GENERAL CABLES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue III, 18 July 1903, Page 165

GENERAL CABLES.

IRISH LAND BILL. In the House of Commons the Irish Land Bill passed through committee, the House cheering. BRITISH TRADE. British imports for June increased by £630,000, and exports by £1,019.000, as compared with the previous June. PURSUIT OF THE MULLAH. General Egerton has left Berbers for Bohotle with a force of 2000 Indian troops and 3000 camels. UNIONISM IN RUSSIA. In order to allay agitation in Russia, the Government has authorised employees to engage in collective bargaining with their employers through elected representatives. AT LAST. An order of the Czar has abolished the use of the knout, in flogging with rods, and the chaining of convicts to wheelbarrows. The order applies to both the convict prisons on the island of Saghalien and in Siberia. CENSUS OF CHURCHGOERS. The census of church attendance made by the “Daily News” hgs now been concluded. The figures are given as follows: —Church of England, 430,153; Nonconformists, 416,225; Roman Catholics, 93,572; and other bodies, 62,990. MOAT FARM TRAGEDY. Dougall, the Moat Farm murderer, now under sentence of death, in a lengthy document to the Home Office urges that the death of Miss Camille Holland was caused by the accidental explosion of A revolver. He was bewildered and concealed the body. CANADA’S GUEST. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales presided at the annual dinner of the Trinity House. Sir Frederick Darley, Chief Justice of New South Wales, in responding to the toast of the colonies, declared that Canada’s policy of immigration and of fostering private enterprise was the cause of the Dominion’s great prosperity. Tha Prince of Wales’ visit had, he held, increased ihe ties between the colonies and the Mother Country. ENCOURAGING. The “Daily Graphic” says the Victorian surplus will be received with keen satisfaction. The Australians ars coming through a severe ordeal bravely.

The experience gained will be helpful in the brighter era now dawning. The "Daily Express” says the Victorian Budget is particularly welcome in view of recent doubts and misgivings as regards Australian finance. COTTON CORNER. “Bear” operations have forced a sensational decline in cotton in New York. The enormous sales have caused a fall of 9 dollars 50 cents per bale on August options, from prices reached at the end of June. The “bull” clique lost £ 400,000. It is expected that manufacturers will now begin buying again. AMERICAN ENTERPRISE. A syndicate, headed by Mr Ferdinand Peck and Mr Lyman Gage, president of the United States Trust Company, lias obtained exclusive trading and running privileges in connection with gold mines of extraordinary value, copper and coal mines, and salmon fisheries between the Gulf of Anadir, in North-east Siberia, and the Behring Strait. RESTRICTING MOTORISTS. In the House of Lords Lord Balfour of Burleigh introduced a bill requiring eounty and borough councils to register and number motor cars, and to license professional drivers. The recent rule regarding the maximum speed of motors in urban districts is to be maintained. The fine for the first offence is not to exceed £2O, or three months’ imprisonment; for a second offence the fine is to be £5O, or six months. HISTORIAN REWARDED. A Civil List pension of £250 has been granted to Mr Justin McCarthy. M.P.. in recognition of his services as a historian. (Mr Justin McCarthy has been a manysided man. He was a great journalist in his day. he was Chairman of the Irish Nationalists from IS9O to ISSa, and store all he was the brilliant author of "A History ot Our Own Times" and "A Short History," works in which, although a man rather inclined to be a partisan in ordinary life, he suceeded in dealing with the political history of the reign of Victoria with the nearest thing to complete Impartiality. As a novelist lie was not of the hist rank, while ills sou, Justin Huntley McCarthy, has proved more popular, and is often mistaken for bis father.] MANCHURIA GONE. Dr. Morrison, the “Times’” Pekin correspondent, in a letter dated June 3, says:—"China is more than usually quiet. Those alarmist reports all originated at the Russian Embassy at Washington, and had for their object the assent of the Powers to Russia's proposal for further enforced prohibition of the importation of arms for two years. “Manchuria is gone hopelessly. “England and America may make academic protests, hut the fact is accomplished. Japan, I think, will do nothing, and I doubt whether both England and America are averse to a war between Japan anil Russia this year. The relative strength of Japan is at its greatest. If the opportunity is missed, such a chance may never recur.” THE BALKAN PROVINCES. Owing to urgent Austrian and Russian representations Prince Ferdinand has given the strongest assurances that Bulgaria will not proceed further with her military preparations against Turkey. The Austrian, Russian and British Consuls, during a tour in the Turkish vilayet of Uskub, discovered that the Turkish officials had committed terrible outrages on Bulgarians of both sexes. Their revelations have caused horror and indignation. Twelve hundred Turkish troops surrounded two hundred Bulgarians near Amatova. Two of the leaders were killed while attempting to escape.

FRANCE AND GREAT BRITAIN. Discussion is still rife as to the precise nature of the agreement, which is believed to be more or less foreseen by the statesmen of both countries, between England and France. A very widespread opinion appears to prevail that the outcome of the negotiations will be nothing less than a treaty of arbitration. Thia view might seem to gain strength from the fact that the members of the House of Commons have invited Baron Destournelles De Constant, President of the French Parliamentary Conciliation and Arbitration Group, and seventy colleagues, to accept of their hospitality. By invitation of the King they will also visit Windsor and take tea at the castle.

AMERICAN VISITORS. Admiral Cotton and the officers of the American squadron were entertained at luncheon at the Mansion House on July 11. Mr Chauncey Depew, who is in London, and was invited as a distinguished guest, in the course of a speech referring to the friendship existing between Britain, France and the United States, alluded in terms of praise to the tact, wisdom and statesmanship of King Edward. The Lord Mayor, alluding to President Roosevelt’s action in connection with the Kishnieff outrages, said he rejoiced that America was not always bound by the stern usages of diplomacy. America had the courage to do what she thought right, and did not hesitate to protest against modem barbarities and do her utmost to alleviate the lot of the oppressed. (Cheers.) Admiral Cotton and his officers in the evening attended the King’s inspection in the presence of the Queen of the Honourable Artillery Company of London, two hundred members of which are proceeding to Massachusetts at the invitation of tie Honourable Artillery Company of Boston.

His Majesty, in addressing the company, said he hoped the journey of the artillerymen would help to cement the friendship of Britain and America, “a matter,” he added, “to which I attach the greatest importance and am always glad to know of.” King Edward has telegraphed to President Roosevelt as follows: — “I have had great pleasure in entertaining Admiral Cotton and the captains of the squadron, and proposed your health with every feeling of cordiality and friendship.”

PREFERENTIAL TRADE. The United States Steel Trust is establishing a Canadian branch at Port Calborne in order to circumvent British trade preference. An Opposition caucus has decided not to accede to the wish of the extreme section of the Liberal party, which favours a vote of censure upon the Government on its fiscal policy. The caucus decided, however, to preserve its present attitude of constant vigilance. Under the title of the “Union Free Trade League,” an organisation is being formed, including many outside of Parliament, in order to combat the preferential policy of the Government. In the House of Lords, in a discussion on the preferential tariff inquiry. Lord Northbrook urged that a fiscal change would not benefit India. The Marquis of Lansdowne said he realised the importance of acting cautiously, but India would certainly come within the scope of the inquiry, which aimed at determining whether a plan was discoverable and to what part of the Empire it could be applied. Colonial tariffs were protective, but India’s was purely one of revenue. Those conducting the inquiry must bear in mind that the Mother Country was India’s great creditor, and must take account of the political equally with the economic considerations, otherwise it would offend the selfgoverning colonies. It was intended to publish the facts and statistics collected m order to show the basis of the Government’s ultimate judgment. Lord Goschen welcomed the announcement. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord President of the Council, said that the Government was anxious to publish the report at the earliest possible date. PHYSIQUE OF BRITISH WORKERS. In the House of Lords the Earl of Meath asked for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the causes of the deterioration in the physique of the working classes in Great Britain.

The Bishop of Ripon (Rt. Rev. Dr. Boyd Carpenter) declared that the decline of the birth-rate was alarming. Already there was a shortage of 1,100,000 children, and he added that similar causes were operating in Canada and Australia.

The Duke of Devonshire, Lord President of the Council, admitted that an inquiry was necessary, though he expressed some doubt with regard to ths deterioration of urban operatives. After consulting the medical profession, the Government would consider the desirability of appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into this question. (Dr. Boyd Carpenter made a similar reference to the birth statistics of the United Kingdom shortly after the census of 1901. It should be noted that although Great Britain has the third most healthy increase of the greater countries of Europe, at the same time she has relatively the most rapid diminution. That the evil Is not confined to the British Empire, appears In some appalling figures recently published as to certain cities of America:— In 1900, in St. Louis, a eity of 575,000 people, there were only 104 more births thau deaths; In Baltimore, a city of 508,000 people, there were 1684 more deaths than births; In San Francisco (342,000) the deaths exceeded the births by 2.133; in Cincinnati (325,000) the excess of deaths was 1064; in Detroit (285,000). 1695; in Washington (278,000), 1556; in Toledo (132, 000). 74<>: in Allegheny (130.000), 982; Svracuse (108,000), 171; St. Joseph (102,000), 61; Los Angeles (102,000), 4.13; Scranton (102,000). 770; Albany (94,000), 460. A glance at the above names, says a contemporary, will show that the evil is spread throughout the Union.)

SOUTH AFRICA. Lord Milner, as High Commissioner for South Africa, has submitted to the South African Intercolonial Council a statement showing the allocation of the 35 millions loan as follows:—Acquisition of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony railways, fourteen millions; repatriation and compensation of burghers, five millions; new railways, four millions; land settlement, three millions; public works, two millions; and previous liability, six millions, including the first year’s deficit of the Transvaal, and the debts of the late republic and compensation for the Cape and Natal loyalists. Mr Edwin Emett has unreservedly withdrawn his allegation made before the Transvaal Concessions Commission in 1906, that the agent for the dynamite concession bribed General Botha prior to the war. Many of the leading Dutch in South Africa are strongly disapproving of Botha’s hostile attitude, and are starting an anti-Botha crusade. Mr Arthur Basil Markham, M.P. for Mansfield, has handed the “Daily News” a cheque for .£5OOO, to be donated to the London Hospital, if his allegation that the directors of the De Beers mines and their Rhodesian associates own or control the greater part of the South African press is not substantiated. The “Cape Times” now offers a similar amount for the South African Hospital if Mr Markham’s statement is established against itself or the “Transvaal Leader.” The Transvaal Political Association has passed a resolution largely in favour of imported and unskilled coloured labour. The Natal Legislative Assembly has negatived a resolution against the importation of Chinese.

BISLEY MEETING. Eight members of the Australian Bisley team, practising under Kolapore Cup conditions, aggregated 768 points. Mathieson and Howitt each scored 100, and Lindsay and Ison each 97. At Bisley the American team won the Palma or Centennial trophy, with a score of 1570 points. The other scores were:—Britain, 1559; Canada, 1518; Australia, 1501; Natal, 1399; Norway, 1241; France, 1230. The weather conditions were brilliant sunshine with light breeze. The officer commanding the Australian team was entirely satisfied with the position the team occupy considering the Australians had few opportunities of practising at long ranges. The British and colonial teams in competition for the Palma trophy were handicapped by the fact that the American aperture sight proved useful in the glarish light which prevailed. The opinion of the Australian competitors is that the War Office should recognise this contrivance. [The final selection of the Australian team for Blaley was as follows:—Victoria: A. Carter. Victorian Railway Clnb; I. Grnmmett. Hawthorn R.C.; Llaut. W. Ison. Victorian Railways. New Sooth Wales: J. J. Mathe-

son. St. Leonards R.C.; George Lindsay. Woollongong R.C.: K .C. Dawson, St. Leonards B.C. Queensland: Sergeant Soden, Charters Towers; Private Henan. Brisbane; George Bradley, Brisbane. Sooth Anal rails: G. llowltL West Australia: M. Lloyd, Perth R.C. Tasmania: Gunner K:wee.Lnunfeaton Artillery. Captain: Ueut.-Colonel Oldershaw (New South Wales,) } ILLNESS OF THE POPE. A bulletin issued this evening states that the Pope had secured some hoars of painless rest, that his pulse ia regular and his condition unchanged. It is stated that an examination of the liquid suggests that the plctritis is rheumatic in character. ROME, July 11. Dr. Mazzoni and Professor Rossoni declare that the cure of the pleurisy is impossible, and that an operation is necessary, but the present weakness of the Pontiff is the great obstacle to its performance. The Pope is so active that he has disregarded the doctors’ injunction to remain in bed, and has often walked with assistance to an armchair, where the doctors generally found him, and ordered his return to bed. Replying to the remonstrances of the doctors he said he wished to die standing. The Pope took beef tea and an egg yesterday evening. There is a prospect of the patient passing a quiet night. ROME, July 12. The morning bulletin was as follows: — “The Pope slept better; he is stronger generally, and there is a marked improvement.” The Pope remarked to a Cardinal: “I have l>een in great danger, but I feel it has disappeared. Though the doctors consider recovery impossible, I think I may live a few days, perhaps a week.” The evening bulletin states that the Pope had a fairly quiet day in bed. His pulse is stronger and his spirits better. The level of the liquid remaining after the operation is stationary. UNIVERSITIES’ CONFERENCE. The Allied Universities’ Conference was held in the rooms of the Royal Society, at Burlington House, Piccadilly. All the British and most of tire colonial universities were represented. Professors Gurney, Scott and Threlfall represented Sydney; Professors Lamb, Beare and the Rev. Dr. Paton, Adelaide, and Dr. Bamford, New Zealand. Dr. James Bryce, ex-Professor of Civil Law, at Oxford, presided, and in his opening address said that it was desirable that all British universities should increase their efficiency by combination and specialisation. One of the functions of an Imperial Council would be to help the colonial universities to raise their standard of teaching and research, and secure more complete equipment. It was desirable to improve the interchange of students, thus helping to create a common public opinion among British people. The Rev. Professor Chase, of Queen’s College, Cambridge, and Vice-Chancellor of the University, moved, and Professor Peterson (Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, Montreal) seconded, a resolution, “That it is desirable to establish such relations between the principal universities of the Empire as will secure special or local advantages for study, and particularly post-graduate research for students throughout the Empire.” The resolution was carried unanimously-

Professor Warren (President of Magdalen College, Oxford) moved for the appointment of a council consisting in part of representatives of British and colonial universities, to promote the objects desired, and that a committee consisting of Lords Kelvin,, Strathcona, Professors Bryce. Haldane, Warren, Chase, Professor Sir William Huggins (the famous astronomer), Sir Michael Foster (professor of physiology at Cambridge, and secretary of the Royal Society) Professor Mahaffy, Mr W. P. Reeves, and Sir Gilbert Parker, be entrusted to arrange the constitution of the council. Professor Threlfall sec-

onded the motion, which was carried tinaniniQiisly.

At a banquet at the Hotel Cecil in coi*> neetion with the Conference of the Alhed Universities of the Empire, there was a brilliant assemblage. There were 450 guests, including scholars, scientists, clergy. The Agents-General were sis. present.

Mr Balfour, in proposing the toast of the oversea universities, said that the movement which had culminated in that assembly was intended to develop a great alliance of the greatest educational instruments of the Empire. The Motherland had great reason to be proud of her oversea universities, and ought to rejoice that her younger children were adopting her educational ideals. He hoped that a great development in post-graduate research would result, gathering and providing seed for greater things and furthering sound learning and sound patriotism. The toast was coupled with the name of Professor Threlfall, of Sydney, who said that only ignorance could separate the Motherland and the colonies. Ignorance caused the separation of America from Britain, and also the South African war.

The Master of Trinity College, Dublin, said that the movement was the first stone of academic federation. He hoped that the colonials would attend the older universities in ever-increasing numbers. Professor J. P. Mahaffy (also representing Trinity College, Dublin) declared that if another conference were held two years hence Dublin would gladly welcome the delegates.

PRESIDENT LOUBET IN ENGLAND. CORDIAL WELCOME. Off the naval station on Sheerness a flotilla of torpedo destroyers met the Guichen and escorted her through a line of twenty-five British men of war outside Dover harbour, all being dressed in rainbow fashion. These warships fired a salute of twenty-one guns as the Guichen passed. In reply to an address from the Corporation of Dover, President Loubet said that his visit was a public testimony to the friendship of France for Great Britain. Both nations had motives and interests drawing them together, and such an accord would at once prove useful and profitable to themselves and at the same time help the progress of civilisation aud the welfare of humanity. The King greeted President Loubet with the greatest cordiality upon his arrival at Victoria station, where the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of Cambridge and Argyle, Lord Roberts, Mr Balfour and Lord Lansdowne were also among those present to greet the distinguished visitor.

As the train drew up at the platform, which was a mass of colour between the uniforms of the welcome™ and the decorations, the National Anthem and Marseillaise were played by the military bands in attendance.

The King and President Loubet then drove from the station down Piccadilly to York House, St. James’ Palace. Piccadilly and St. James-street were lavishly decorated, many French emblems being in evidence. There were immense crowds along the route, and they gave the President a welcome of remarkable warmth and sincerity. President Loubet was the guest at a State banquet at Buckingham Palace. His Majesty the King, in proposing as a toast the health of the President of the French Republic, said that the warmth of the reception showed that all classes were really friendly to France, who ought to be England’s best neighbour. President Loubet replied that he was touched with the reception accorded to the representative of France. Paris treasured the memory of the visit of His Majesty the King. He was certain that it would serve in a high degree to draw closer the relations of the two nations to their common good, and at the same

time to guarantee the peace of the world. President Loubet on July 7 visited the French Institution, and there received a number of deputations, including that of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. The President also received several members of the Diplomatic Corps. In the afternoon he attended a luncheon given by the Lord Mayor at the Guildhall. The city was filled with sightseers from every part of London. Responding to the toast of the President of the French Republic, proposed by the Lord Mayor, President Loubet said that a cordial understanding and a sense of common interest should inspire both nations to a spirit of conciliation and accommodation. He emphasized the fact that the presence of the French Minister for Foreign Affaires was a pledge of the value which France attached to the friendship of the two countries. The “Debats” says the reception accorded President Loubet surpassed all expectations. The “Temps” says that the beneficent rapprochement indicates that happy and fruitful diplomacy will terminate bygone misunderstandings. London was full of enthusiasm over the visit of the French President, and hundreds of thousands turned out on July Bth to witness his drive —which was rather a triumphal progress than anything else —from York House, St. James’, to the Mansion House. The whole route was decorated with flags and bunting. Although the crowds were enthusiastic throughout the whole distance travelled, the supreme height was reached when the President, who was accompanied by M. Deleasse, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, arrived in the small and crowded area known to every Londoner as “The City.” The City was reached in the business luncheon hour, when thousands of clerks are turned loose from their offices. Consequently the President was greeted by dense crowds representative of commercial life, from merchants and stockbrokers to junior clerks. The cheering was prolonged and intense, and President Loubet repeatedly •'and smilingly bowed his acknowledgments. At the Mansion House the Lord Mayor and Aidermen of the City, and guests, including the Cabinet Ministers and many other people of distinction, were awaiting the party. In the evening the President gave a great banquet at the French Embassy, Albert Gate House, Hyde Park, at which the guests included His Majesty the King and T.R.H. the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Connaught. After the banquet President Loubet conferred numerous decorations. The Lord Mayor of London and Admiral Sir Lewis Beaumont (late Admiral on the Australian Station) were created Grand Officers of the Legion of Honour. Later on the President attended a gorgeous gala performance at the opera, which was specially given in his honour. Their Majesties the King and Queen and all the Royal Family were present, besides a wonderfully brilliant assemblage of the most distinguished men and women of the day. The display of diamonds is described as marvellous. The performance, in which Mesdames Melba and Calve both took part, included portions of “Rigoletto,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Carmen.” President Loubet visited Windsor Castle and laid a wreath of white lilies -©n the tomb of Her late Majesty Queen (Victoria.

President Loubet, accompanied by Their Majesties the King and Queen, visited Aidershot and witnessed a review of 16,000 troops, constituting the First Army Corps, and subsequently dined with the Marquis of Lansdowne at Lansdowne House, Berkeley Square. After dinner the President attended a State ball at Buckingham Palace, at Which there were 2000 guests present, and the finest entertainment since the 'King’s Coronation. The King, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Connaught, Mr Balfour, and the Marquis of Lansdowne were among those present at Victoria station to bid good-bye to President Loubet on July Sth. Enthusiastic crowds had gathered in the streets to bid farewell to the nation’s visitor. The President later, from on board the Gruchen, sent an ethergram tendering the King his liveliest gratitude for the warm reception by the Sovereign, the Royal Family, and the nation, which had been extended to the representative Of France, the friend of England.

The King sent an equally felicitous reply.

President Loubet, replying to a congratulatory address at Calais, said his visid to England had produced a profound impression upon him. It had proved to him that more justice was shown to France abroad than she showed herself. President Lou bet’s welcome on his return to Paris was of unprecedented cordiality and enthusiasm.