CABLEGRAMS.

Western Star, Issue 1968, 5 December 1894, Page 3

CABLEGRAMS.

HOME AND FOREIGN [PEBSS iS3OCIATJON TBLEGRAM*. , IiONDOir. Tbe Emperor of China's forces are watching Li Hung Chang'a array, which is suspected of rebellious designs. A great gathering of Waziri tribes is taking place, and further fighting between them and the British is expected. At the wool sales on Friday there was a poor selection catalogued, but the bidding continued spirited and prices were well maintained.

The Westminster Gazette declares that Government will proceed with the Newcastle programme next session, concluding with a resolution respecting reform in the House of Lords. Sir Vermon Harcourt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has sent a delegate to Sweden, to report on tbe Gothenburg system, by which alcoholic drinks are dispensed" by pers >ns deriving no profit from the sale,

It is reported that chaos reigns in Pekin, and that the United States legation there is threatened. FraneehasSl warships in coure of construction, including 12 ironclads and 24 cruisers, two of the latter being of the Corsair type. It is intended to spend three and a quarter millions Stirling in further building next year. At Saturday's wool sales a better catalogue was presented. French and Anericans are buying freely. Good wools are dearer than at opening rates. The Times, referring to tbe rumour that Mr Eddy, Chief Commissioner of New South Wales railways, bad accepted the chairmanship of the South Eastern Railway Companies, states that the officials of the latter say that though he is not formally appointed they would not deny the statement as a likelihood of it comiog off. Yictorian stocks have fallen one per cent, owing to reports of a deficit. Japan has bought the Chilian cruiser Esmeralda.

Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, addressing the Pnnjaub chiefs, invited them to unite and assist in securing the triumps of peace. He stated that the Imperial Government's desire was merely to solidify its present position, and that it had no ambition of fresh conquests. Britain, he said, regarded the Ameer as her firm friend, and he (Lord Elgin) felt that he had every reason to hope, in accordance with what he knew to be the wish of Lord Bosebery, that the time was coming when the Russian interests would cease to clash with the British.

The .Russian Embassy in London has not received information confirmatory of the reported death of Archduke George. For the attempt to wreck the Bournemouth express train at Wyeti, one of the men charged with the crime, has been committed for trial. Goddarfc and Hoare, the other men arrested, having each, successfully proved an alibi, were discharged. News has been received in Paris by the Meesageries steamer Polynesian that Colonel Skervington and a number of British officers have been arrested in Madagascar, whither they had proceeded with a view to directing the Hovas in warlike operations against the French. The Daily Telegraph states that colonial is taking the place of Danish butter in the English market. The Statist says it is expected that France, early in 1895, will be a further borrower to the extent of 40 millions. A forcite factory in Brussels was wrecked by an explosion, and twentytwo persons were killed or injured.

A Times reporter, who was an eye witness, of the Port Arthur engagement in his report states that the Chinese used explosive bullets. The Japanese, he asserts, pillaged the town, killing everyone tbey could lay hands on in revenge for the Chinese burning Japanese prisoners alive. They also mutilated and disembowelled scores. Chinese prisouere are reported, on returning to Hiroschina, to have informed the Japanese Minister of War, who was apparertly astounded, and vigorously deprecated the cruelty practised. A further Chinese loan of £1,200,000 at 4£ per cent, rill shortly be placed on the English market. Many foreigners are, it is alleged, taking part in preparations for the defence of Weihaiwei. The Times comments oh the stand taken by the Premier of Queensland regarding the payment of members, and considers that his presence in office has given confidence to the new loan proposals. Mr Clerk, who represented Canada at the "World's Fair in Chicago, leaves Vancouver for Sydney on the 16th ins f ., on behalf of the Dominion, in connection with the extension of trade with the colonies.

It is rep rtcd that Britain is resentin t her exclusion from a share in the peace negotiations between China and Japan, and has arranged for a naval demonstration ac the is'and of Cbusan on the coast of China.

Japan has replied in a favorable spi ii to the peace proposals submitted by Chii a, but requires further assurances that the latter Power is ab'o to fulfill he offer ; meanwhile she announces her intention of prosecuting the war with increased energy.

INTERCOLONIAL, Stdxey, Ifc is rumoured that the Government will raise their quarter million lean locally for the purpose of carrying out certain public works, which, when undertaken, will afford an outlet for the unemployed. It is understood that the bill authorising the loan will be passed before Christmas. Mai.y stations in Kiverina have bsen completely swept by bush hies. The dimage to crops and grass is enr rmous. There are indications that the number of unemployed is increasing. It is estimated that there are close on 2000 men out of work in Sydney.

The H.M.S. Ringarooraa court martial begins on Thursday.

MEI BOURNE.

Tough, a rabbiter, who killed his mate, has been convicted of manslaughter at Benalla, and sentenced to 15 years' penal servitude. Regarding the withdrawal of their colony's guarantee to the Cable Company the Postmaster-General has re- ' plied to the Hon. J. G. Ward regretting the step, which he states has been brought about by temporary depression in the colony's finances. He does not, however, think the action I of the Victorian Government will cause reversion to the old cable rates Mr Duffy adds that the whole question will be discussed at the Postal Conference in February next. Dr Cockburn, Postmaster-General of South Australia, also communicated with Mr Duffy asking him to recon sider his decision. Brisbane. Mr Willard, ex M.P., charged with the stealing of post letters, has been tried on the charge and acquitted. The Department of Agriculture is satisfied with the price of Is per dozen received for the recent shipment of eggs to London.