BRITISH AND FOREIGN. LONDON, April 17.

Otago Witness, Issue 2408, 26 April 1900, Page 13

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. LONDON, April 17.

Sir F. M. Hodgson sends reassuring messages regarding the position in Ashanti. The German pro-Boer electors in America threaten to desert President M'Kinley. Admiral Dewey's strong condemnation of Mr Bryan's anti-Imperialism threatens a split in the Democratic party. The Queen prolongs her visit in Ireland until the 27th inst. ' Reuter's Constantinople correspondent indicates that the Porte has decided to ask Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria <to visit Constantinople before visiting Russia. The Sultan is said to be uneasy respecting Prince Ferdinand's alleged intended betrothal to the Grand Duchess Olga of Russia. The Shah of Persia has started on a visit to the European capitals. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 3,5-95,000 quarters, and for the Continent 1,540,000. Australian and New Zealand Mortgage 4£ per cent, debentures, £93. [ April 18. The Queen's Birthday will be celebrated in London on the 23rd of May and elsewhere on the 24th. April 19. Captain Cresswell, formerly Commandant of the Naval Forces in South Australia, has a long letter in The Times replying to that journal's criticism of the proposals made »fc the conference of tJie Ajjgtral'ian

naval commandants, held in Melbcnirne, for the establishment of an Australian naval re- ' serve. Latest advices &tate that Kuinassi is closely invested by the natives. Sir F. M. Hodgson, the British Governor of the Gold Coast Colony, has asked for all available forces, and 250 Haussas and bluejackets have started to his assistance. April 22. A force of 300 troops from Nigeria has undertaken a long >verland march to Ashanti. BERLIN, April 18. The Kaiser attends the regatta at Cowes in August. ST. PETERSBURG, April 18. The Czar has presented France with a map in mosaic valued at four million francs. Gems represent the chief towns. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 22. Despite the formal collective protest Avhich has been received from the Powers, the Porte are raising the customs duties from 8 to 11 per cent., believing that the Powers will yield upon the point at issue. NEW YORK, April 23. Walsh, Nolson, and Dultmau, Americans, believed to be Chicago pro-Boer emissaries, have been arrested at Niagara Falls for attempting to dynamite Thorold lock and well and the canal link between Lakes Erie and Ontario. i I