News of the Week

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue VI, 8 August 1903, Page 382

News of the Week

CADLE ITEM

The rain destroyed four million bricks drying in the Kentish brickfields.

The New Zealand Bond has left London in the Gothic. The tour has been unsuccessful financially.

Owing to the epidemics prevailing at Home the authorities have ordered the disinfection of all coins.

Torpedo-boat No. 112 ran ashore in Milford Haven. Two holes were cut in her hull. A gunboat rescued the crew.

The Russian Government hopes to complete six battleships of 16.000 tons each, and three armed cruisers, by 1906.

The “Standard” asserts that the King in September takes the Marienbad cure, and meets the Kaiser and Tsar at Darmstadt.

The petition from Austraiian residents at the Cape to remit Lieutenant Witton’s sentence in connection with the Bushveldt murders has been refused by the Imperial authorities.

Regarding th*; Antarctic expedition, (he “Morning Post” states that Captain McKay will command the Terranova, and Captain Colbeck will command the expedition.

A New Orleans eotton syndicate is holding 300.000 bales, purchased by its members for 20,000,000 dollars. The syndicate has complete control of the m. rket.

Whitaker Wright, who recently consented to voluntarily return to England to answer charges of fraudulent company transactions, has sailed from New York in the Oceanic for Liverpool.

In response to an invitation, it has been arranged that a deputation of members of the. British House of Commons will return the visit of the French Legislators in the course of November.

Sir Blundell Maple, head of the wellknown* furnishing house, the donator of the new buildings for University College hospital, and a great sportsman, is serious! v ill.

The shareholders of the Cunard Steamship Company have ratified an agreement with the Imperial Government to remain a purely British undertaking for a period of 20 years.

Grievous reports are to hand concerning the damage occasioned by the rain throughout Great Britain. Eighteen hundred public school volunteers at Aidershot had their tents swamped.

Au explosion in the United States Cartridge Company’s factory at Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, wrecked the magazine and many houses within a radius of half a mile. Twenty-five persons were ktued and 50 injured.

M. Andre. French Minister for War, accepted M. Santos-Dumont's offer to place an aerial flotation at the service of the Republie in the event of war. Two officers have been appointed to make practical trials.

Mr. Balfour, presiding at a meeting in connection with the cancer research fund, aaid he was hopeful that important results would be obtained. Every suggested remedy supported by reasonable evidence would be carefully investigated.

It is reported that lord Kitchener baa submitted to the Government a ■eh eme for the great modification of the Indian Native Army. The Princes have promised their assistance, and the success of the project is regarded as assured.

The startling assertion is made in a pamphlet just issued, by attendants and nurses at the Victorian asylums, that «t two of the big institutions near Melbourne certain patients are being drugged instead of being placed under physical restraint. The drugs alleged to be •aed are chloral, bromide, and sulphonal. The press is being fully supplied with statements by medical men nnd discharged patients, to the effect that these Inmates are treated in a manner which amounts to a frightful travesty of mercy.

GENERAL CABLES.

A SERIOUS CHARGE. Some policemen have been arrested at Grangemouth, in Scotland, on charges of being implicated in systematic burglaries in that district. SERVIAN REGICIDE. Queen Draga’s sister is lecturing in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and revealing the circumstances of the Belgrade tragedy. She alleges that King Peter was largely responsible for the murders. LYNCH LAW. The “Times” New York correspondent states that lynchings are so common that the newspapers only record them when their features are unusual, as in the case of lynching by women yesterday. Inufiential pressure is being brought on Federal and State Governments to end this intolerable situation. A FAUX PAS. M. Clemenceau has severely criticised Lord Cranborne for condemning the French Religious Association’s Act in the House of Commons. The British press generally severely blame Viscount Cranborne for his indiscretion in attacking the internal policy of the French Government. STUDIOUS COSSACKS. The “Cologne Gazette” reports that on the pretext of being engaged in geological research, several hundred Cossaeks entered Thibet, claiming that they possess the permission of China to march through the country. The Chinese Government denies this, and has warned its representative in Thibet to be vigilant. BULGARIA AT ST. JAMES’. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (the Marquis of Lansdowne) has informed the Bulgarian Foreign Office that Great Britain consents to the establishment of a Bulgarian diplomatic agency in London. Hitherto this principality has remained unrepresented at the Court of St. Janies. UNREST IN RUSSIA. Serious strikes in most of the Russian industrial centres and agrarian riots and outrages are frequent. The mujiks or peasants horribly tortured and murdered Prince Gagariane on his estate at Michilofsh, and beat the Princess severely. They also killed Prince Urinoff in the same district. The largest petroleum works at Baku have been set on fire. COLLISION IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. As the steamer Ruperra was proceeding with cargo past the Seilly Islands she was run down by the cruiser Mela mpus. The Melampus quickly lowered her boats and all hands on the coaler were brought off safely before their vessel sank. Tlie cruiser was slightly damaged, and is proceeding to Devonport to dock for the necessary repairs. EXPLOSION AT NOUMEA. A fearful explosion took place in the busiest part of Noumea on July 31. Hundreds of people assembled on hearing a terrible report. A tinsmith was putting a tap in an iron alcohol drum without removing the bung. The drum exploded, decapitating the tinsmith, whose head was blown a distance of severe 1 feet. The chief engineer of the steamer France, who was watching the tinsmith, with his eight-year-old son, was blown several feet. The former had half of his face and an eye blown out, and the latter was badly injured; it is feared both fatally

THE I .ATE POPE. The Rome newspapers complain of Dr. Lapponi’s embalment. The deconi position of the body had caused the Noble Guard to petition to be relieved of their duty round the Catafalque. The “Kolnische Zeitung” has denied the rumour which is current to the effect that the German Government will use its influence to prevent the election of Cardinal Rampolla. The Government is firmly resolved to endeavour to influence the Cardinals neither in opposing nor promoting any candidate. ACCIDENT AT A CRICKET MATCH. A serious accident occurred at a cricket match at Perth on Saturday afternoon. Perthshire was playing Forfarshire before a large attendance of the public in all parts of the ground. Without any warning one of the stands suddenly collapsed, throwing 500 to the ground, some of those of the upper tiers falling a distance of 30ft. One man was killed outright, 50 were removed to the infirmary, while 100 others received less serious injuries. FREE AND EASY POLITICS. Another of the turbulent scenes now so familiar has occurred in the Hungarian Chamber. Papp Kossuth, a deputy, laid on the table of the House a sum of £ 420, which he declared had been given him as a bribe to prevent him causing obstruction. The excitement culminated in a hand-to-hand fighting. Count Hedevary, the Premier, at length consented to appoint a commission of enquiry. ENTENTE CORDIALE. Baron de Constant, in the course of an interview, stated that Great Britain and France were ready to sign an arbitration convention on the lines of the one Britain negotiated with the United States, and were also ready to favour the working of The Hague Tribunal. That would be a prelude to the settlement of old difficulties, and the limitation of armaments would be certain to follow. Sir Francis Knollys. His Majesty’s Private Secretary, has telegraphed M. Constant that the King cordially shares his wish for good relationship between the French and British members of Parliament just established may contribute to the consolidation of the world’s peace.

ENGLISH CRICKET TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. Relf and Fielder have accepted a position in the English cricket team which visits Australia. Arnold has accepted the M.C.C.’s invitation to accompany the cricket team to Australia. The first-elass batting averages include the following: Fry 88, Warner 52, Hirst 49, Tyldesley 47.5, Bosanquet 41.5, Hayes 40, Hayward 36, Arnold 34, Braund 28, Rhodes and Lilley 27, Relf 23. Bowling: Hirst 76 wickets, average 12; Bosanquet 46 wickets, average 16; Fielder 43 wickets, average 16; Rhodes 100 wickets, average 16; Relf 79 wickets, average 18; Braund 94 wickets,

average 20; Arnold 77 wickets, average 21. PRISONERS REVOLT. A serious outbreak has occurred among the prisoners at Folson Gaol, California. Fifteen prisoners succeeded in making their escape. after killing two gaolers who tried to intercept them. They then made for the adjoining woods. The town was quickly made aware of the occurrence, and the utmost excitement prevailed. The sheriffs were summoned, and the troops ordered out. A chase then ensued, which ultimately resulted in the pursuers getting within sight of the eonvicts. The troops killed two of them, and ultimately surrounded others. Gatlings have now been called into requisition, and a heavy fire is being maintained against the escapees, who, however, are so far continuing to hold out. It is expected that they will shortly surrender. SOUTH AFRICA. The South African Loan and War Contribution Bill has been read a second time without division. By way of rebutting Sir William Harcourt’s pessimism, Mr Chamberlain said that the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony were among the most progressive countries in the world. Nevertheless it would require large sums in the future for many of the purposes of development. The Government contemplates a large irrigation scheme, including the damming of the Vaal River. If the Transvaal did not oppose the importation of Indian cooliea neither would be. Unless any direct Imperial interest were concerned he intended to treat the Transval as a self-governing colony. Referring to the proposal to import 10,000 Indian coolies, Lord Milner, in a despatch to Mr Chamberlain, states that the question of labour is assuming a really alarming aspect. Despite its enormous resources the colony would soon be landed in financial embarrassment unless outside labour were obtained, since there was not enough locally, even if all the natives worked. Mr Chamberlain, in reply, said the ventilation of the question was necessary to ascertain the real verdict of public opinion. Botha pleads that the European relief funds are spent and that he is unable to fulfil his promise to contribute £36.000 to supplement the Government relief for widows and orphans. Sir Arthur Lawley, the Lieutenant - Governor of the Transvaal, asks why the missing Boer millions are not available. THE FAR EAST. The director of the Asiatic section of the Russian Foreign Office, interviewed by an American news agency, used extremely provocative language with regard to Great Britain and Japan, accusing Great Britain of extreme duplicity, and declared that Russia could crush Japan to sand, and that she was not afraid to fight any five Powers. Reuter’s Pekin correspondent states that Russia has prohibited the exportation of Manchurian wheat, fearing that

Japan is extensively importing with a view to war. Viscount Hayashi, the Japanese Minister in London, on being interviewed by a press representative,, stated that war with Russia was a very long way off. Any disagreement that might exist or might arise would doubtless be settled by arbitration. The leading Japanese newspapers write calmly and confidently on the situation, and declare that Russia is increasing her military and naval forces in the Far East for the purpose of intimidation. The Dowager-Empress has begun a crusade against the reformers in the south, and has ordered the arrest of 40 journalists at Shanghai and Pekin, who mildly criticised the Government. The German newspapers are supporting Russia over the Manchurian question. General Kouropatkin, Minister for War, in the course of an interview in St. Petersburg, said that war with Japan in the near future was very improbable, though Russia was prepared, having 20C.C00 soldiers in the Far East. ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND. The Queen gave £ 500 for distribution among the poor of Ireland, while at Buncraune, on Lough Suilly. The Royal yacht then went south, and encountered a terrific gale in Killarney Bay. Their Majesties accordingly landed with a motor car, by means of which they proceeded through the wildest and most picturesque scenery of Connemara. On their way they visited the peasants huts, and were accorded a most enthusiastic reception. Landing at the little Donegal town of Buncrana, on Lough Swilly, their Majesties travelled twelve miles south-west by rail to Londonderry. There they received a great reception, the whole of the town turning out to welcome them. After listening to many loyal addresses, to which the King replied, the party proceeded to lay the foundation stone of a new infirmary. Their Majesties then embarked again in the Royal yacht, and started on a cruise along the west coast. Their Majesties proceeded to and inspected the famous Connemara quarries, and, waiving formalities, allowed the peasants to push their carriage up the hills. The King and Queen’s friendliness and evident enjoyment of their novel experiences occasioned great delight. They had a great reception in the city of Galway. An old woman by the wayside at Recess, County Galway, asked the King to remit her husband’s sentence o' imprisonment. Inquiries were made proving that the man’s character was good. The Queen, with the King’s permission, then remitted the sentence on the spot. His Majesty, in replying to several addresses of welcome, said that the future of Ireland mainly depended upon the development of the spirit of industrial activity. They sailed for Spithead on August 2.

PREFERENTIAL TRADE. The presidents of the Liverpool, Sheffield, Glasgow, Swansea, Dundalk and Newport Chambers of Commerce, and the vice-president of the Dundee Chamber, favour the fiscal inquiry. A meeting at St. James’ Hall, Piccadilly, protested against the taxation of food as a great national danger. Mr 11. H. Asquith, M.P., said that Mr Chamberlain’s proposal meant an immediate addition of eight millions sterling to the nation’s bread bill. Sir Edward Grey, speaking at Maidstone said he did not believe Mr Chamberlain’s statement that the Empire would break up unless the present fiscal system was abandoned. He would dread to see a bond of bargain replace the sentimental union. Great Britain would not benefit if the colonies raised duties to the foreigners unless they lowered duties to her. He trusted the nation's strong sense would not support Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour in their great political gamble. Mr Gerald Balfour, in moving the second reading of the Sugar Convention Bill in the House of Commons, said tho chief objection was removed since the Government’s declaration that they would not consent to penalise bounty-fed bugar imported from autonomous colo ties. The debate was adjourned. The “Standard” asserts that it is ex-

pected that Mr Balfour, when addressing Luc National Conservative Union on October 1, will disclose the Government’s fiscal policy. Sir W. V. Harcourt, in an article con•tributed to a newspaper, argues that since the colonies are united to the Motherland by bonds of brotherhood, pride, and affection, Mr Chamberlain’s plan to unite them by obligations of interest is superfluous, while the means proposed would be mischievous both to the centre of Government and to the Empire without.

ELECTING A NEW POPE. The Conclave for the election of the new Pope has been constituted, with many quaint ceremonials. The cardinals assembled in the Sistine Chapel, and took the oaths of secrecy, and to observe the Apostolic Constitution in the election. At nightfall on August 1 the Camerlingo and the Swiss Guards, preceded by torch-bearers, minutely examined the building to see that no strangers were present. Then the doors were locked by the Camerlingo on the inside, and by the Marshal of the Conclave on the outside, 365 persons remaining within, comprising 62 cardinals, each with his secretary, valet, and one member of the Noble Guard, and 40 archbishops and bishops, besides cooks and porters.

Cardinal Herrera was taken ill almost immediately after the doors were closed, and Doctor Lapponi was summoned to attend him.

It is expected that Cardinal Rampolla, on the first ballot, will secure 20 votes as a mark of esteem for his political services. Then he will withdraw his candidature and support Cardinal Gotti. Cardinal Dipietro’s chance is still considered the best.

The meeting of the Conclave at the Sistine Chapel opened at four o’clock. At fifteen minutes past eleven dense white smoke issued from the chimney connected with the stove where the voting papers are burned. This was due to the addition of damp straw, indicating that the first ballot had proved without result. The second ballot, which finished at six o’clock, had a similar result. Ten thousand people, who had assembled in the square awaiting the result, dispersed half an hour later. The Cardinals in conclave celebrated mass at 6.30 this morning. It is rumoured that the first ballot was informal, and that eight of the candidates received substantial support, Cardinals Rampolla and Vannutelli heading the list, Depictro and Capecalatino following. After lunch a conferencewasheld with the object of reaching an agreen?eut, but the second ballot was practically the same as the first. Cardinal Herrar kept his bed while the voting was proceeding. Three infirmary employees fetched the voting papers from his cell. The Italian troops posted in the vicinity of the Vatican ensure the liberty of the deliberations. All food and communioations of every kind are passed through four revolving trap doors, which are guarded by six officials. All letters and newspapers passing in are scrutinised by a censor. Even chickens and fish are opened before they are admitted. These steps are taken to prevent unauthorised communications from reaching the cardinals.