EUROPEAN TOPICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6847, 8 May 1890, Page 4

EUROPEAN TOPICS.

AN EXTRAORDINARY

RUMOUR.

J_oi isv^iAL to Press Association.]

BERLIN, Mat 6.

The Emperor, in his speech to the '.Reichstag, said legislation on the subject of Sunday rest and restriction of the labour of women and children was a paramount necessity. He hoped to peacefully develop an improvement in the condition of the working classes. He also stated that he would not cease his efforts to maintain the peace of Europe, and explained that an increase in the army had been made necessary by the unforeseen extension of his neighbours' forces.

Mat 7.

The statement that Captain Casati has joined the German service is denied.

The German Ambassador threatens to leave Constantinople unless those guilty of the ill-usage of German sailors are punished. The Sultan in consequence is yielding. The Preisiunige party in the Eeichstag are agitating for the abolition of the sugar bounties and corn and beetroot duties.

EOME, Mat 7.

The Senate has rescinded the resolution throwing out the Bill to abolish bequests to religious institutions, and the Premier is satisfied.

VIENNA, Mat 7.

There are extraordinary rumours, which are not, however, generally believed, that the Emperor Francis intends to adopt Prince Henry of Prussia, with a view to his ultimate succession to the Austrian Throne.

PARIvMay 7.

General Boulanger's followers are stated to bo disgusted at his inertness and alleged cowardice in rejecting the advice to return to Paris.

ZANZIBA.K, May 7. The Sultan has accepted German control of his foreign relations.

ST PKTMiSBUBG, Mat 7.

It is now stated that Schmidt, who \ras arrested on the charge of betraying the plans of Cronstadt to a German official, was released, as his guilt was not proved, but was dismissed from the navy.

LONDON, BUt 7.

It is reported that Germany is negotiating' for the acquisition of Dutch Hevr Guinea.