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LONDON LETTER.
LONDON LETTER. [FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] SPECIALLY WIRED. LONDON, Wednesday Night. NEED FOR ANOTHER CABLE. As usual, at the most important time the table breaks down. Now it is the wire to Accra that has played us false, leaving us without a scrap of news from Kumasi. This is the wire on the West Coast that stood the strain when the East African eable was broken at Aden in the thick of the Transvaal difficulty. The delayof were irritating and dangerous enough as it was, I but the position would have been infinitely j' more serious if both cables had given way lt once. This is another reason why we should have a third and independent cable, such as that proposed by Mr Chamberlain, joining all the British Colonies together. LATEST FROM TRANSVAAL. ifaws from the Transvaal still arrives tparingly and in homoeopathic doses, but so I far as it goes it is satisfactory and reassuring. CUTVKLAND S MESSAGE TO LIGHT THE PEACE- pIPE. There is now every prospect that the United States will impress upon Venezuela the necessity of reopening negotiations with Great Britain, and it seems highly probable that if Venezuela shirks this duty she will fose the assistance of President Cleveland Onourpart Sir Augustus Hemming goes out in February to British Guiana, ready to deal with Venezuela on the settled estates eights. and leaving the frontier question for further consideration. Now that there is a general disposition on both sides of the Atlantic to use President Cleveland's blustering message for lighting ihat pipe of peace which we and our American Cousins are bent on smoking, it is just as well not to chuckle too ostenta- tiously over Mr Morgan's confession of the failure of his bond syndicate. It is not in iiuman nature, however, to refrain from a juiet smile over the poetic justice of the fashion in which President Cleveland's turses have gone home to roost. SIR HERCOLES ROBINSON RETIRING. In spite of contradictions, there is a persistent rumour at the Tory clubs that Sir Hercules Robinson will not remain at the Cape much longer. It is, in fact, isserted that directly the state of affairs is toore settled he will return home, and that, even if things go badly, he will not continue to hold the office of High Commissioner for iny length of time. The reason given for this assertion is that Sir Hercules is not physically equal to a protracted strain, irbue. if tranquillity is maintained, there is no absolute necessity for his retention of a position which he accepted under pressure for a season. FURTHER SHIPBUILDING OPERATIONS. In Ministerial circles it is freely stated that one of the first things that the House of Commons will be called upon to do after ";he Address has been disposed of will be to tive the Government a special vote of credit. It is not known yet to which particular purpose it is intended that this lhall be devoted but there is little doubt, I believe, that further shipbuilding opera- tions are contemplated. MR CHAMBERLAIN AND THE CONSTITU- TIONAL CLUB. ¡ Among Mr Chamberlain's friends it is Itelieved that the dinner to which the Colonial Secretary is to be entertained at the Constitutional Club will be followed by his election to the membership of that institution. It is understood that Mr Chamberlain has no intention of joining the Carlton Club, at any rate for the present. LIBERALS AND ARBITRATION WITH THE » STA.XBS.. At a special meeting of the Political Com- nittee of the National Liberal Club this afternoon, Mr Stewart Wallace, late member /or Limehouse, who has now almost teCovered from his recent severe illness, ,vas unanimously elected vice-president of 3he committee. The other business trans- acted include the appointment of a deputation of three to co-operate with other bodies in regard to the movement in favour of arbitration between this country and the United States. SOOTH WALES LIBERAL FEDERATION. The meeting of the South Wales Liberal Federation, which is to be held at Newport to-day, will be watched with a good deal of interest in political circles. It is expected that the followers of Mr Lloyd-George will advocate a certain line of policy, which will not be accepted by the leaders of the Federation, and a trial ef strength between the two sections is expected to be the result. 1 hear to-night that a proposal is to be made that to-morrow's meeting should give way to a meeting to be called later by the whips ot the Welsh party. ADMIRAL MAXSE AND PROTECTION. Admiral Maxse, who is still described in some quarters as a strong Radical though he left the Liberal Party at the same time as Mr Chamberlain, one of his oldest friends, is an ardent advocate of Protection. He declared that in the days when he stumped the country as a land ttfhure reformer, and was labelled a "Red," he kept silence on the subject of Free Trade because the infallibility of the doctrine was not clear to him. Therefore, he says, there is no pUt to explain away, and regarding a cheap loaf as an insufficient compensation for the entire or partial loss of wages to the working man, he pronounces in favour of a tax on foreign corn. We may well ask whether he will convert his oldest friends to the policy of the dear loaf. MR HENRY LAMBERT'S ILLNESS. It is not true that Mr Henry Lambert, the genial manager of the Great Western Railway, contemplates resignation. He has been ill, though not seriously, for some time, bat there is no reason why he should not shortly discharge all his usual duties. The appointment of Mr Wilkinson as assistant manager is merely an event which has been deferred since Mr Beasley, who for many years filled that post, became manager of the Taff Vale Company. PEERS PASSED AWAY. The circle of aristocratic families affected by the death of Earl Delawarr is large, for his lineage was an ancient one with wide ramifications. The House of Lords had to adjudicate some years ago between the rival oliiifhs of his brother, Lord Saville, of Knole, and himself to the Buckhurst Peerage. The decision was that, being derived, like the Delaware peerage, from their mother, daughter of the last Duke of Dorset, it wenb to the same son. A sister of Lord Delawarr's Was step-mother to the present Marquis of Salisbury, and she subsequently became the wife of the late Lord Derby. The tragic death of Lord Cantelupe, Lord Delawarr's eldest son, by the foundering of his yacht in November, 1890, will be vividly remem- bered. The present Lord Cantelupe, who thus became heir to the Delawarr and Buckhurst peerages, married Lord Brassey's daughter. The Earl of Kensington, whose death is also announced, was a comparatively young man. He was born in 1848, and was a representative Peer of Ireland. Lord Kingsborough, who succeeds him, came of age last year.
---------DUCHESS OF CON NAUGHT…
DUCHESS OF CON NAUGHT INDISPOSED, The Central News regrets to learn that her Royal Highness tbe Duchess of Connaught is indisposed, and that the visit to her Majesty, Arranged for to-day, b" been postponed. Her Royal Highness has contracted a very troublesome «old aad alight sore throat. |
. ABYSSINIAN WAR.
ABYSSINIAN WAR. MORE ITALIAN TROOPS REQUIRED. ROME, Wednesday.—In addition to the ten battalions now leaving for Abyssinia, the Govern- ment has decided to order the formation of ten others, which will be kept in Italy, bub at the disposition of General Baratieri. Advices from Massowah point out that the haste of the prepara- tions have caused some defectiveness in the commissariat arrangements in Erythrea.Cemral News. ZEYLA NOT CEDED. The Press Association is authorised to contra- I diet in the most positive terms the report of the cession of Zeyia to Italy, which has appeared as having been officially announced at Rome. FURTHER NEWS FROM MAKALEH. MASSOWAH, Wednesday.—General Baratieri telegraphed yesterday evening statmg that a letter sent by the commandant at Makaleh addg to the account already received from him regarding the Shoan attack on that place. The enemy retired at a late hour on the evening of January llth. Numbers of men, protected from the Italian fire by their trenches, carried off the dead and wounded. After that no columns were seen moving about in the distance as on the preceding days. During Sunday and Monday there was no attack. The heavy losses of Shoans are confirmed. General Baratieri adds that the advanced posts are connected with him by telegraph. -Reuter.
»-—...—r^ :ANGLO-AMERICAN…
— .—r ANGLO-AMERICAN DISPUTE. FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE >> .STATES. BOND SYNDICATE DISSOLVED. NEW YORK, Wednesday.—The Government Bond Syndicate bat been dissolved. Mr J. P. Morgan says that be delayed dissolving the syndicate, as the financial interest of the country required the protection afforded by the knowledge of its existence. He was prepared to make the loan a success, and this was now assured by various individual subscribers, hence the syndi- cate had become unnecessary. He deemed it unwise to continue to bid for all or none of the loan, as he might thus cause bids for smaller amounts to be thrown out.-Reuter. NEW YORK, Wednesday Night.—The mail despatches dated December 24th, received here this evening from Demerara, state that two Maxim guns had been purchased by the British Guiana authorities, and they were believed to be intended for frontier defence purposes, but on Christmas Eve they were still in the Government depot at Georgetowd. Central News.
CUBAN INSURRECTION.
CUBAN INSURRECTION. REBELS ROUTED NEAR HAVANA. NEW YORK, Wednesday. —The Cuban insur- gents failed in their attack on Bejucal, near Havana, yesterday. They were repulsed by the garrison with heavy loss, and completed routed. -Reuter. THE DEFEAT AT BFJUCAL. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE FIGHTING. NARROW ESCAPE OF GOMEZ. NEW YORK, Wednesday.—Despatches received here to-day from Havana give fuller reports of the battle of yesterday at Bejucal. 15 miles from Havana. According to these reports a strong force of Spanish troops occupied Bejucal after the action of Monday and prepared an ambush against the expected return of the rebel leader, Gomez, on Tuesday. When he returned there- fore with a body of Cubans yesterday he was allowed to approach quite Close to Bejucal before the Spaniards opened fire on him. The Spaniards had hauled up heavy guns into position and opened fire from their masked batteries on the advancing Cubans, who were also exposed to a hail- storm of rifle bullets from the Spaniards under cover. Gomez was completely surprised, and though he succeeded in taking up a position with his men they replied but feebly to the enemy's fire. The Cubans finally wavered and then broke. The retreat was speedily transformed into a rout. General Linares pursued them, but thetcoops of Gomez consisting mainly of mounted men, the Spaniards were unabie to overtake them. Gomez had a narrow escape from being captured on Friday last. He was riding along a country a road accompanied by a small escort of mounted men, when be and his party, before they were aware of it, had marched into the middle of a Spanish bivouac. The Cuban leader and his men were at once surrounded by Spanish soldiers with bayonets fixed, who called on them to surrender. Gomez put spurs to his horse, and with a revolver in each hand shot down the Spaniards nearest to him. Then drawing his machete," or long Cuban knife, he slashed right and left with it and broke through the enemy, with his escort after him. It is said that he killed five of the Spanish soldiers in making his escape. -Dalziet, MADRID, Wednesday. A telegram from Havana published by the Imparcial states that the insurgents are continuing their forward movement into the province of Penar del Rio. The band under Nunez, forming Maoeo's advance gufrd, is said to be making its way towards Ju,tnqmanea. --Beutei-. MARSHAL CAMPOS APPEALING FOR MORE MEN. BILBAO, Wednesday. -Accoi,dirig to intelligence from Madrid, Marshal Campos has asked for further reinforcements of cavalry for service in Cuba. This news, it is added, has caused the situation in the island to be regarded as critical.- Renter.
CARLIST ACTIVITY.
CARLIST ACTIVITY. ANOTHER REVOLUTION IN PROSPECT. MADRID, Wednesday. -Rumours of Carlist ctivity continue to gain strength in Spain. Several papers protest against the indifference with which the faot is viewed by the Govern ment, and El Tiempo warns the Ministry against being guilty of crass stupidity for not attributing the importance to the movement it deserves, wfiich has thrice proved its power in a manner possible to few other parties in Spain. The same journal asserts that the Carhsts are organising themselves, and everything is being prepared for a new rising at a convenient moment. Moreover, it has to be remembered that the Carlist party has always found the soldiers it needed. -Central News.
TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30 A.M.
TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30 A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST. FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND SOUTH WALES. North-westerly to westerly winds, strong, squally, with showers in many places. GENERAL.The ga,Je in Scotland is 1 kely to subsioe, and a tern- pora,ty change to finer and coldet weather is probable. WARNINGS.—The north cons IF up in 0, 1 and 2. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared jast night at; the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock DISTRICTS— Strong norfch-wssterly winds, 0. Scotland.N. I moderating and backing Scotland, E. j later; changeable; some J snow showers. 2. England, N.E." North-westerly winds, fresh ;snd Channel).J 6, Scotland, 7\'NorttrvV^ I North-westerly to westerly 3. England, S.W. [ "ds« & South Wales | showers m many 9. Ireland, N. j p,aCe9* 10. Ireland, S. The Boer has many virtues, not the least of which is that of temperanoe. The assurance that Lord Salisbury has resolved to publish all documents relating to Venezuela as soon as they can be got ready has produced an excellent impression in the United States. Colonel Sannderson, in a letter to a Belfast paper, explaining his reason,; for not joining Mr Plunkett's Round Table Coifittittee, Says there would be no common. ground on which to make a lark J
IASHANTI EXPEDITION.
I ASHANTI EXPEDITION. KING PREMBI WILL NOT FIGHT. VILLAGES EVERYWHERE DESERTED. CONDITION OF PRINCE HENRY. EDUN KU, Wednesday, 1.10 p.m.—The expedi- tion fs twelve miles from Kumasi. King Prembi says he will not fight, and is waiting for Sir Francis Scott.-Central News. TWO SPIES ARRESTED. VILLAGES DESERTED. [CENTRAL NEWS SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] EIINASIUT, Jan. 13 th, 3.20 p.m.-Wt) are now 20 miles only from Kumasi. The Special Service Battalion is at Ammaful, which place, together with Kwisa, were tound to be in astateof defence, although none of the enemy attempted to offer opposition. Two spies have been taken prisoners on the march up country. The villages en route bave been all deserted by their inhabitants. The marching has been very heavy. TELL, GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION RESTORED. The Central News is informed by the African Direct Telegraph Company that the Accra-Sierra Leone cable was repaired on Tuesday, andimessages are now being received and forwarded between England and Cape Coast Castle by the usual route with little or no delay. NEARIHG THE GOAL. (FROM THE: CENTRAL NEWS SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ] EJINASSI, Jan. 14th, 10 30 a.m.—The expedi- tion is nearing its goal. To-morrow the bulk of the troops advance in fighting trim, and we sball be in possession of the Ashanti capital by the 18th inst. at the latest. We learn from Mansu that Prince Henry of Battenberg is at that station. His condition is steadily improving. Surgeon Lieut.-Col. Blennerhassett has had a sharp attack of fever. He was on the sick list for five days, but is now quite well again. The total sickness in Sir Francis Scott's entire force is equal to only 6 per cent. ASHANTIS ON THE ALERT. [FROM THE CENTRAL NEWS SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] ESSIANKWANTA, Sunday (via Prahsu, January 13th, 4.20 p.m.).-We are now within touch of King Prembi's levies, and a surprise attack at any moment is considered possible. Yesterday Major Gordon and other officers went forward from this camp and reconnoitred the next village, which was found to be defended. The camp was therefore on the alert all night, but nothing occurred to disturb us. It is reported that the chief men of all the villages have come to Kumasi to attend a grand palaver ordered by the King. Only women are now to be met with along the road. The special battalion holds the approach to the camp, together with the Houssas and their giui3. All our men are perfectly fit for the work before them, and everything is going like clockwork. Major Baden Powell and Major Gordon have gone forward with the scouts. Wo are now about 30 miles from Kumasi. PRINCE HENRY OF BATTENBERG. A FAVOURABLE BULLETIN. CAPE COAST CASTLE, Monday (delayed in trans- mission).-News has been received here from Prahsu that Prince Henry of Battenberg's con- dition is improving, and that his Royal Highness left for C'tpe Coast Castle this iiiornitiv.-Reuter, MANSU, Wednesday, 7.20 a.m.—Prince Henry of Battenberg passed a restless night, but his temperature is lower this morning. The Prince's strength is good, and he will continue his journey to the coast.—Renter. NEIGHBOURING KINGS MAKE PEACE. [SPEOIAL TELEGRAM FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] ESSIANKWANTA (via Prahsu), Jan. 12tb.-Sir Francis Scott and staff arrived here yesterday from Kwisa, an eight hours' march. being pre- ceded by the composite battalion. Road is fairly good, considering that a week ago it was only a path wide enough for one man. Major Sinclair, R.E., is ahead of troops, and is displaying the utmost activity in improving the route, bridging and corduroying it wherever necessary. Now that they are approaching the point at which resistance, if it is to be made at all, may be expected, the officers with the expedition are carrying their revolvers. "I There was a grand ceremony hore yesterday on the ariival of the staff. The King-of Bekwai and Abodom had come down to meet the commander-in-chief, and signed the treaty, placing themselves and their people under British protection. The King of Bekwai was attended by a numerous train of stool bearers, executioners, and other native officers. The scene was one cf splendour, the King and his attend- ants wearing many gold and other ornaments. The King of Abodom is a gentle looking lad of about 14. Sir Francis Scott was attended by a guard of 100 men belonging to the composite battalion drawn up in line. The treaty having been read and interpreted, it was signed on behalf of both Kings, who couched the pen as signifying their assent, while Captain Donald Stewart, political officer, wrote the name. Spies from Kumasi state that all the men have left the villages on the way to the capital, and that the women were, crying because their husbands were marohing to Kumasi to fight the white man. The spies further state that if the Ashantis think the British wish to capture King Prembi, they will offer a stubborn resistance, but that otherwise they will probably offer no opposi. tion to the peaceful occupation of the capital. The Governor, Mr Maxwell, arrived to-day at Prahsu. The Ashanti envoys who were sent by King Prembi to meet the commander-in-chief andP sue for peace are still at Essumeja, I whither Major Gordon, of the 5th Hussars, JS proceeding to inform them that they must return to Kumasi as it is only there that Sir I Francis Scott can consent to treat with them. The envoys have brought with them two small children bedecked with gold ornaments, whom they represent to be King Prembi's sons, and also a numerous following of natives well acquainted with the country, 100 of these being armed. The expeditionary force is now waiting till news shall have been received as to the movement of the Denkera and Koranza tribes, who have thrown in their lot with the British, so that if possible Kumasi may be approached at the same time from three different points. Betting in camp a9 to the chances of fighting is 3 to 1 against. The reserve ammumtion column is now at Brofu Edrea, and the Yorkshire Battalion is at #Cwisa. Captain Donald Stewart left here to. day for Essumij. ALL WELL AT CAPE COAST. -D [SPECIAL TRLFGRABI FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] CAPE CASTLE, January 13, 4.15 p.m.— Captain Curtiss, R.E., in command of the Telegraph Department, and Lieutenants Magan and Davis are doing well. The total number of sick here now is 46. The expedition is expected to reach Kumasi on Saturday next. It is not anticipated that there will be any fighting. The general impression here is that the Ashantis intend to desert Kumasi till after the departure of troops, and that they will return in the hope of being able to annihilate the occupying force, which will be under the command of Captain Donald Stewart. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM FROM OCR CORRESPONDENT, j EJINASSI, Jan 13, 1.40 P.m.-Staff arrived here to-day. It is reported that when the fighting column approaches Kumasi King Prembi and his followers will take to flight. Two Ashanti spies have been captured. One of them is nephew of War Chief Kokofuka. CAPTURE OF A SUPPOSED SPY. EJINASSI, January 14th. 10.15 a.m.-Yorkshire Battalion has passed here. They have captured five Ashantis, one of whom states that he is the King's gold book bearer, but as he has no badge of offioe, it is believed that he is a spy. The column will to-morrow go into fighting forma- tion. CAFE COAST CASTLE, January 14th. 4.30 p.m.— Captain Dobb, commanding Denkera levies, reports on the authority of a native trader, that King Prembi is at Bontuku, Samory'a headquar- ters.
ROW OF HOUSES BURNT DOWN.
ROW OF HOUSES BURNT DOWN. The Central News correspondent at Irvine telegraphs on Wednesday afternoon :A disas- trous fire broke out in Park-terrace, on the Kilwinning-road, resulting in the destruction of a whole row of houses, the estimated damage being over £ 10,000. The fire originated in a house occupied by Mr Gillespie, dentist, the chimney taking fire, from which the flames spread to adjoining houses. A large portion of furniture was saved, and no loss of life occurred.
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The typewriting machine is supposed to save the eye?, but the effect is (says an ootiliit) quite the'oontrary,
THE SUGGESTED RAPPROCHEMENT.
THE SUGGESTED RAPPROCHEMENT. QUESTION OF EVACUATING EGYPT. ITALY AND THE TUNIS PROTECTORATE, The Daily Chronicle Paris correspondent telegraphs The rumour was circulated yesterday that. France had decided to intro- duce the Egyptian question into any negotiations between herself and England on the subject of the Anglo-French entente. It may be well to state that neither evacuation nor the recall of Lord Cromer forms part of the proposal. Egypb comes in as part ot France's Mediterranean policy, against which Italy is supposed to have obtained certain pledges from England. The joint action of the two • countries would include the preliminary review of every North African interest from Morocco to Tunis. Some demonstrative act implying the cheerful acceptance by Italy of the French Protectorate is suggested. VIEWS OF THE FRENCH PRESS. Reuter's Paris correspondent telegraphs on Wednesday :—Numerous journals publish articles this morning on the question of a rapprocnenlrnt between France and Great Britain. The Eclair strongly condemns the arrangement reported to have been come to between England and France with regard to Siam. Writing m the Figaro on the question of Egypt, Whist says :—" It has been a subject of controversy between France and England for the last sixteen years, and at any moment Eng. land may find herself confronted with all the responsibilities which she has so far managed to elude. There is only one way to avoid this eventuality. Let Lord Salisbury invite France to reopen negotiations on this important subject, and let him especially bring to bear upon them a sincere and lasting spirit of conciliation, and then the situation will be entirely changed within 48 hours. Twelve years ago Germany's whole attention was concentrated upon France, and in order to obtain England's good graces she did not interfere in the Egyptian question. The Franco Russian Alliance has changed all this, and Germany ie now much more pre-occupied with the develop- ment of England's powei than with the bellicose utterances of the French people. If England is well-advised, therefore, she will profit by the occasion to tender France her hand and settle the question of Egypt, which has been the cause of all their dissent, remembering that as long as France holds aloof from any combination against her she is free from all danger." The Temps, commenting on what it describes as the altered tone of the articles regarding France in the English newspapers, says :—" They are not only the abstract and general declarations of a kind of Platonic love which we have had the pleasure and the great surprise to see in the articles of the leading journals of our brethren on the other side of the Channel, bub history itself, judgments on the past and on its responsi- bilities have all undergone noteworthy modifica- tions during the past fortnight. They are begin- ning, as if in common accord, to talk to us about Egypt and about the conditions thsy offer us. It is a great advance. It suits us for the moment to wait and listen."—Reuter.
---.----MEKONG SETTLEMENT.
MEKONG SETTLEMENT. BUFFER STATE ABANDONED. PARIS, Wednesday.—In weii-informed quarters here it is stated that the British Government agrees that the Mekong shall be the boundary between the British and French possessions frpm the North of Siam to the frontiers of China. There is therefore no further question of a buffef state on Upper Mekong. Siam becomes, in fact, the sole buffer between Great Britain and France. The settlement ot this question, which hAs for so long been a cause of irritation between the two countries, is regarded here as a proof of the excellent relations now subsisting between London and Pari?.—Reuter. PARIS, Wednesday. — The Eclair strongly condemns the arrangement reported to have been come to between England and France with regard to Siam.— Reuter.
------------WRECK OF A STEAMER.
WRECK OF A STEAMER. TWELVE MEN BUSSING. IV NEW YORLK Wednesday.—A despatch from Mexico states tl1 \t the British steamer Yoxiorei, bound from Colon for Phihdelpa. has been wrecked in the Guif of Mexico. Twelve of the crew reached the shore, but 12 others are missing, and are believed to have perished.— Central Ncivs,
SERIOUS SCHOOL DISASTER, j
SERIOUS SCHOOL DISASTER, j CHIMNEY BLOWN DOWN. SEVERAL CHILDREN KILLED AND INJURED. On Wednesday afternoon, when a gale which had been raging all day reached its height, a serious disaster befel at Low Moor, near Brad- ford, he chimney of the Rawnook Infants' School being blown upon the classroom roof, and burying an infant class of about a dozen children, who were receiving instruction at the time. One child, named Charles John Parratt, was killed outright, and two others named Fred Booth and A. Eastwood received injuries to the skull and other parts of the body which preclude all hope of recovery. In addition, a boy named tTohn Lumb and three girls named respectively Tilly Hoyle, Selina Seel, and Clara Brainsley, were badly hurt. The rest escaped with minor injuries. All the victims are between three and four years of age. The class- room in which the disaster occurred is used as a cloak-room, and had the accident occurred a few minutes later very hoavy loss of hfe must have occurred, as about 100 infants would then have been in the room getting their caps for play-time. Most of the sufferers were removed to Bradford Infirmary.
ALLEGED CORRUPTj PRACTICES.I
ALLEGED CORRUPT PRACTICES. ELECTION AGENT BEFORE THE ASSIZES. At Cambridge Assizes, on Wednesday, the trial commenced—before Justice Wills—of John Birkley Baldwin, of Gray's Inn-road, London. who was indicted for sending fictitious letters to a number of outvoters at West Cambridge- shire election with a view to inducing them to refrain from voting. Mr Kemp, Q.( £ who appeared for the prosecution, said that when called upon for an explanation defendant said he in no way regretted what' he had done. Before the magistrates he said it was a clerical error. Evidence was then called to prove that persons named as pairs had never been consulted nor had given authority for their names to be used. The case was adjourned. Earlier in the day, in referring to the case, Justice Wills said the services of members of Parliament would often be of more value if the public were assured of the purity of the process of election.
KITTY LOFTUS IN COURT.
KITTY LOFTUS IN COURT. ALLEGED BREACH OF AGREEMENT. In the Chancery Division, on Wednesday— before Mr Justice Kekewich—an action was heard brought by Mr Oacar Barrett, of the Lyoeum Theatre, to restrain Miss Kitty Loftus from performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre or elsewhere in breach of her agreement to play "Robinson Crusoe" at the Lyceum at 1J30 weekly. In May defendant wrote asking to be released from her engagement, and pJâmtitf being abroad, and not replying, she took part io Gentleman Joe."
" ISLINGTON OUTRAGE.
ISLINGTON OUTRAGE. TRIAL OF THE BOY GAMBLE. INCAPABLE OF PLEADING. At the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday- before Justice Hawkins-Alfred Gamble, aged 17, was indicted for wounding andmutilatingthelittle boy Wm. Cattle at Islington last December with intent to murder him. Counsel for the Crown stated that, having regard to the nature of the crime. special medical observance had been kept on the prisoner. The result was the latter had been found to be of unsound mmd and incapable of pleading. He was ordered to be detained during her Majesty's pleasure.
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In London alone 44,000 letters have on the average to be "returned every week. Albert Trott and Percy Lewis are displaying great form with the bat in Melbourne this season. The former played a splendid innings of 121 in a local match in December. THB most marvellous pennyworth of news and fiction published is to be found in the Cardiff Tiirm andmitk IValet WftMy Ifewt. All t& £ best and for* most novelists of the day hava contributed te it* columns. Ordet » copy at once.
FATE OF JAMESON AND HIS MEN.…
FATE OF JAMESON AND HIS MEN. MORE CONTRADICTORY REPORTS, ALLEGED FINAL AGREEMENT. PRESIDENT KRUGER ON THE. RAID. THE ARREST OF THE REFORM COMMITTEE. 60 LEADING MEN IN GAOL. THEIR PROPERTIES ATTACHED. MR CHAMBERLAIN AT THE LYCEUM. A POPULAR RECEPTION, 11 THE ANGLO-GERMAN DIFFICULTY. NAVAL PREPARATIONS PRO- CEEDING APACE. THE VOLUNTEER MOBILISA- TION SCHEME. At the Colonial Office on Thursday evening it was announced that Sir Hercules Robinson has left Pretoria fer Cape Townf where his presence is required in connection with the recent changes in the Ministry. It was stated to the representa- tive of the Press Association that there had been no further news during the day, and as showing that nothing of importance is expeoted Mr Chamberlain's secretary arranged for the dis- continuance of the midnight call which the Press representatives have been making of late. As to the report that Mr Rhodes proposed sailing for England on Thursday, the Colonial Office officials had seen this statement in the papers. but bad no official confirmation.
SIXTY LEADFCSTG MEN IN GAOL
SIXTY LEADFCSTG MEN IN GAOL A cablegram dated Johannesburg, Tuesday, 4 p.m., has been received at the London offices of the African Critic announcing that sixty leading men are in sraol, and that properties have been attached. It is further stated that the President is applying -for the extradition of Solly Joel and Henry Bettelheim, Turkish Consul, from Cape Town.
FURTHER UFI LANDER ARRESTS.
FURTHER UFI LANDER ARRESTS. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 13th, 6 p.m.—The persons arrested for complicity in the recent disturbances include, in addition to the names previously telegraphed, Messrs W. Hosken, merchant and vice-president of the National Union Harold F. Strange, representative of E H. Dunning E. B. Garland, merchant; C. L. Anderson, Swede F. R. Lingham, American H. F. Becker, German J. A. Roger, resident partner of Parker, Wood and Co. W. Goddard, H. C. Hull, solicitor Donaldson Hutchinson, solicitor H. A. Rogers, chairman of the Buffelsdoorn Gold Mining Co. Victor Clement, American, late manager of the Simmer and Jack, now engineer of the Consoli- dated Gold Fields Co. A. L. Lawley, general manager of the Beira Railway Victor Wolff, William Brown, Tremeer, and D. F. Gilfillan, sol ici tor. —Dalziel.
THE BOERS AND THEIR PRISONERS.
THE BOERS AND THEIR PRISONERS. MORE CONTRADICTORY REPORTS. The Pall Mall Gazette on Wednesday evening published the following telegram from their Cape Town correspondent, dated Tuesday, 5 o'clock :— Messrs Joel and Bottelheim have been released on bail of £2.000 each on condition they arrive at Pretoria within ix days. Expected that all except a few of the principal members of the Reform Committee will be bailed by to-morrow. Dr. Jameson's tioopers have not yet arrived at Natal. Reported here hitches have arisen in the negotiations." PRETORIA, Tuesday, 6 p.m.-—A final agree- ment was arrived at this afternoon between Sir Hercules Robinson and the Transvaal Government. According to the terms of arrange- ment Dr. Jameson and his officers will be con- veyed as prisoners to England, to be arraigned there. The rank and file of Jameson's force are handed over to her Majesty's Government to be conducted without demonstration to England or other place of domicile, and to be dealt with as the British Govern- ment shall deem fit. The High Commissioner has instructed the Governor of Natal to make the necessary arrangements on the Natal border for taking over the prisoners. The rank and file have already arrived at Volksrust. Dr. Jameson and his officers will be sent to the border as sopn as the necessary arrange- ments shall have been completed. Sir Hercules Robinson and the Governor of Nacal leave Pretoria to-night.—Central News PRETORIA, Tuesday, 6 p.m.—The conference between Sir Hercules Robinson and President Kruger has concluded. The result is believed to be satisfactory as regards Dr. Jameson. The settlement of the other questions has been deferred. The rumours that President Kruger had made inordinate demands are unfounded. The British officials speak in high terms of the President's moderation. —Reuter. The Press Association was informed at the Colonial Office on Wednesday that Jameson's men captured at Krugersdorp are stiil in prison in Pretoria. The statement that they had crossed the border into Natal was therefore untrue. The Central News learns that a private cable- gram reoeived on Wednesday at the officeof Country Life announced that the Transvaal Government are releasing theUitlander leaders recently arrested, or at any rate some of them. Amongst others who have been released is Mr Percy Farrar, of Country Life, one of the Reform Committee. He says the Boers have treated their prisoners remarkably well.
GOVERNOR OF NATAL AND PRESIDENT…
GOVERNOR OF NATAL AND PRESIDENT KRUGER. AN IMPRESSIVE INTERVIEW. PRETORIA. Tuesday.-Sir Walter Hely Hutchinson, Governor of Natal, has had an in- terview with President Kruger. He assured hia Honour that it had been with great grief that he had heard of Dr. Jameson's attack on the Republic, III was especially painful to him as an Englishman to say that they were mostly Euglishmen who made this attack, thereby endangering the peace of South Africa. The Governor then congratulated the President upon the effectual and speedy manner in which the incursion had been met, and stated that he honoured the President for his magnanim- ous and moderate manner of dealing with Jameson's followers. His Excellency added that although many things were said and done unwisely when political passions were aroused, the President might rest assured that the High Commissioner and Ministers were using and would continue to use their best efforts to secure peace and fraternity among the African races. President Kruger replied that in his opinion the invasion was one of the most shameful acts ever nommitted. He rejoiced that the right* minded among the people of Great Britain were horrified at the act, and that her Majesty herself had expressed satisfaction at his handing over Dr. Jameson to her Majesty's Government. In conclusion his Honour assured Sir Walter Hely I Hutchinson that the Government of the South African Republic was founded upon Christian principles, and he intended its politics should so 1 remain.
PASSPORT SYSTEM WITHDRAWN,
PASSPORT SYSTEM WITH- DRAWN, MR RHODES'S MOVEMENTS. CAM TOWN, Tuesday Evening.'—Owing to the improvement in the general political situation in the Transvaal and the resumption of order in Johannesburg, the Boer Government bas with- drawn the system of paespor&8 recently ptit into force, it is announoed that Mr Cecil Rhodes is on his way here from Kimberley and will arrive in | Cape Town tcmotrow. Is is expected that lie wiU pay an early visit to England. Sit EUfcbles Robinson is also expected here shortly.—Centred News. The Press Association is informed by the i British South Africa Company that Mr Rhodes, after consultation with the board of directors, decided to sail on Thursday tar England.
¡ONE FOR THE DUTCHMAN.'
ONE FOR THE DUTCHMAN. CAPE TOWN, Tuesday.—Mr Murray St. Leger, replying in the Cape Times to a Dutch clergyman Who compared Dr. Jameson to Jack Sheppard, says William of Orange is a more fitting prototype, for he led an armed force into England at the invitation of representative men, who appealed to him to help them in vindicating their liberties, the urgency of the situation and their need justifying the employment of foreign, auxiliaries. Jameson did exactly the same. The manifesto of the Uitlanders touched far more sorious issues than those of James Stuart's time. Themaiority of the British in the Transvaal were not only ground under the heel of a despotic oligarchy, but absolutely denied the elementary right of a voice in their own taxation. They were threatened also with military violence by the argument of quick firing artillery. When America took up arms against the Stamp Act Pitt rose from a sick bed to justify their violence. He maintained self-taxation to be the essential discriminating circumstances of political freedom. I rejoice," he said, that America has resisted. Three million people so dead to all feelings of liberty as to voluntarily sub- mit to be slaves would have been fit instruments and slaves of the rest." The grievances ot the Transvaal Uitlanders," continues the writer, has far exceeds in weight and violence that of the American Colonists as it exceeds that of the Englishmen who, with the help of Dutch William, accomplished the revolution and established our freedom. Are success or failure the sole criteria of merit ? Pitt said The Americans have not acted in all things with prudence and temper, but they were driven to madness by injustice. Will you punish their madness which you occasioned 1'" The Cape Press says :—" We warn President Kruger distinctly that unless he is prepared to make the concessions asked for, and meet the Colony in matters concerning railway customs and fair trade, he will check the tide of Colonial opinion. The Cape will only extend its sympathy to the Transvaal if the trade of the Colony be placed on an equality with that of other Scatea." -Reuter.
MR BRYCE ON SOUTH AFRICAI
MR BRYCE ON SOUTH AFRICA WHAT MAY BE EXPECTED. Mr Bryce, MP., late President of the Board of Trade, lectured on Wednesday evening before the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Manufacture on the commercial aspects of South Africa. Alluding to recent events in the Transvaal, he thought that the most prudent course to fellow in view of the meagre informa- tion allowed by the Boer Government to come through, was to suspend their judgment, to far as regarded the principal issues involved irod the principal persons concerned. He proceeded to sketch the chief natural resources of the country and the degree in which these were likely to be developed durmg the next century. There had been comparatively little cultivation of the soil so far, but he believed that it would not be permanently so. Agriculture had not had a fair chance because the Dutch population was extremely conservative in its habits. He was persuaded that nothing better could be done for the Colony as a whole than to bring in settlers with new methods and stir up the somewhat stagnant and unprogressive element in the agricul- tural population of Dutch origin. Stock rearing had hitherto been the great wealth of the country, and they might fairly expect that that would be maintained, and that South Africa would sooner or later become one of the great meat.exporting countries. With regard to the country's mineials, the most important question during the next 50 or 60 years was: What would become of the gold ? What was chiefly wanted for the development of the inner goldfields in British territory was an extension of the railway system. He deplored the fact that a considerable amount of British trade on the East Coast of Africa had been diverted to the Germans through the withdrawal of two English steamship companies from the coast. He thought that the production of gold that was going on in South Africa was very likely to have an effect upon the ratio of gold and silver. It was not at all improbable that the ratio of gold and silver, which had latterly altered so much to the prejudice of silver, might in future alter to the benefit of silver, aud in that case they should have a restoration of the conditions more or less which existed 20 or 30 years ago before the fall of silver began, and the occupation of bi-metallists would then be gone.
SIR JOHN LUBBOCK ON THE SITUATION.
SIR JOHN LUBBOCK ON THE SITUATION. Speaking at a meeting of the International Arbitration League held at the Memorial Hall, London, on Wednesday evening, Sir John Lubbock said it was very far from the intentions af the league to weaken the hands of the Govcrn- ment in dealing with the storms which had so unexpectedly burst upon this country. They agreed in this matter with Lord Rosebery's advice, that such troubles should be faced by a united nation. They bad confidence that the Government would do all they could to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the country's diffi- culties.
EARL CADOGAN SPEAKS.
EARL CADOGAN SPEAKS. Earl Cadogan, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, speaking at a public luncheon in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, ou Wednesday, said he thought he could claim that during the recent anxious time there had been no boasting, there had been no idle threats. There had been nothing but a single statement of the views of the case which patriot- ism dictated, and he would also like to say that, while her Majesty's Government had, as he could testify, kept their heads cool at the time when impulsive acts might perhaps have brought about even dangerous results, be gladly testified to the pacific, strong, and dignified attitude of the people of the United Kingdom.
MR WILLIAM O'BRIEN ON THE…
MR WILLIAM O'BRIEN ON THE CRISIS. "GALLANT BOERS" SET IRELAND AN EXAMPLE. On Wednesday night Mr William O'Brien, presiding at the annual reunion of natives of Tyrone resident in Glasgow, said the Irish had examples of how nations won their freedom. The gallant Boers of the Transvaal did not split; into sections when the enemy were at their gates. They did not attack one another, but they attacked invaders of their country and thrashed them within an inch of their lives. The business of the Irish party henceforth was to show their teeth and use every weapon circumstances placed in their hands to show England that the national demands of Ireland must be conceded.
----CHEERS FOR CHAMBERLAIN.
CHEERS FOR CHAMBERLAIN. COLONIAL MINISTER AT THE LYCEUM. Mr Joseph Chamberlain was present on Wednesday evening ab the first production of Michael and His Lost Angel at the Lyoeum Theatre. He was accompanied by Mrs Chamber- lain, Mr Jesse Collings, and Mr Austin Chamber- lain. He occupied a box on the left hand side of the stage, and being recognised at the close of tha secondact theory of "Cheers for Mr Chamberlain" was raised. At cnee there was an enthusiastic response, aad several persons, including occupants of the stalls, rose in their places. The right hon. gentleman looked much gratified with his recep- tion.
ANGLO-GERMAN DIFFICULTY.
ANGLO-GERMAN DIFFICULTY. THE NAVAL PREPARATIONS. COMMISSIONING THE FLYING SQUADRON. On Tnesday the Special Squadron was oommis- eioned, and probably by Saturday it will have assembled at Spithead, and be ready to sail on that day or Monday for whatever its destination may happen to be. Describing the scene at Portsmouth on Tuesday the special correspondent of the Daily News says Times and manners have changed indeed since Poor Poll and Joe tbe marine" parted from each other with many demonstrations of tenderness in the presence of a motley bub. sympathetic crowd on the famous Hard of t Portsea, or the still more famous Sally PotU whence Nelson was towed to tha Victory for his last cruise. The Hard" it bus a memory, preserved io the name of a street, dingy remnaota ot it where shots boato It* among the shadows and tal. MttwM Of filø supporting railway jetties and the Sally Port is so cramped between modern walls that one can hardly discover where the crooked way from it once came down between overhanging houses to the sea. Poll has now to stay outside the dock- yard gates while Joe is doing sentry duty beside the ship's gangway, where no glance from her wistful eyes, and no words she may speak, whether of tender farewell or reproach, can reach him. The partings, when a fleet is under orders for commission, now must be taken days before the Admiral's flag is hoisted, when men belonging to the port go on board their depot ships, and those who have to join from distant places or from their own houses do not come by train until the last minute. The few who do break through this general rule are more careful of their money than the rollicking bluejackets or Nelson's and Cochrane's day were, so that instead of wasting what remains to them in revelry before starting for another cruise, they go to a sailors' home and take things soberly.
STRENGTH OF THE NAVY.
STRENGTH OF THE NAVY. It is believed that notwithstanding the large number of ships now in reserve and building, many more cruisers and destroyers will be pro- vided for in the next Naval Estimates, as well as I a considerable increase in the number of naval officers and men. It is interesting to note that the effective strength of the Navy was brought up last year to 88,850 men, an increase of 5,450 men, I but this number will have to be still further increased this year, and special arrangements will be made in regard to the number of trained officers.
IAT THE DOCKYARDS. I
AT THE DOCKYARDS. CHATHAM. A Chatham correspondent telegraphsThe torpedo boat destroyer Sunfish left Chatham on Wednesday morning to undergo her full-power trials to determine her acceptance by the Admiralty from Messrs Hawthorn, Laslie, and Company, the contractors. She was in charge of a navigating party from the Medway Dockyard I Reserve, and the contractors' staff were on board. A pilot took charge of the vessel while run- ning the measured mile on the Maplin Sands This is due to an order from the Admiralty issued after the Lightning collision that a professional pilot well acquainted w:th the currents at the mouth of the Thames should for tbe future be employed at these trials owing to the great amount of shipping met with thereabouts. In the course of her passage round from the Tyne to the Medway the Sunfish attained a speed of 28 knots per hour. She is a similar vessel to those commanded for service with the Channel Fleet, and ,the par- ticular Service Squadron. Orders have been issued for the gunboat Speedy, which has just completed her annual refit, to sail from Sbeerness on Friday for Portland to resume her duties as despatch vessel to the Channel Squadron. She has embarked her powder and shell and adjusted her compasses in readiness for her departure. The first-class battleship Repulse and the first-class cruiser Blenheim left Chatham on Wednesday for Sheerness to complete their :preparations for r?joining the Channel Squadron. The torpedo boat'destroyers Lightning, Salmon, and Snap- per on Wednesday morr.in accompanied the battleship Repulse and the cruiser Blenheim from Chatham to Sheerness, where the vessels will complete their shipment of ammunition and put their compasses in order before proceeding to their destination. SHEEKNESS. Admiral Richard Wells, after inspecting tbe battleship Empress of India on Wednesday at Sheerness, reported that she was fully equipped and in clean and orderly condition. PORTSMOUTH. A correspondent at Portsmouth says-On Wed- nesday provisioning and getting stores on board the Revenge, Royal Oak, and Gibraltar were continued. The Resolution and Royal Sovereign, belonging tcflthe Channel Squadron, have gone out of harbour, their places being occupied by the Revenge and Gibraltar. ACTIVITY AT DEVONPORT. Unabated activity continues to prevail at Devonport Dockyard, where a large number of shipwrights and fitters from Dundee, Belfast, and Cork were entered on Wednesday, some being promises 15 months' employment and others only six months. Over 2,000 men are still working overtime. A party of mechanics are repairing the destroyer Rocket, which broke down during her trials. The Central News Devonport correspondent telegraphs on Wednesday night:—Owing to heavy weather in the Channel the arrangements for the dispersal of the eleven vessels of the Channel and flying squadrons, now here, were cancelled early on Wednesday morning. The ships lay inside ths Plymouth Breakwater, and presented a magnifi- cent spectacle as witnessed from the Hoe. During the whole of the day mechanics were t busy on board the Beliona, rectifying some defects which were noticed after she was under orders. She is to have steam up by seven o'clock this morning, and all officers and men are to be on board by that hour. Two thousand men were still working overtime in Devonport Dockyard. The dearth of shipwrights is still occupying the attention of the naval authorities, and the Admiralty have been compelled to relax the conditions as to medical examination under which workmen are usually entered. By this means the officials have been able to obtain over 100 men this week. Seventy shipwrights arrived on Monday morning from Glasgow and Dundee, aud more are required. TEN NEW CRUISERS. Shipbuilders have been asked to tender for the construction of ten new cruisers for the British Admiralty but the Ciyde builders have not been invited to compete, as the estimates are to be sent in at once. The cruisers are to be of the Pelorus type. A NEW TORPEDO ISSUED. The War Department and Admiralty have just adopted a new pattern torpedo, brought out at the Royal Gun Factories at Woolwich, and orders have been given to the torpedo factory at Woolwich to cease manufacturing torpedoes of the Whitehead or fish type, and to proceed with the new pattern. The latter is the most destruc- tive engine of warfare, and has been furnished to the new battleships Majestic and Magnificent, having met with the unqualified approval of the Admiralty. AMMUNITION FOR MALTA AND EGYPT. A large quantity of ammunition from the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich was on Tuesday despatched from the Royal Victoria Docks in the steamer Travancore (Knox line) for Malta and Alexandria.
---VOLUNTEER MOBILISATION!…
VOLUNTEER MOBILISATION SCHEME. The Volunteers in the Eastern Division and Thames and Woolwich DiMpricts who lave fPS- ponded to the appeal to vofmitarily mobilise at 24 hours' notice at Chatham, Dover, and other har- I bours on the South and East coasts, will be called out in three reliefs. If their services are not pre- viously required, the mobolisation will take place I at Easter and Whitsuntide. All the Volunteers in the London District are receiving orders to arm up to their full strength. ENTHUSIASM AMONG VOLUNTEERS. Col. Sir Chas. Howard Vincent, M.P., pre- sided on Wednesday night at Westminster over a general meeting of the Queen's Westminster Volunteers for considering the desirability of in. creasing the corps to its full war strength. Col. Vincent, referring to the recent crisis, said the ocoasion might arise when the Army and Navy would need the support of the, Volunteers. not only in resisting invasion bub in other service. After several speeches it was resolved, amidst enthusiasm, to take steps to increase the number of the Queen's Westminster Volunteers from 1,147 110 the full war strength of 1,200 men.
GERMAN MINISTER AT THE FOREIGN…
GERMAN MINISTER AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE. I Lord Salisbury reached the Foreign Office shortly before three o'clock on Wednesday after- noon, an3 his first diplomatic visitor was the French Ambassador. When Baron De Courcel had been at the foreign Office for nearly an hour, Count Hatafeldt arrived, his Excellency having oome up from Brighton on Tues- day. The reports of bl8 having remained quietly at the southern watering place are inaccurate, for few days have gone by without eeeing the German Ambassador at tbe Foreigti Office for the past fortnight or so, sometimes to I see the Premier, but more often to call on the I permanent officials. It is noted that Baron de J' Courcel and the American Ambassador have frequently called at the Foreign Office one after another. With reference to tbe statement crediting Count Hatsfeldt with a desire to retire from the diplomatic servioe, the Press Association made inquiry at. the German Embassy on Wednesday Iattef&osa aud received tbe following reply Mdd&isf to known bm* of «*y *Mb dMir*"
EMPEROR WILLIAM ANDJTHE ROYAL…
EMPEROR WILLIAM ANDJTHE ROYAL FAMILY. INTERESTING GOSSIP ON THE TRANSVAAL QUESTION. PARIS, Wednesday.—The Qaulois furnishes some more information with regard to the correspondence which passed between the Emperor William and the English Royal Family on the Transvaal question. It states that after his failure with the Duke of Connaught the Kaiser begg-ed the Duke of Saxe-Cobur to acquaint the Queen with his real sentiments in despatching the famous telegram to President Kruger. Thp Duke wrote to the Queen and also to the Duke of York, but not to the Prince of Wales, who is said to have looked npon the incident as an insult to the Duke of Fife, with respect to whom the Emperor had previously expressed him- seif very contemptuously. The Duchess of York tried to pacify the Queen,a.nd the Duke his father, but the Prince of Wales would not listen to the arguments, whilst the Queen said she had nothing to say in reply to the letter, which bad not been written to her. The next day the Queen received a long telegram couched in affectionate terms from the Emperor, to which she replied by letter, dictated to the Duchess of York, iPnncess Beatrice refusing to write it on account ot the insulting manner in which the Emperor had spoken of her husband, Prince Henry of Batten- berg.—Dalziel.
COLONIAL GERMANS AND THE KAISER.
COLONIAL GERMANS AND THE KAISER. A PRACTICAL PROTEST. The Daily Telegraph Cape Town correspondent writes The position here is improving. Mr Hofmeyr is supporting the new Ministry of Sir Gordon Sprigg. So far as concerns Mr Cecil Rhodes, be has declared that his public career is only beginning. Intense satisfaction is felt at the withdrawal of German intervention. In this matter Colonial Germans are opposed to the Kaiser. A number of them bave applied for letters of naturalisation. The warships at Caps Town are coaling.
DEFENCES OF THE CLYDE.
DEFENCES OF THE CLYDE. At the annual meeting of the Clyde Steamship Owners' Association, held in Glasgow on Wednes- day, Mr J. C. Burns, who presided, said ship- owners could not butrealise the defenceless position of the Clyde in time of war. No industry was so often assailed by the Government as the ship- building industry. The London officials seemed to exist to lay increased burdens on shipowners. It was strange that should be so, seeing that the country depended on its mercantile marine.
RUSSIAN PRESS HOSTILE TO ENGLAND.
RUSSIAN PRESS HOSTILE TO ENGLAND. ST. PETERSBURG, Wednesday.—Russian jour- nals continue to protest against the idea of an Anglo-Russian rapprochement put forward by the British Press. The Moskovstijc Viedomosti even urges Germany to act vigorously in order to curb the aggressive policy of Great Britain in Africa.—Reuter.
IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY LORD…
IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY LORD WOLSELEY. THE ARMY NEVER BETTER PREPARED. Lord Wolseley was one of the speakers at a banquetgiven on Wednesday nightin the Imperial Institute to Sir West Ridgeway cn his appoint- ment as Governor of Ceylon. Lord Stiinmore presided. In responding for the Army, the Commander-in-Chief said be weald be the last man to see our Army employed in any serious war, and he hoped war would not come in his time. No men had more real horror of war than those who had experience of war, but the Army was never better prepared for any mission that might be entrusted to it by her Majesty and the Government.
NOTABLE MEN IN THE TRANSVAAL.
NOTABLE MEN IN THE TRANSVAAL. THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH SuUTH WALES. CHARACTER SKETCHES BY A CARDIFFIAN. A Cardiff gentleman who visited South Africc a year or two ago furnishes us with informatior upon the principal characteristics of several of the men who prominently figured in connection with the recent outbreak in the Transvaal, First and foremost there is President Kruger, who is described by our informant as bearing a wonderful likeness to the late Mr David Davies, formerly M.P. for Cardiganshire, and chief promoter of Barry Dock. The ordinary portraits which have been published of the President of the Boat Repubiic do not by any means do him justioe there is much more character in the face than is there usually pourtrayed. No one having ap interview with ^President Kruger can faii to be impressed by his remarkable shlewd- ness. He is stated to possess a wonderful memory, and has a great knacl: of yetting at the bottom of a matter of which he has no special knowledge. This faculty has often been demonstrated concerning concessions in connection with electricity. By close questioning cf the would-be concessionaire, he has speedily secured grip of a subject which to him wal: abstruse. His tenacious memory, too, eaabler him to at once detect discrepancies betweee present and former statements, and a departuri from original representations, unless satisfactorilj accounted for, is likely to prove a fatal mistake. President Kruger is far more advanced in opinion: than the average member of the Raad, and tht consequence is vhat he has often experienced difficulty in obtaining agreement to proposal' which be is far-sighted enough to see aie for th* benefit of the interests of the Transvaal. Dr. Leyds, the Secretary of State to the Trans vaal Republic, is a much younger man than the President. He has a pleasing address, and it more talkative. He is fairly well acquainted with Wales. A few years ago his wife spent her summer holidays in various parts of the Princi- pality, and in this way picked up a good deal of knowledge of Wales and the Welsh. Mr Charles Leonard, who was arrested after hi had escaped to Cape Town, is the chairman of the Uitlanders' Committee—or Newcomers, as they prefer to call themselves—at Johannesburg, and the writer of all the manifestoes issued by the National Union. In appearanee he would pase for a brother of Mr T. R. Thompson, shipowner, Bute Docks, whom he also resembles in voice and conversational manner. As a platform speaker. Mr Leonard is very accomplished, and was at out time Attorney-General to the Boer Government. Mr Lionel Phillips, of Johannesburg, who haa also been arrested as one of the leaders of the Uitlander movement, and who may be said to have brought the recent agitation to < headby a speech delivered as chairman of the Chamber of Mines, about seven or eight weeks is a thorough Welshman. He is rather beiow ¡ the medium height, has a spare, wiry frame, and is alert of movement and active of habit. Full of Celtic fire, be is of a naturally quick and impul- sive temperament, thoroughly warm-hearted, and just the man to give free expression to his senti- ments at a time of crisis and while labouring undei a sense of grievance. He is a member of the firm ¡ of Ecksteins, who are at the head of one of the great gold mining combinations in the same way as Bamato is at the head of another. The eldet Eckstein (Hermann), who died suddenly while on a pleasure trip in Germany a few months ago, was one of the finest men to be met with at Johannesburg. His calm self-possession was it striking contrast with, and a counterpoise to, the impulsive nature of his partner, Lionel Phillips and there is little doubt that had he lived he would have eeoured Phillips against arrest, Another brother is Mr Frank Eckstein, chairman of the Johannesburg Exchange, whose name, for some reason or other, has not been prominently associated with tbe reoent outbreak. Another of the arrested leaders is Mr F. H. Hamilton, edttor of the Johannesburg Star. He is a man.who knows Cardiff very well. He was formerly t). barrister in London. Amongst Car- diflians, he has visited Alderman Richard Cory upon several occasions. His last piece of business before leaving England for South Africa was the negotiating of a mortgage upon the Dumfries Patent Slipway at Cardiff, during which time he met Dr. Wm. Taylor and Councillor Herbert Cory, who negotiated ths matter on behalf of the old company. Mr H. Freeman Cohen, another of the arrested Reform leaders at Johannesburg, was m business for many years at Bute Docks. He wae the chief promoter of the Dumfries Floating Dock when the company was originally formed. He visited Card iff as recently as September last, and was reputed to have cleared over a minion" by his successful operations at Johannesburg. Mr W. H. Rogers, another of the arrested loaders, is head of a large firm of merchants, having various branches in the Transvaal. He ia one of tbe directors of the flourishing Dui ban- Roodepoort Gold Mine and other successful gold- winning ventures. He is a frequent visitor to thit t country, and is well known ia Soath I In addition to the foregoing, theft ate Bun;