BRITISH AND FOREIGN

West Coast Times, Issue 10668, 23 December 1897, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN

(Received Dec 22, at 9.50 a.m.)

London, Dec. 21.

The United States, and the Canadian Commissioners of the Behring Sea Conference agreed to the settlement of the majority of the claims. The Daily News states it is likely to amount to a million ' dollars.

The German squadron, which recently left Kiel for Kaip-chao, has arrived at Plymouth. Her Majesty entertained' Prince Henry at dinner last evening;.

The War Office authorities are making an 1 urgent call fo* volunteers for the British Rifle Corps, Uganda. A meeting of contributors to. the London hospital fund Initiated by the Prince of Wales was Held yesterday, the Prince himself presiding. The meeting expressed a desire that a permanent hospital fund be established; that searching enquiries be instituted with the view of securing a wise administration of the fund. Com-

mittees were proposed to distribute it among the larger hospitals in Londdn. The sum of £22,000 was derived from the annual subscriptions and £38 t OOO from the sale of stamps.

Parls, Dec 21. At the Panama trial, Arton declared that M. Bardeau was a member of the Committee appointed to work the Chambers in the interest of the Panama lottery bonds. Hu insists that the Panama Company spent Zh million francs in ad 2 vertisementa. He acquits M. Coquet of personal corruption in the mafctov, though £12,000 were distributed among Floquet's "journals.

Vienna, Dec 21. The Pan-Germanic agitation in Germany, and the recent attacks in the Reich-

stag upon^the police of Austria, is exciting the Viennese newspapers, who iudjgnantly protest against the intervention of

f oreigners in their affaire. (Received [Dec. 23, at 12. a.m.) Londox, Dec 22.

The committee of the Marylebpne Cricket Club have recommended that F. C. Lacey, of Cambridge University and Hampshire, be appointed secretary to the club in succession to A. Perkins, recently resigned. J It is understood the Victorian Government have accepted tne offer, of th.c London and: Westminster Bank to continue the inscription of Government sflocfe at the reduced rate of £250: per eacfr million worth of stock. Tsis means a y. early saving of £6,058 compared with present arrangements. The Times, commenting on tke situation in' China, says it is clear the occupa-

tion of Kaio-chao by Germany, and Pori Arthur by Russia, are the result of a pre- *- liminary understanding between the two nations and adds if it can be shown that Great Britain's commercial and political interests, in China' will be injuriously affected by recent developments, it is necessary no time £should : be lost in preparing to take a firm course of action. Great Britain's trade and interests in Cbina

enormously outweigh those of all

the other nations put together. If „^ny agreement with France prevents the annexation of Chusan, the navy must discover in South, €hiba a- base equally suitable as Shanghai for the defence of British commerce.

Berlin, Dec 22:

The Cologne newspaper, Kolinsche Zeitung, says the partition of China" has commenced and other Powers will soon actr.

(Received Dec 23, at 12.25 a.m) London, Dec 22.

One hundred and twelve Trade Societies accorded support to the movement initijited by Barnes (Secretary) and SeLlicks (Chairman) of the Amalgamated' Society of Engineers, for holding a national convention of Trade Unionists.

The Times St Petersburg correspondent states Russia's. Foreign Office sent private' oirculars to, the editors of newspapersdirecting them to a. void showing an- unfriendly tone towards Gewnany'^ action in China. The circular stated sending* the Russian squadron to Port Arthur -had" no political significance. New youjc. Deo 22.

Many American cotton employers have notified' their employees of an intended 10 per cent reduction in wages. Pajup, Dec 22.

It is stated the' French (lovernraeut will remain passive- with regard to the presettt international development in China provided 1 no aggressive movement is made in Southern China. A French cruiser has been sent to Hong Kong. (Received, Dec 22, at 1.15 a.m) London, Dep 22. Barnes states it is not likely, the engineers conference will re-assemble. Calcutta, Dec 22.

Lord Elgin stronply supports the proposal of the Indian Council for the reform of the seditit n laws and declares

the previous events have proved the necessity of amendment. Constantinople, Dec. 22. j The foreign ambassadors here are preparing a new scheme of autonomy for Crete which will provide for the appointment of a Christian Governor for a term of five years with power to fix taxes. It also provides for the payment of annual tribute to the Sultan.