SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2371, 10 August 1899, Page 9

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

[Per Mabiposa, at Auckland.] A despatch from Odessa, dated July 4, slated jthat a dynamite cartridge exploded during the excavation of a coal mine, killing 44- persons and injuring 20 others. The court-martial for the trial of Admiral Cervera and other officers in command of the •Spanish fleet destroyed off Santiago, has liberated the prisoners, but without absolving itliem from blame. "Word from London says that the Admiralty and engineering experts are greatly interested in the forthcoming trials of torpedo-catchers on the Tyne. They are filled with Charles Parson's patent turbine engines, and have a displacement of about 350 tons. The engines are capable of developing a speed of 35 knots, and 10,000 horse-power. There is no vibration. London is just now overrun, with Americans. The Ambassador (Mr Choata) declared at a "banquet on July 4 that the "presence of 4000 American ladies at the reception had given him the moet impressive evidence .he had yet received of the importance of the ambassadorship to the Court of St. Jamerf. This only gives a faint idea of the situation, as the rush is so great that the steam ship companies admit their inability to cope with it. All the Transatlantic Companies have ordered from one to four new ships, but it is impossible for all these to be ready in 1900. The American and North German lines are pushing work, but will not be ready for the Paris Exhibition. The Atlantic Transport Company^ has four ships in course of construction, each 600 ft long. The Ameer of Afghanistan appearc to be having an unenviable experience. An Afghan recently fired a pistol at him, but aimed so •badly that the ball was lodged in the shoulder of a general standing near by. Advices also tate that the Ameer's brother, Ibah Khan, •tried to bribe a cook to poison the Ameer, i When the plot \yas discovered the brother fled into Russian Asia, and the cook was hanged. The Emperor William visited the French training ship Iphigenie at Bergen on July 6,"and exchanged cordial telegrams with President Loubet. The press described the event ac the first friendly act of France for a generation. The Petit Journal said the Emperor had obtained a triumph of policy, He will now meet with few obstacles in the realisation of his desired visit to the exposition in 1900. Archbishop Ireland addressed the British nobility of the Catholic Church at London, ■when many notables were present, and roundly cheered the wish expressed by the Archbishop that the friendly relations now existing between Groat Britain and the United States might continue many years. The International Council of Women convened in London has attracted much attention and comment of all sorts and degrees. The Times, in a rather ironical' editorial, said: — "We cannot believe the general atti- i tude of the congress either wise or representa- ! tiye, or that the proceedings are likely to i further the real interest of womankind. It I •would be lamentable if these indiscreet and | exaggerated demands should foster a reaction against the process of gradual development ■whereby women have already gained so much." Educational and reformatory work were discussed, and papers were read on the scientific handling of all domestic problems, physical, mental, and moral. In the Weßtminster Town Hall, where special meetings •were held, many speakers could not make themselves heard, owing to the noiee of the underground trains and disturbances in the streets. The bell was rung to close each paper at the end of ten minutes, and even the most brilliant women found it hard to do themselves justice under such trying conditions. ALASKAN GOLDFIELDS. Vessels from the north are bringing down miners from the goldfields, some of them rich and healthy, others defeated and suffering. The vicinity of Klondyke has fulfilled early promises, but Copper River and other regions have_ lured_ men into dreadful dangers and hardships without any returns. The excitement of spring is in relation to large finds in Cape Nome country, and the miners of Dawson have stampeded in that direction. The second gold ship of the season arrived at Seattle on July 4, bringing about 150,000d0l in dust. The money belonged to 30 passengers. The City of Topeka arrived at Seattle two days later, bringing 200,000d0l in dust. The wealth belonged to Klondykers, and Copper River miners who were without money or decent clothes were assisted by their more fortunate fellows. It is reported that a Government relief party sent into the interior did much good, saving many lives. The steamer Humbolts brought 275 passengers and about 500,000d01. The United Slates Marshal will investigate as to the fate of the passengers and crew of •the steamer Jessie, lost last year in Alaskan •waters. It is surmised that the people did not perish in the wreck, but were murdered by Alaskan Indians. The Jessie had a great amount of whisky aboard, and it is believed the massacre was committed to secure this and other stores. The steamer Tees arrived at Victoria on July 2, bringing a large party of Dawson ■miners and a million dollars. Wallace Hay■ward, former sergeant of police at Victoria, brought out 55,000d01. Advices from the Atlin district show that the enforcement by the Canadian officials of •the Alien Exclusion Act, so bitterly resented at the time, proved a blessing in disguise, as only a few claims turned out well, and thousands of miners are idle. The bench claims '•oi the Klondyko districts have paid enormously, and it is reported trails in every direction are used for bringing into Dawson stores of dust taken out during the winter. THE BOUNDARY CONTROVERSY. The question of the Alaskan boundaries Iremains unsettled, though it is evident the Canadian and United States officials in the disputed territory are acting under instructions. The United States Government has quietly but firmly restrained Canadian customs officers and mounted police, who were harassing American miners who passed over the trails. A continuance of the spirit of mut/ual forbeairance and friendliness shown need only to be continued to ensure an amicable settlement of what has seemed a difficult problem at the State department in Washington. However, it has been stated that the strained conditions on tlie frontier leave room to fear a.n outbreak at any time. Such a disturbance might be followed by serious results, and it is hoped it may be avoided. Ambassador Choa.te has been instructed to send to the department a full statement of all correspondence between himself and Lord Salislniry in this relation. The object is said to be that the matter may be published in case of the British Foreign Office making an cx-p*rte etatemftjafa.