, Stevenson, Aitken, Brown, Gardener ; 19 in the steerage for all parts.

GENERAL SUMMARY. It is reported that the Tories are preparing an Irish Home Rule scheme, which will be published after the return of Mr Chamberlain to England. Phillip Scheig, $he defaulting paying teller of the Bank of Minneapolis, and Frank Lloyd, his accomplice, were arrested at Southampton on board a steamer from New York. Mr Gillig, of the Bank of Minneapolis, identified the men. Scheig and Lloyd made a violent resistance to their arresb, and Scheig tried to use a revolver. Two revolvers were taken from both men, who were locked up in gaol handcuffed. They were brought to London. The baggage of the two men, supposed to contain the bulk of the stolen money, was seized. An explosion occurred on the morning of November 13 in the coal-laden steamer Driftfast, off the Isle of Wight, killing one man and causing the vessel to sink. The remainder of the crew were rescued. M. Henri Rochefort and others have been amnested by the French Government. It was a mere political exigency. Rochefort will not leave London, where he is residing. He can do much more there than in Paris. The Duke of Devonshire addressed a great meeting of Unionists in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on November 9. He said that Mr Gladstone's party was demoralised, and dared not appeal to the country on the question of Home Rule. Four" men and two women were arrested in Liverpool on November 10 on a charge of gigantic swindling. They operated under two firms' names, both claiming to be American merchants and exporters. By means of mutu&l references, they tucceedei in getting trusted by 150 firms for goods to the value of many thousand pounds, alleged to be for the American market, which they pawned in Liverpool or sold at auction in other towns. The Marquis of Queensberry was quiebly married on November 7 at Eastbourne to Miss Ethel Weedon. The bride is described as being young and rich. It is tumoured in copper circles that a very important combination has been formed, including Baron Hirsch, the Rothschilds, and Levinsohn Bros. It has long been supposed that a clique, led by Baron Hirsch, heid half of the present visible supply of copper, amounting in value to £500,000. The birthday of the Prince of Wales was celebrated on November 9 at Sandringham. The church bells were rung during the morning, and flags flew everywhere in the vicinity. A dinner was given to 300 labourers and workmen employed upon the Princa of Wales's «slate, Mrs Roosevilr, wife of the Secretary of the American Embassy, died at ABCot, England, on November 12. She had been ill for some time, and it is said she had taken an overdose of laudanum to alleviate her pains. It is supposed the drug proved fatal on account of her weakened condition. Mrs Roosevilt was a prominent society woman, and before her marriage was Miss Helen Astor, one o? William Astor's -daughters. A meeting of EDglish and foreign Anarchists was held en November 12 in Trafalgar square. Twelve hundred assembled to do honour to the Chicago " martyrs." The base of the Nelson column and the scene in front of that portion of .Trafalgar square was Burrounded by Anarchists bearing read and black banners. A large number of police and detectives were among the crowd, listening to the speeches and taking notes of the sensational remarks of the speakers, who were less violent than usual.

Mr Robertson Gladstone, nephew of the Prime Minister, died in Liverpool in November.

It is learned on good authority, according to a London despatch of November 11, that a •well-known English retired naval officer is forming a small fleet of cruisers and torpedo boats in England, in command of which he intends to proceed to the assistance of Admiral Di Mello. He has already purchased two ships, which he is fitting up as cruisers, and he is negotiating with a leading Thames shipbuilder for two torpedo boats. Several English naval officers are preparing to accompany the expedition. In a speech at Harrow, on November 11, the Right Hon. Lord George Hamilton (First Lord of the Admiralty during the Marquis of Salisbury's Administration) said : "If Great Britain is deprived of the command of the sea, a large portion of her poople will be reduced to permanent destitution. Foreign nations are making great naval progress, and unless we make an immediate and determined effort we shall be at a disadvantage next year. I hope the Government will soon intimate their readiness to prepare to meet the new wants of the navy. If not, it will be the duty of Parliament to make them show their hands."

Miss Annie Pexley, a well-known American actress, died of brain fever in London on November 8. She played an engagement in Sydney, New South Wales, and Melbourne in 1876-77. Her estate figures up to 500 OOOdol.

An examination of the accounts of Hallett and Conavy, agents and bankers, shows, according to a London despatch of November 6, liabilities amounting to £150,000. Several of the Princes Royal and most of the prominent naval officers are among the unsecured creditors. Hallett attributes his failure to aiding the Dalziel News Agency to the extent of over £40,000.

The British troopship Crocodile, having on board a large number of soldiers returning irom India on sick leave and because their terms of office have expired, was reported disabled off the Arabian coast on November 4, and the gunboat Pigeon and several tugs went to the assistance of the vessel from Aden.

The London Times is the authority for saying that there have bsen 400 cases of diphtheria in .London per week recently, causing 80 or 90 deaths weekly. Major-general Charles Teese, her Majesty's Master of Ceremonies, and at one time Equerry to the Prince of Wales, and who accompatiied the latter to the United States, died in London on November 1.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool gave a banquet at the Town Hall on November 6 in honour of Mr Thomas F. Bayard, American Ambaesador, ■who made a response to the toast of his health. General Patrick Collins (United States Consulgeneral), in bis speech, mentioned the fact that

things had improved in the United States, and said its renewal would be felt in Liverpool if Englishmen showed themselves as wise as their American cousins. The action of Congress in repealing the purchasing clause of the f silver law had simplified the situation.

At the annual Diocesan Synod of the County Down, Ulster, on October 31, the Dean of Down proposed a motion thanking God for the rejection of the Home Rule Bill by the Lords, and thanking the Unionist peers for opposing the measure. Dr Wright moved an amendment describing the action of the Lords as narrow-minded and suicidal. An exciting scene followed. A babel of voices protested against the amendment. Amid the storm the Key. Dr Hunt seconded Dr Wright's amendment and made a speech, describing the Lords as ruffians.' The members of synod became infuriated, and a Grange Orangeman named Kane threatened to eject Dr Hunt. A vote was finally taken on Dr Wright's amendment, and it was rejected.

The Court of Honour as exhibited ab the Columbian World's fair at Chicago, with all its sculpture and electric effects, is to be reproduced in South Kensington, London, and with it a theatre is to be built, where the American theatrical sensation of the exposition season will be given. An Englishman who visited the World's Fair furnishes the money for the gigantic undertaking. The London Times of November 15, referring to a rumour adverse to the Bank of England, says : ' ' An investigation of certain irregularities with regard to advances on securities is proceeding, but it is probable that the lo3ses will be much less than has been alleged, and the reporls of the retirement of directors are erroneous. While it is difficult to fix the blame on individual directors, we are of opinion that there must be serious fault in the sjstem under which the irregularities occurred. It appears to U3 that on the present occasion the bank will be well advised to depart from its customary and proper practice of ignoring such rumours and publish the facts which concern the public in advance of the half-yearly meeting. Though the bank is a private corporation, it is also a national institution, and therefore ought to reassure the public when uneasiness has bec-n created by false rumours." Later despatches say that the bank officials continue to maintain silence. It is stated on good authority, however, that the bank'd connection with bad finance is practically limited to its transaction in South American and Mexican companies, which has been ventilated in courts, and that the irregularities are confined to allowing favours-d cu3lomer3 lo substitute leso desirable securities for those upon which money was originally lent. A cable despatch to New York says that the Bank of England seasd tl is dying out. No formal contradiction has been issued, but it i 3 understood that the loss is trifling. Some £20,000 advances were made through Chiefcashier Mays, who has been retired. He exceeded his functions by permitting the substitution of securities pledged with the authority of his superior. There is no fraud ; only irregularities. One director i 3 known to be financially weak, but the rumour of bis retirement is contradicted. The feeling generally on November 15 was reassuring. Herbert Spencer, the famous philosopher, is growing feebler, and his invalidism is becoming chronic. He returned to his London home from Brighton a few days ago, according to a London despatch, but is confined to his house most of his time, and does but little writing. His malady makes him exceedingly irritable. His family and friends humour him in indolence, and occasionally he regales them with flashes of good Humour and wisdom.

Alderman Robert Tj ler, the new Lord Mayor of London, was inducted into office on November 9 with the usual formalities, including the customary parade, which was witnessed by tens of thousands of people. It was not well received by working men, who hissed as the procession passed. At the banquet in the evening Earl Spencer, First Lord of the Admiralty, replied to the toast to the Navy, saying in effect that the Government are determined to develop it and maintain England's supremacy on the ocean. The toast to the Ministry was responded to by Lord Kimberley, Lord President of the Council and Secretary for India. He said that the foreign relations were friendly at present, but the Government could not contemplate the armaments of the Continent without anxiety. He congratulated his hearers on the finally established friendship of Great Britain and America. Mr Bayard, United States Ambassador, proposed the toast to the late Lord Mayor and made a short speech.

An American news despatch to the New York Timep, from London on November 6, mentions that Miss Adele Grant, a famous American beauty, and daughter of the late Beach Grant, of New York, has announced lo members of her family her engagement to the Earl of E«sex as soon as the necessary legal papers are signed, and certainly before Christmas.

Cramps, of Philadelphia, a builder of iron steamships, has turned out a war vessel for the United States Government called a " commerce destroyer," and said to be the fastest in the world. She is named Columbia, and was sent on her preliminary trial on November 14 over the Government course from Cape Ann, Massa-chusetts,-and Cape Porpoise, Maine. Under a forced draught she developed a speed of 22 87 knots per hour, and under a natural draught 20 2 knots. It is thought she will easily make 23 kno's, ard earn a premium for her builder of close on 400,000d01.

Monsignor Satolli, papal ablegate to the United fctates, has been directed by his Holiness to remain in America till his mission is completely accomplished. It was reported that Satolli had.been ordered to return to Rome and receive a cardinalate.

A bill for the free admission to the American registry of ships built in foreign ccuatries has been ordered and favourably reported to the House. Its provisions take effect in January next, and any hull purchased in accordance with it Bhall not be used or allowed to engage in coastwise trade of the United States.

Clarence King, once director of the United States geological survey, and who ia 1872 exposed the great diamond field hoax in the west of the United States, has been committed to an insane asylum in New York. The British Ambassador at Washington has entered into negotiations with Mr Gresham for the settlement of the claims of the British sealers seized in Behring Sea previous to the modi's vivendi of 1891. It is said the amount of indemnity claimed by the Canadian Government will not exceed 500, 000d01.

The condition of the Piesbyterian Church of the United States is alarming. The great Church Council was held ab Cleveland on November 7 to decide upon the policy for the future. R ; gid conservatism on the one hand and latiiudiuarianism on the other threaten the integrity of that sect.

Commodore James H. Gillies, of the United States Navy, who was recently retired, having reached the age of 62, has entered the service of Peixoto, President of Brazil, and will be employed against the insurgents. Millo Warner Miller has resigned the presidency of the Nicaragua Canal, and tho whole directorate has been reorganised. The affairs of the company are not satisfactory.

It is reported that President Peixoto, of Brazil, had offered to purchase the old Zealandia steamship from the Spreckels firm, San Francisco. She is lying in San Francisco harbour.

The Chicago World's Fair medals will not be ready for delivery before next summer. Exhibitors complain earnestly at the delay. The buildings for the Midwinter Exposition, to open in San Francisco in January 1894, are proceeding rapidly to completion, but contributions towards its success are yet early. There appears to be more interest felt in the enterprise abroad than at home.

The overland railways are in trouble, and the United States Government intends to commence foreclosure proceedings against the Union Pacific ; and the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, of New York, brought a suit at St. Paul, Minneapolis, on November 14, for the foreclosure of the mortgages of three sets of bonds on the Northern Pacific, aggregating 53, 000, OOOdol, and asked for the appointment of a receiver.

Three highwaymen boarded a train on which the celebrated Montana silver statue was being conveyed from the Chicago Fair while it was passing through the Montezuma swarrp, New York, and attempted to force open the car where the figure lay in order to get possession of it. Being baffled thiy sprang off and flrd through the morass. Ib is questioned if they could have moved the mass of metal had they obtained access to it.

Hugh John Macdonald, son of the late Premier of Canada and member of Parliament for Winnipeg, has handed in hi 3 resignation to the Speaker of the Canadian Parliament. He is tired of public life and abandons it.

The civic treasury of Montreal is reported to be empty, and the city officers were said to be at a loss where to raise money to carry on works now in progress.

Sealing claims to the amount of a million dollars have been filed with Collector Milne at Victoria, British Columbia, and forwarded to Ottawa for compensation for exclusion from Behring Sea during the arbitration.

The coal war in England (says a London despatch of November 12) has ceased to be a question of economics and become one of common humanity. All the horrors of a famine are now raging in the mining districts. The newspapers are filled daily with the appalling story of death, destitution, and mute endurauce. One community of 200 families existed two or three weeks on two meals a week of plain bread, supplied by charity. Thi3 pitiful ration is now cut down to one meal a week.

The alarming stories about Prince Bismarck and the state of his health are unfounded. The Prince is in good health, and able to take daily walks.

The explorer Sellars, in an interview on November 1, intimated that the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia has arranged a treaty between Russia, France, and Spain, under which the latter's ultimate occupation of Tangier, Morocco, is provided for. If this is not carried out these Powers have determined that in no event shall Great Britain occupy Tangier, no matter what it costs to prevent it.

A letter from a Spanish agent-general of a commercial house in London, dated November 14, says the condition of affairs in Spain is decidedly critical. Public confidence is at the lowest ebb, the Government and army officers are in a state of panic, and the army is notoriously disaffected, owing to the fact that pay is in arrears.

Robert Peel, son of Sir Robert Peel, was adjudged bankrupt in London on October 31. His liabilities are £57,000, and there are no assets. Peel ascribes his insolvency to betting and gambling. President Cleveland has now in his walks a bodyguard, who came on duty immediately after the assassination of Mayor Harrison, of Chicago, by a drunk. It now seems certain that President Cleveland intends to restore ex - Queen Liliuokalani to the Hawaiian throne. The ground taken by Secretary of State Gresham in a letter to the President on the question is that the Queen was deposed unjustly without the knowledge or authority of the Government at Washington ; therefore it is the duty of the United States to disavow an act of injustice and return her dusky majesty to the throne. With this view of the case President Cleveland agrees. The United States Minister recently sent to the islands has been instructed to carry out this policy.

The steamship City of Alexandra, belonging to the New York and Cuban Mail Steamship Company, was burned at sea on November 1. An explosion preceded the burning, the cause of which is unknown. In the first moment of terror several passengers jumped into the ssa. The number so drowned is believed to be 34.

The steamship City of New York, bound for Japan and China, struck the rocks at the North Heads of San Francisco on October 27, and will probably go to pieces where she lies.

The scheme for a through route from England to Australia, via Canada, is not meeting with much support in London. According to a despatch of 31st October, it will probably be abandoned for the present.

The Canadian-Pacific railroad agents have not been able to arrange with any company in England to take the proposed line of steamers between Milford Haven and Quebec. In a year the Canadian-Pacific managers themselves may try to carry the matter through.