GENERAL CABLES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue II, 12 July 1902, Page 86

GENERAL CABLES.

The King’s Convalescence. A meeting of Transvaalers and their families at Balmoral telegraphed a message of sympathy and loyalty to King Edward and Queen Alexandra. Some more of the Royal guests have departed. King Edward dictated a letter of regret thanking his guests for the honour they had tendered him by their visit. Monsignor Raphael Merry Del Vai, Titular Archbishop of Nieuer, who is the Papal envby to the Coronation, conducted a notable service of special prayer for the recovery- of the King at Brompton Oratory in the presence of leading Roman Catholics of the Empire. The Grand Duke of Hesse, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, Lord Lansdowne, the officers of the colonial contingents and their wives, several of the Premiers, the Indian princes, Lewanika (paramount chief of Barotseland), and the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs attended the service at St. Paul’s. The preacher declared that the lesson of the King’s illness was the Divine warning to think less of the outward symbols of Imperial splendour and more of the inner life, and above all that the Lord was the Giver of all true national strength. When the Coronation came it ought to become an act of profound national reverence. The prayer, in the City Council, in countless churches and chapels, and on the lips of the man in the street, was an instructive sign of the recognition of God. Addressing Britain's sons from over the seas the preachei - urged them to carry into the unknown future the best heritage of England’s past. After the intercessory service at Gray’s Inn Chapel, Mr Herbert P. Reed, King’s Council, entertained the guests at luncheon in the hall, including Mr Choate (American Ambassador), Mr Chamberlain, Mr Barton, and a number of colonial visitors. Queen Alexandra, in saying farewell, reinvited a deputation of the Danish Hussar Regiment to come at the end of September for the Coronation. It is estimated that the railway companies will lose a million sterling by the postponement of the Coronation. The newspapers confirm the statement that the King exercised his personal influence to secure peace. They- predict that the King will be remembered in history as “Edward the Peacemaker.” London was not illuminated on the 31st. A rocket, sent up from a wheel at Earl’s Court, rose 1000 feet. This was the signal and 200 bonfires were soon ablaze throughout England, in celebration of the King’s recovery. A cablegram from London, dated July- 2nd, says: — King Edward slept nicely for hours and partook of a good breakfast. He enjoyed a cigar and was able to apprecite the stirring music of the bands leading the colonials and South African veterans past the palace to the review. He was extremely anxious to learn the details of the ceremony. The Queen, on returning at half-past twelve p.m., found the patient progressing. He was again on the courch in the afternoon, the change of position affording relief. It is announced that the Coronation will now be much quieter than was originally intended, but its religious character will be more strongly emphasised. ’ Mr Seddon has instructed the New Zealand Contingent to remain until the end of August. At the Benchers’ dinner at the Temple Sir E. Barton said he hoped to retain the colonial troops if there was a prospect of the Coronation being sufficiently early to enable the arrangement to be made. Few of the foreign representatives, except the nearer connections of Royalty, now remain. The Prince and Princess of Wales have p catly relieved the Sovereign of social functions. The Indian troops desire to remain in England without pay, if only to see their Emperor’s faee. The “British Medical Journal” of the sth stated the King has refreshing

sleep at night, and it has been unnecessary at any time to use sedatives. He is moved from bed once daily. He takes great interest in all that is going on around him and in the general news of the day. Sir F. Treves, who performed the operation, did not go to bed for the first seven nights,but the load of anxiety has now lightened, if not entirely disappeared. The King has shown remarkable recuperative powers and his sufferings have been pluckily borne. ‘‘All sorts of rumours have been circulated as to his general health, but we are glad to state that they are altogether unfounded. We appeal to the newspapers and the public to accept simple facts, and not to circulate baseless' reports.” The King passed another excellent night. He is cheerful and much stronger. The doctors consider he is now out of danger. Only one bulletin daily will be issued, beginning tomorrow morning.

The Queen is looking better, and shows scarcely any trace of anxiety. Her Majesty drove in Hyde Park yesterday. A bulletin issued says His Majesty's progress continues in every way satisfactory. At the Independence Day banquet, out of sympathy with the King, only two toasts were proposed, that of the King and President Roosevelt. On July 4. five hundred and sixty thousand, in various centres, partook of the King's dinner to the poor. The Prince of Wales in the forenoon visited Fulham, where 14.000 dined, seated at two and a half miles or tables. In the afternoon the Prince visited the East End. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught and the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. Prince and Princess Charles of Denmark, Prince Christian, and the Duchess of Albany visited other centres. The reading of the morning bulletins with reference to the .King’s health was received with intense enthusiasm. The King's message was read by the Lord Mayor of London. His Majesty expressed regret that illness prevented his attending, and the hope that his guests were enjoying themselves and passing a happy day. There were 2000 entertainers, including Madame Albani. Nordica, and the principal variety artists. The King was greatly gratified at the success of the dinners, particularly the reception of the news that he is out of danger. The Princess of Wales accompanied the Prince on his visit to the poor at their dinners. The children at Paddington, of all creeds, presented the Prince of Wales* heir with a gold re-' plica of the cup which was given to each guest at the King’s dinner to the poor. The reception of the Indian princes and representatives at the India Office last night was one of the most brilliant gatherings ever held in London. There were 3000 guests. The Prince and Princess of Wales represented the King. In view of the King’s satisfactory progress the Government proceeds with the Federal illuminations in all the State capitals on Thursday. Friday and Saturday next. The display will indicate rejoicing at the King’s recovery. Mr Seddon attended a Maori haka, which was greatly appreciated, given by the Maori Coronation Contingent, in connection with the Botanical Garden fete and St. George’s Hospital Fund. ■When the House of Representatives met. Sir Joseph Ward, in a felicitous, brief speech, moved the following resolution:— “That, before entering on the ordinary business of the session, this House desires to express its deep sorrow for His Majesty the King’s illness, and its earnest hope that he may speedily be restored to health, and that a respectful address be presented to His Excellency the Governor, requesting him to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for submission to His Majesty.” Sir William Russell, Knight Bachelor, seconded the resolution, which Was unanimously agreed to Sir Joseph Ward said the duty now

devolved upon him to extend to Sir William Russell (cheers) his hearty felicitations and congratulations, and he felt sure he was speaking on behalf of every member of the House and of every class in the colony in expressions of goodwill for the hon. gentleman, showing how much they appreciated the honour conferred upon him (cheers). He could assure Sir William Russell that the members on the Ministerial side of • the House, as well as the opposite side, had always admired his courtesy and consideration, and he had always possessed their goodwill and esteem. He hoped Sir William and Lady Russell would live long to enjoy the reward conferred for distinguished services. Sir William Russell said he was sure no man in his position could help feeling diffident in finding words to acknowledge the honour conferred “upon him. He felt deeply grateful for the honour conferred upon him by His Majesty the King. Whatever services he might have been able to render a quarter of a century, they now had full recognition from His Majesty, and his greatest source of pleasure was. that his reward was appreciated by the people of the colony among whom he had lived. IMPERIAL FEDERATION. At the Benchers’ dinner in the Temple Sir E. Barton said there were some things that Australians would love to do if they could. If they fell short of the expectations formed he hoped Englishmen would nevertheless infer from Australian earnestness that the Australians were ever at their sides with hearts and words. (Cheers.) Mr Chamberlain, replying to Sir A. Hime’s remark that the colonies hoped hereafter to be represented in the Imperial Parliament, said Great Britain would welcome them. They enjoyed the privileges of the Empire, and if they were willing to assume their share of its responsibilities and burdens Britain would be only too glad of their support, as the nation rejoiced in the priceless moral and material support accorded by the colonies in the recent trial. Mr Seddon, s;:e king at the Dominion dinner, said all the British cables were bringing the Motherland and the colonies closer. What was required as a corollary was subsidies to steamships to enable the Empire to compete with foreign countries. Mr Henry Seeton Karr, of St. Helens, wrote assuring Mr Balfour that a strong body of Unionists in Lancashire and Cheshire would support the Government in advancing the question of the Imperial Zollverein. Mr Balfour replied that the Government was much desirous of drawing as close as possible the ties, sentimental and commercial, binding Great Britain to the colonies. The “Standard" says it is reported in well-informed quarters that Lord Brassey has accepted the GovernorGeneralship of the Commonwealth of Australia. [Lord Thomas Brassey, who is now 66 years of age, was Governor of Victoria from 1895 to 1900.] THE PREMIERS IN ENGLAND. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman gave a dinner to the colonial Premiers and afterwards Sir E. Barton, Mr Seddon and Sir J. Forrest were present at a performance of “The Merry Wives oi Windsor.” Mr Berbohm Tree, the actor-manager, gave a reception to the colonials on the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre. Mr Seddon, with the King's permission, visited Frogmore and placed a wreath on Queen Victoria’s tomb. Mi Seddon had a great reception at St. Helens, his native town in Lancashire. The town was decorated, and the freedom of the borough was presented to him at the Town Hall. . In the course of a speech, in response to the welcome, he said the universal sympathy with the King had gone far to remove international illfeeling. If they had a clean , slate all would be well. He asked the people to suspend judgment regarding the Imperial Conference until its members had been heard. The Canadian and Newfoundland Premiers and Agents-General are pressing the Colonial Office for great

er recognition of their position and •tatua. There ia considerable feeling on their part that the Australian States agencies are conceded superioi recognition. THE PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE. At the Colonial Premiers’ Conference Sir E. Barton suggested that the Conference should consider the following questions:—Giving the colonies reasonable consideration in regard to army and navy contracts; a clear definition of the position of the colonies granting Britain preferential tariff in relation to their enjoyment of most favoured treatment at hands of foreign nations; State ownership of ocean cables; mutual protection of patents; Imperial stamp charges on colonial bonds; the establishment of an Imperial Court of Appeal, and the discussion of the possibility of a mutual tariff within the Empire. Sir A. H. Hime (Natal) suggested that the naturalisation of aliens in any part of the British Empire should be sufficient for the whole Empire. Sir Wilfrid Laurier (CanadaJ adopts a very conservative attitude on the subject of Imperial defence. He considers the corn tax affords Britain an opportunity of offering concessions in return for additional remissions on English imports into Canada. Sir E. Barton considers that the Conference has been very satisfactory so far, and he is hopeful as to its results. Lord Onslow and Six - M. F. Ommanney (Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies) were present at the Conference. Sir John Anderson (Colonial Office) was appointed secretary. Mr Chamberlain, who presided, cordially welcomed the delegates. He referred to the advance of Imperial federation since the 1897 Conference, owing to the establishment of the Commonwealth and the spontaneous assistance of the colonies in wartime. He made a non-committal statement, outlining the leading subjects suggested by himself and the Premiers, and invited a frank expression of opinion. It has been arranged that Ministers who accompany Premiers will participate in the subjects specially concerning their departments. Mr Seddon adheres to the published subjects suggested by him, adding a resolution dealing with the efforts of foreign nations to exclude British vessels from all coastwise trade. Mr Chamberlain, at the Imperial Conference, cautiously advocated Imperial free trade with revenue duties only. Several of the Premiers were disappointed at his indefiniteness and the absence of proposals. They explained that it was impossible for the colonies at present to support free trade within the Empire, since the Customs duties were imperatively required. Mr Chamberlain submitted no defence proposals. The Premiers exhibited no disposition to sanction military expenditure, though evincing the utmost willingness to make a sacrifice if the situation demanded it. On Saturday the Conference sat for three hours. Mr Arnold-Forster, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, Admiral Custance. Director of Naval Intelligence, Mr Brodrick, Minister for War, General Sir W. G. Nicholson, chief of the Intelligence Department of the War Office, Lord Onslow, Parliamentary Secretary to the Colonial Office, Sir M. F. Ommaney. Permanent Under-Secretary, and Lord Selborne, First Lord of the Admiralty. explained the War Office and Admiralty’s views on Imperial defence. Their proposals were considered moderate. Five Premiers spoke on behalf of their respective Governments. Mr Chamberlain, who presided, spoke last. THE ROYAL REVIEW. At the Royal review of the colonial and Indian troops the Crown Princes of Denmark, Sweden, and Roumania, the Dukes of Aosta, Hesse, and Cambridge, and other Royalties, and Indian feudatory Princes accom

pauied the Prince of Wales, who was followed by the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and Princesses Victoria and Maud. There were crowds of spectators beside the colonial Premiers and many notabilities. The Maori Coronation Contingent, the Fijians, Sikhs, and Negritos aroused great interest. The colonial war veterans were splendidly greeted After inspecting the parade the Prince of Wales received the salute, and presented several Victoria Crosses and war medals. The colonial contingents, the Indian Princes. Indian troops, 500 boys from Greenwich School, and a number of naval pensioners who fought in the Crimea and the Mutiny, received an ovation at Southampton, where they embarked on a trip round the fleet. The Indian visitors were delighted, the warships being an absolute novelty to many of them. The Prince of Wales dismounted and pinned the medals on the tunics, shaking each recipient warmly by the hand. The honours included Victoria Crosses tor Lieutenants Hardham (New Zealand) and F. Bell (West Australia), and a Distinguished Conduct Medal for Trooper Batgent (New Zealand). After the march past and the final salute the Duke of Connaught called for three cheers for the King, and a mighty shout went up. The South African veterans waved their hats on their rifles. Additional cheers were given for the Queen. Hundreds of colonials were unable to witness the review owit to the few seats the Agents-Gener::l had at their disposal, and the necessity of balloting for these. There is a consensus of opinion that the review was the most imposing and imne -ssve as a spectacle of the Empire's str ngth ever held. The Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders went first, and then cafe tie Cape and Natal troops, next the native troops from th various colonies, and finally the South African veterans, the officers holding only small whips all along the lines, awaiting the Queen's .arrival. The review of the Indian troops was exactly similar to the colonial review, and was heightened by the brilliancy of the uniforms. The Queen took a snapshot of the returning troops from a place at a window. The Indians cheered lustily and repeatedly. The Order of the Companionship of St. Michael and St. George was presented to Colonel Bauchope (of Dunedin, New Zealand) at the review of the colonial contingents. The Native Fijian Contingent, when passing the Palace in a waggonette, stopped and sang a native hymn of supplication and then saluted several Princes and Princesses who were at the open windows. RUSSIA The populace at I.ustov Don invaded the factories and smashed the machinery, while the peasants in the neighbourhood destroyed agricultural implements. The instigators of the outrages were strangers, pretending they were the Tsar’s emissaries and declaring that machinery was intended to diminish the number of workmen. Troops were summoned and many rioters were killed or wounded. The “Daily Express” St. Petersburg correspondent says that a sensation has been created by the Czar deciding to personally interrogate two hundred representative Russians, including many who are marked on the police sheets as suspicious. The Czar’s action is taken with a view to inaugurating reforms satisfactory tojjhe students and the peasants. REVOLUTION IN HAYTI. A revolution has broken out in the Republic of Hayti. Severe fighting has occurred. The Government war vessels bombarded fhe town of Cape Haytien without giving notice- There was a hail of shot raking the streets throughout Sunday. The Foreign Consuls have embarked on a ar wiser for safety. •