News World.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XXII, 3 June 1899, Page 768

News World.

The Arbitration Committee of the Conference has adopted the principle of mediation and arbitration, and has appointed a sub-committee to study the Russian and American projects.

M. Leghait, the Dutch Minister at St. Petersburg, has been censured and retired for indiscretion in alleging that Britain prevented an invitation being sent to the Transvaal Government to be represented at the Conference.

Violent scenes occurred in the Chamber of Deputies. The Socialists attacked ex-Premier Crispi and the army. Crispi declared from the Tribune that he was still able to fire a revolver.

The German squadron on the China station is being considerably strengthened.

M. Beaupre, one of the judges of the Court of Cassation, recommends the revision of the Dreyfus sentence and his retrial.

‘Figaro’ publishes dramatic letters written by Dreyfus while in prison in 1894. They' show that pending the trial.he often demanded proofs of the accusation against him, but official lies tortured him to the verge of suicide. He refrained, however, from the latter course, determining to prove his innocence. He described his pursuers as executioners.

Owing to Russia’s action, the negotiations of all the British syndicates with the Tsung-li-JYamen far railways have been abandoned.

The English newspapers publish strong articles on Russian persistence in regard to the railways in Pekin.

The ‘Times’ urges investors to refuse the expected Russian loan.

The Cuban forces have decided not to avail themselves of the offer of a lump sum, made by the American Government after the war, on condition of their disbanding. Previously the offer was refused owing to the sum offered being much below the demand. Now they' express themselves as unwilling to disband.

English residents here are appealing to England on behalf of five millions of famine-stricken Russians, which represents half the population over an area of nineteen thousand square miles.

Two miners named Nixon and Mad c’fn were smothered by charcoal fumes at the Prentice United mine, Rutl’erglen. A fire was being lighted to purify the atmosphere, and the timber became ignited.

The Premier of West Australia has promised a deputation of the Trades and Labour Council to consider the introduction of legislation on the lines of the New Zealand Conciliation and Arbitration Act.

A fire at Coney Island, New York, destroyed 200 hotels, saloons, and bathing pavilions, and a row of houses. The damage is estimated at 500,000 dollars.

The Filipinos have rejected the peace conditions.

The Americans have repulsed the Filipinos at San Fernando, killing 50.

At the Peace Conference, despite the objections of several European Powers, America insists on the discussion of the question of the seizure of private property at sea. and she will probably succeed.

Madame Kelenka has presented M. de Staal, the president of the Peace Conference, with a richly-embellished album, containing resolutions in favour of the objects of the Conference adopted by several millions of women belonging to IS countries.

The Norwegian Parliament has voted extraordinary military and navtl credits totalling 114 million kroner, (about £840,000).

A mob of drunken strikers at Riga attacked the police and fired with petroleum a number of houses in the low quarter of the town.

Several women were burned to death, and during the disturbance sixteen persons were killed and fifty injured.

Britain, in deference to Canada, has postponed revision of the Bulwer Clayton treaty in connection with the Nicaragua Canal. The proposal was that the treaty should be abrogated in exchange for another guaranteeing international neutrality of the canal.

The New York correspondent of the ‘Times’ states that the Anglo-Ameri-can commission for the settlement of dispute between America and Canada will not resume sitting owing to Canada’s action in blocking a settlement. He adds that Britain and America consider the terms of settlement reasonable.

English newspapers think the Republicans are afraid to concede favourable terms to Canada, dreading the anger of the democrats.

The Parramatta Copper Mines Company, of Wallaroo, South Australia, has been formed with a capital of £ 200,000, of which £ 90,000 was issued to the public and subscribed in France.

The Victoria Racing Club has decided to considerably reduce the number of race meetings within the metropolitan area.

Rejoicings and thanksgiving over birthday' of the Queen were of a world-wide description last week. Military parades were held in Britain, Canada, and Egy'pt. A public Birthday dinner was held at the Hotel Cecil. Lord Rosebery’, who presided, referred to the representative character of the gathering. The guests included many Americans. His Lordship said America was nearer to the British Empire than at any time since the separation. The secret of British unity and strength was the Queen. She was the bond and symbol of Empire. Lord Strathcona, High Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada, and Sir A. Clarke, AgentGeneral for Victoria, were among the speakers. President McKinley telegraphed to the Queen, assuring her of America’s regard and affection. The Kaiser held a special banquet at Potsdam.

The Emperor Francis of Austria called at the British Embassy dressed in British uniform.

King Humbert of Italy and Queen Margherita attended a garden party at the British Embassy. M. Deleasse, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a service held at the British Embassy’ Cisurch, and the reception afterwards.

The American residents of London sent congratulations to the Queen.

The Transvaal Volksraad rose as a mark of respect.

Jubilations were held at Pretoria and Johannesburg. Graus’ Opera Company performed ‘Lohengrin’ at Windsor Castle in the evening. The choirs serenading, offered the Queen a harp of roses and lilies. The warships were dressed in rainbow colours.

The Continental newspapers made complimentary’ and sympathetic references to the Queen. The officers of British warships at Tampa fraternised with the Americans. the flags of both nations being intertwined.

Tn the English theatres the National Anthem was played.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, and the Duke of Coburg were present at Windsor on the birthday.

Each grandchild of the Queen brought her a tiny bouquet. The Queen, from Windsor Castle, heard by electrophone the performances at the theatres, and the St. James’ Hall concert by the band of the Scots Guards. Her Maiestv planted a commemoration oak in the park at Windsor, and traversed the streets. Tn a message to the nation the

Queen expressed herself deeply touched and gratified by the innumerable congratulations tendered to her from all parts of the world. She also thanked Mr Choate, the American Minister, for the message received from the United States. The Queen cabled, thanking President McKinley and the Americans for their touching sentiments of affection and goodwill sent on her birthday.

C. Greenland, of Auckland, wins the first prize of £720 in Tattersall’s sweep on the Brighton (Tasmania) Birthday Plate. Mr Jellicoe, the barrister who has been suspended from practice for three months, now advertises that after the 7th of next month he will give legal advice free. This has caused some commotion in legal circles.