CABLEGRAMS. BRITISH AND FOREIGN. LONDON, August 18.

Otago Witness, Issue 2528, 27 August 1902, Page 20

CABLEGRAMS. BRITISH AND FOREIGN. LONDON, August 18.

A phonographic record of the Fijians singing "Home, sweet home" before the Royal Palace has been sent to the King. Shoeing-smith A. Ford, of the Horse Artillery, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for serving a gun under heavy fire during the Tafelkop fight after the remainder of the gun team had been killed.

Prior to the dispersal of the warships the King, in the royal yacht, escorted by 40 torpedo boats, the Alberta, and other yachts, traversed the lines eastwards and anchored at St. Helens. A gale was raging at the time. The weather was niisty, with occasional torrents of rain. The fleet then steamed seaward in two columns. The foreign warships present paraded before the King, saluting and manning their yards as they passed. The King's parting message to the fleet was : —," Magnificent sight; splendid order kept."

There has been an extraordinary number of deaths on the Alps this season. The victims were tourists of various nationalities, and most of them, were accompanied by guides.

August 19.

Mr Chamberlain, replying to a deputation, said he was not apprehensive regarding the ratification of the Brussels Bugar Convention. If not ratified, effective measures would be taken to safeguard the West Indian sugar industry.

The Prince of Wales, Lord Roberts, and High functionaries of State officially welcomed the Shah of Persia, who was magnificently dressed. He wore a diamond in the centre of a black fez, three emerald* on each shoulder epaulette, a gold-jewelled chain over his shoulder like a sash, a heavily-jewelled sword, belt, and scimitar. He was accompanied by a brilliant suite. A guard of honour from the First Life Guards escorted the Shah to Marlborough House, and troops lin&d the route. The crowds gave him. an enthusiastic reception, and the Shah was greatly pleased.

The Prince of Wales in the evening represented the King at a State banquet at Buckingham Palace in the Shah's honour. Sixty guests were present*

Great Britain will be officially represented in the St. Louis Exhibition in the education and art sections.

The election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr W. Johnston (C), late member for South Belfast, resulted in the return of Mr Sloan, the Protestant Association candidate. He is an opponent of the Education Bill. He polled 3795 votes and Mr Dunbar Buller (Unionist) 2969. The workers supported Mr Sloan and the landlords Mr Buller.

August 20.

A Blue Book dealing with the war shows that General Buller 9, fortnight

before the battle of Colenso had accurate information of General White's supplies in Ladysmith. Lord Roberts, on January 26, hearing that Spion Kop had been abandoned, suggested to General Buller that if he was not confident of forcing his way into Ladysmith he should wait at the Tugela till he (Lord Roberts) was himself in the Free State. General Buller on February 4 wrote : " Regarding the expected attack on Ladysmith, General White affects to be confident, but I don't know if he really is. I do not think your more into the Free State will much affect the position here."

The Shah of Persia held a reception of British Ministers and foreign diplomatists.

Subsequently, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Prince Arthur of Connaught, he attended the Empire Theatre, a detachment of the Household Cavalry escorting the party.

The Public Prosecutor has declined to take action in the London Globe Finance Corporation case. The shareholders will appeal to the Attorney-general in the matter.

Truth declares that the Archbishop of Canterbury's infirmities are increasing, and that he resigns at the end of the year, the Bishop of Winchester succeeding hhn. Miss Agnes Logan, an Australian, was killed in a motor-car accident in Renfrewshire.

Mr Seddon is visiting Hull, and_ intends visiting other towns. .Sir E. and Lady Barton and Sir J. and Lady Foirest started from Euston road railway station on thpir return, to Australia. Large crowds heartily farewelled thetn, including several Australian ex-Governors. Lord Monkbretton, representing Mr Chamberlain, expressed Mr Chamberlain's regret at being unable to personally say farewell. Ninety-six thousand nine hundred and seven people paid for admission, to Westminster Abbpy to view the Coronation arrangements. The receipts, which will be devoted to charitable purposes, amount to nearly £-3000. The Abbey is now closed to the public.

The British cruiser Phaeton has gone to Buena Vis>ta owing to the Colombian Government endeavouring to compel the British steamer Ecuador to convey troops to Panama.

A by-election for Seven Oaks is necessary owing to the appointment of Mr Henry William "Forster as Junior Lord of the Treasury, and it is being sharply contested, the Education Bill being the principal subject before the electorsMr Balfour, in a letter to Mr Forster, points out that under the bill the whole question of secular education is now being transferred to the control of a popularly elected body, the system of one-man management disappearing. On the other hand, Sir H. CampbellBannerman, in a letter to the Liberal candidate (Mr Morice), states that the bill infringes the rights and conscience of the people, and thereby gives a taint which will be fatal to its efficiency.

August 21.

The Shah of Persia visited the King aboard the royal yacht in the Solent, and had a two hours' interview. He received the Garter of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George.

A gunner, firing a salute for the Shah aboard the warship Victory, was killed owing to a charge exploding prematurely.

The United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany declare the blockade of Venezuelan ports inefficient.

A royal charter has been granted to the British Academy for the promotion of historical, philosophical, and philological studies. A fire in a publichouse in Piccadilly at daybreak isolated nino barmaids and servants in the upper floors. They could be seen by the crowds below, and there was intense excitement until the escape arrived. AH were rescued in their night-dresses.

The White Star liner Cedric has been launched in Belfast. She is the largest steamer in the world, being 700 ft long, 20,970 tons gross, and accommodates 3000 passengers.

Dennis Kilbride, a prominent Irish Nationalist, was charged at Athlone with inciting the Westmeath Nationalists to murder a landlord. The magistrates disagreed. Kilbride was admitted to bail.

There is recrudescence of cholera in Egypt. Every province except Keueh is infected. There have been 3000 cases, mostly fatal.

August 22. At the suggestion of Sir Edward Poynter, president of the Royal Academy, royal academicians are enthusiastically subscribing to rebuild the Campanile of St. Mark's, Venice. The public are invited to co-operate. The rain is seriously damaging the standing corn in Britain, and the hop and fruit crops in Kent are much injured. The Duke of Bedford has contributed £3000 to the Cancer Research Fund.

The French are converting Diego, Saurez Bay, Madagascar, into a first class naval and military stronghold. Good rains in Western India have saved the crops, averting an immediate famine. Some rain also fell in the Central Provinces and Beras. It i§ said that possibly Canada^ the

Commonwealth, and New Zealand will co-operate in a fast steam Pacific line if Great Britain joins.

The Shah visited Westminster Abbey, Maxim's works, and the Hippodrome. The Shah is the object of intense in* terest to Londoners.

The Australian Coronation Contingent was given a hearty send-off at Alexandra Park. They marched thence to the Albert docks and embarked on the steamer Arcadia. Lieutenantcolonel Cameron, the officer command* ing, thanked General Cooke for the treatment of the tFOops, and said ne was confident the exceptional opportunities afforded for meeting the Kmg's troops? from all parts of the world had strongly cemented the comradeship, wmch was a distinguishing feature of the soldiers of the British Empire.

Lieutenant-colonel Cameron, in a letter in the press, thanks all classes for the innumerable kindnesses and magnificent hospitality shown to the contingents.

With a view to stimulate recruiting, the War Office is arranging to station: a battalion of Scots Guards in Edinburgh and a battalion of Irish Guards in Dublin.

Sir Henry Irving denies that he has entered into any engagement for an Australian tour.

Seven colonial Governors who have served under Baron Stanmore (Sir Arthur Gordon) during their careers have presented him with a silver salver. The Hon. H. W. Forster was reelected for Seven Oaks by a majority of 891.

A cablegram published on the 22nd inst. informed us that the Government Education Bill had been made a test question in thia election. In 1900 Mr Forster s majority was 4812.

The War Office is making experiments with a new 18-pounder field gun, which promises to be superior to anything in the possession of other Powers. " Three more accidents in the Alps, including two deaths, are reported. Two English brothers, who were climbing the Matterhorn, are also missing.

August 23

Nearly 40 Alpine fatalities have occurred this season. lne two Englishmen, brothers, reported missing on the Matterhorn, were killed by lightning;, also their two guides.

It is reported * Mr Cecil Rhodes left the Countess of Warwick lands in South, Africa, worth £200,000.

The Duke and Duchess of Argyle wit* nessed a Maori war dance at Alexandra Park.

The Shah of Persia was present at a review of the artillery at Woolwich. He inspected the arsenal and was greatly impressed. The inhabitants of Devon presented General Kekewich with a sword in recognition of his heroic defence of Kimberley.

One hundred police evicted four families on Lord Defreyen's estate, Con* naught. One family resisted desperately, using pitchforks and boiling stii> about.

The tide overtook and drowned fivat little girls paddling on Filey Beach, despite the frantic efforts of the mothers' to rescue them. The elder girls held the younger ones in their arms till over* whelmed.

August 24.

The Bothas and a great public attendance were present at the laying of General Lukas Meyer's body in its temporary vault in the Ixelles Cemetery, Brussels.

Lady Warwick denic3 that ?he has re* ceived any bequest under the will o£ the late Mr Cecil- Rhodes. Viscount Kitchener is the guest of the Marquis of Londonderry fit Wytt* ward Park. In a speech, replying to an address, he advocated an addition to t-he elementary military schools, and ap» pealed to employers to find good permanent work for Many of the returning soldiers.

The Shah visited Windsor, and placed a magnificent wreath on Queen Victoria's tomb. Later on he attended the Crystal Palace, where there was a record display of fireworks, 70,000 persoas being present. King Lewanika of Barotseland ha 3 sailed. He is greatly impressed with his visit, and intends adopting European methods iv his country as far as practicable.

The latest type of British submarine was severely tested at Barrow. It main* tamed a speed of 15 knots.

Information has been received thati the police fired on 300 East Indians who: were attacking an estate in British' Guiana, and that 21 were killed and 32 injured.

The two brothers killed by lightning in the Alps were named Fearon. One* was a curate in London, the other a} Government factory inspector.

A terrific storm ooeurred bet-weeul Tuesday night and Thursday. , All the guides and climbers at Grindelwald, including another brother, formed search! parties. They discovered the bodies pfi the curate and guide at the summit-. The storm had earned the others ores the precipice. The parents and sister 3of the unfortunate tourists were also staying ati Grindehvald.

August 25. Mr Seddon^ in accenting the freedom

<>f Annan, said it was right to exhibit generosity to the Boer generals, but not to place them on a higher pedestal than British officers. He urged them to withhold judgment with regard to the "overcrowded transports until the evidence was received.

PARIS, August 18.

The Tahitians are urging the French Government to subsidise an extension of the Marseilles-Sydney steam line to San Francisco, via Tahiti.

August 20.

A party of Moors attacked the French supply column near Amdelkeli. Several were killed on both sides.

Rains are seriously affecting the grape Tines and beetroot crops.

August 23.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Canadian Premier, speaking here, advocated an Anglo-French alliance as a guarantee of universal peace. It is- reported that Sir W. Laurier is willing to concede French products imported to Canada a measure of preference if Canadian products are admitted to France under the minimum tariff.

The Papal Nuncio here warned the Vatican that, any encouragement to .the Nationalists to renew excesses in connection with religious orders will result in the denunciation of the Concordat.

M. Leroy Beaulieu, the well-known publicist, expresses alarm at the continued decline of the French revenue. He anticipates a deficit of over two hundred million francs in the present year.

August 24.

Sir W. Laurier, who had an interview with M. Delcasse, denies the reported negotiations, though he is endeavouring to obtain a reduction of duties on some articles.

ST. PETERSBURG, August 20

Three of the newest and fastest boats of the Russian volunteer fleet have been added to the naval reserve cruisers.

August 24.

The Minister of Marine' has ordered that all materials of Russian origin must be exclusively used in the construction of all ships built in Russia.

Despite official secrecy, it has leaked out that a squadron of Russian cavalry at the recent St. Petersburg manoeuvres were ordered to plunge into the river, and that 50 of them were drowned.

August 25.

The Novoe Vremya asserts that Habibullah, the Ameer of Afghanistan, is not cordial to the British, and that the time is opportune to establish a Russian, representative at Cabul to open Afghanistan to Russian commerce. WASHINGTON, August 19. America is renewing the campaign against the Moros in the Philippines.

August 25.

President Roosevelt, speaking at ProTideuce, said the nation must assume the control of trusts, using its powers with moderation.

NEW 10RK, August 19

Mr Schawb is retiring from the presidentship of the American Steel Trust on account of his health.

During an election brawl a coloured constable fat-ally shot with a revolver Joe Goddard, the well-known Australian pugilist.

August 22.

The Venezuelan insurgents have captured the Government steamer Voyacca.

A racial riot occurred at Tupelo, in the State of Mississippi. Four whites and eight negroes were killed.

There was a severe eruption at Mont Pelee, Martinique, on Thursday, with

August 25. lieavy dust showers, causing total darkness for 20 minutes, and extending seawards a distance for five mile".

August 26.

•Venezuela has declined to consider the protest of Great Britain, France, and Germany respecting the blockade being ineffective, and captured two Dutch schooners, whose crews were not aware of the blockade. OTTAWA, August 22.

Professor Parkin, of Toronto College, ■whom the trustees of Mr Cecil Rhodes's will instructed to prepare a scheme awarding colonial-American Rhodes scholarships, is trying to interest Mr Pierpont Morgan in a scheme whereby American capitalists would create scholarships for English youths at American colleges on the lives of Mr Rbodes's bequest. The suggestion is likely to bear fruit.

August 23

The Canadian Government are arming the militia with the new Metford-Ross rifle.

CAPETOWN, August 20

The warehouse of Messrs Dyer and Dyer, general merchants, East London, Cape Colony, has been burnt. The damage is estimated at £120,000. ; PEKING, August 18.

There are terrible floods in the Kwangsi province, and thousands have been drowned.

.Several hous-es in Hongkong collapsed, killing 20 persons.

August 19.

. Cholera is spreadiug alarmingly along the railway route in Manchuria, also in Southern Corea.

August 25

Messrs Brace and Lewis, British missionaries attached to the China Inland Mission* we re beaten to. death s,t Chjg-

chow, the mob believing they had poisoned the wells, producing the cholera outbreak. The Government have promised the punishment of the murderer©. Yuanshikai has prepared a plan for the complete organisation of the Chinese army.

TOKIO, August 19

A volcano, which is still in eruption, overwhelmed the Japanese island of Torishima, and all of the 150 inhabitants of the island perished.