YESTERDAY’S CABLE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8425, 23 January 1896, Page 1

YESTERDAY’S CABLE.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Per Press Association. THE FRENCH FLEET. Paris, January 22. The French Government are equipping a reserve squadron at Toulon for the purpose of strengthening the Channel fleet. PATRIOTIC DISPLAYS. Ottawa, January 21. Frequent patriotic displays are taking place in the Toronto theatres. ASHANTEE. London, January 21. Failing an indemnity King Prempeh and his chiefs will be sent to the coast. BANQUET. January 22, Two hundred were present at the banquet to Lord Lamington, the new Governor of Queensland, including the Agents-General of the various colonies, the Hon. Mr Bowen, Canon Piddington, Mr Dawes, Mr Selborne, Mr Curzon, and Mr Chamberlain, The latter in replying to a toast said that the incidents in the Transvaal showed that it was impossible for a portion of the Empire to be in danger without an echo from the whole, and he alluded to a certain rebuke which England had received amidst her misfortunes. While surrounded by jealous rivals, they had not expected hostility nor even hate, where they had expected friendship. In view of the traditions and community of interests involved England’s love of peace he said was regarded as a weakness, and her disregard to criticism was supposed to confer the right of insult. The empire was held in trust for the British residents throughout the world, and she was determined to maintain her rights and fulfil her duties. Though isolated, the colonies were secure, and abundant loyalty was displayed by the messages promptly responding to the outburst against England. He urged the colonies to develop commercial routes and unite for mutual defence, as a federated empire was a potent factor in the peace of the world. The departing guest would, he thought, aid in tightening the union, and it was impossible to foretell to what greatness Queensland might attain. Lord Lamington, in replying, said that he was well aware that Sir Henry Norman, the late Governor of Queensland, had smoothed the way for him in the colony, and he added that he fully approved of Imperial federation.