The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-12-22
EUROPE.
The Famine in Silesia.


BERLIN, Dec. 20.-The requisite measures
nave been taken to prevent any dangerous ex-
tension Of the prevailing famine and disease in
Silesia. The ravages hitherto have not been
extensive, and there need be no fear now that
danger will develop. The provincial authori-
ties voted 800, 600 marks for directly mitiga-
ton the hunger of the sufferers, and $780, 600
marks for the construction of roads and other
relief work. The Emperor has placed at the
unconditional disposal of the poor law officers
100000 marks, which have been contributed
in commemoration of his golden wedding
Generous sums have likewise been donated by
the Empress, Crown Prince Frederick VIII
liam and other members of the royal family,
and by the people.
Res gnation of the French Minister.
PARIS, Dtc. s21.-In the Senate yesterday
one of the deputies. NJ. Raynol. accused Gen.
Gresley, Minister of War, of not taking dis
cplinary measures against Senator Carayon
Latour, who, although Northumberland in
territorial army, attanded Legitimist de-
monstration. Gen. Gresey replied that he
had acted in conformity with the advices OF
the commission of inquiry; ~, Gen Gresley then
quilted the chamber. The Cabinet has re-
signed in a body, and De Freycinct will form
a new ministry.
The Recent Attempt on the Cars Life.
BERLIN, Dec. 20.-Intelligence from st.
Petersburg represents that several officers OF
artillery engineers have been arrested, charged
with completely in the recent Nihilist attempt
on the Cars life at Moscow The winter pal
ace is now Illuminated ali night as q precaU-
ton.
Northcote Defends BeacOnAeld's Policy.
LONDON, Dec 20,-Sir. Stafford Northcote,
Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered an
address today at the Conservative demonstra-
ton at Leeds He made detailed reply to
the recent speeches of members of the Liberal
party and complained that Gladstones com
pariSon of the expenditures of the Liberal and
Conservative governments were fallaclous as
he made no allowance for extraordinary war
expenditures, necessitated by Eastern compll-
cations. The tone of John Brights recent
speech at the Potter banquet he said was
remarkable. Bright had gone as
near as possible to recommend ing
a republic in England and in comparing the
United States with the British empire had
pointed out that the wide extent Of
the latter was merely a cause of weakness
The Chancellor asserted that tho policy OF
the government in Afghanistan was one Of
defence not annexation. They still adhered
in the main to the policy set forth in the treaty
of Gundamulz but wished AfghaniStan gov
ernment suitable to its population, SO that he
country might form a barrier between India
and any power that might encroach upon it.
ment were concealing nothing relating
to the situation in Afghanistan.
The government he said would take meas
ures to alleviate distress in Ireland without
pauperizing the population, but while care u
of the material prosperity Of Ireland would all
insist upon the maintenance of law and order
and would never conqueth with any demands
for home rule which responsible statesmen of
all parties knew to be impossible.