BRITISH AND FOREIGN,

West Coast Times, Issue 10100, 4 May 1895, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN,

' London, May 3. May day passed off' quietly on the Continent. — •

A decree nisi has been granted Florence Bethell, a singer of Adelaide, ' against her husband on the ground of adu]tery. Wilde's case will be tried again on' the 20th. ' ""

In his Budget speech Sir W. V. Harcourt said the revenue last year amounted to £94,684,000, leaving a surplus of £77,600, which would \ie applied to a reduction of the national debt. The estimated revenue for next * year was £§5,662,00,0 and the expenditure wij| probably .be £95,981,000. The antici : pateel deficit' would be met by a re-imposi-tion of the expiring beer duty thus leaving a surplus of. £181,000. The expiring duty would not be re-imposed, peath duties realised £973,000, or £32 below the estimate. The closeness of this estimate was

looked upon as a marvellous achievement

and the announcement of the figures was received with cheers." The income tax yielded £14,600,000. The Home and

Foreign dairy produce, fruit and meat markets had increased, meat showing an increase of ten per, cent duriDg the past three years. The wine revenue showed a decrease last year of £66,-000, spirits a decrease of £63,000.

Paris, May 2. Seventeen French soldiers clied' at Vitry, through 'eating tainted American tinned meat. Thirty-four others are in a

critical condition.

It is reported here that Japan is willing to renounce the territory claimed on the continent, if she is permitted to recoup herself where Russia has no "interest". Tokio, May 2. - The Japanese have released 'the i steamer Yilishang and her cargo which were confiscated as contraband of war. ' Calcutta, May 2. It is reported here that the" Afghans have put XJnira Khan and his brothel's into confinement at Asmar. New York, May 2. The British have arrested"' Nicaraguan officials for attempting to prevent supplies being sent to the 'fleet. The marines have destroyed railway lines thus isolating Corinto and hampering the advance of local troops, which is a possible contingency. Advices from Ottawa state it is impossible to secure a cable station at the Hawaiian islands. Shanghai, May,. 2. Japan is makiuj great preparations for

a renewal of war in the event of Chirj declining to ratify the treaty. Warships which were taken from China are being refitted. St Petersburg, May 2. Russian newspapers continue to vehemently assail England and threaten her with action on the Indian frontier in retaliation for her refusal to join in the European protest against the peace treaty. Berlin, May 2. Bismarck's newspapers show hostility to England in connection with the peace treaty^ Capetown", May 2. The annexation of the Übegesa country deprives TraDsvaal of the outlet to the sea and there is much- indignation in the Republic where England is accused of a breach of faith. See Fourth Page.