, 1891-03-25

August 26, 1885, was maintained by the money
paid by those who escaped military service by
purchasing substitutes, and served to defray
the bountIes given for re-enlistment. Since
the law of 1885, however, which abolished ex-
emptions from military service by the purchase
of substitutes, there has been no object IN the
maintenance OF this fund, and, as a matter of
fact, It's liquidation has long since been order
ed. The fund just amounts to III millions.
There are certain liabilities outstanding in the
shape OF repayments amounting to 120.000f.
annually, but this will in future be provided
for in the Budget.
After visiting Copenhagen. Hamburg and
Stettln, where he addressed assemblages of
OalvatlonlStS with what he deems satisfactory
results, General Booth made his debut in
Berlin on February % at a review which
attracted a fair number of curious Spectators.
most Of whom were women. The "General,"
speaking through the medium of an interpreter
who translated his sentences in a rough-a1d-
ready fashion, gave some account Of the prac-
tlcal part OF his system Of Christianity, detail
ing what was being done for the REDEMPTION
of Darkest England His lecture was
closely followed by a lieutenant OF police, who,
with notebook and pencil in front of him. sat
beside the platform ready to take down any
sedltlous or questionable sentiment that might
fall from the lips of this English apostle
OF strange and unfamiliar doctrines. But
there was no objection of any kind taken
to any of the lecturers remarks. At the close
of his discourse, General Booth made an ap-
peal for an o~ffertory. which he was careful to
explain would all go to the Salvationist fund
Tor Germany, to watch he had already sent
from England a contribution of about a thou
sand pounds. After his lecture the General
started for Rarp,ap yUbo,ca ha 1,rOooo1o O,
similar missions to Brussels and Paris.
Queen Christina, with the little King stand
ing beside her, on March 2 opened the session
OF the Spanish Cortes. The Speech from the
Throne refers to the Monarchial majority at
the late elections and announces that the
Government are in no way averse to political
reforms. A protectionist tariff to effect q
Budget equilibrium is promised, and an am
neSty, but without reinstatement in military
grades. The recognition of the Brazilian
Republic is announced, as also the c%ontjuu-
ance OF friendly negotiations with France as
to the Guinea Coast frontier, Mention IS
also made of the close relations with the
Vatican, the satisfactory settlement Of the
claims onl Morocco, and the dispatch Of an
Embassy from that State. The deuunciation
of the commercial treaties rs announced, as
also the intention OF negotiating new treaties
compatible with protection. There are to be
reforms in the penal code and in the military
and naval regulations. Rettenchment is to
meet the deficit, but new credits are necessa-
to equip the naval squadron. It is also nece8-
sary to consolidate the floating debt and I'M
prove the condition Of the notes on the Bank
of Spain. There are to be reforms in the pub
lie accounts, in municipal and provincial gov
ernment, education, mines, railways, and
patents, as we'll as measures in the interest
of the working classes. The speech states
that nothing fresh has happened in the West
Indies, where the sensation caused by the
M'Kinley Bill was being allayed. There is a
probability of an early understanding with the
United States for a new convention. There is
to be liberal electoral reform in the West
Indies. Tranquility exists in the Philippine
and Caroline Islands, after the recent chastise-
ment of the natives,
The Marquis Iii Rudini, the new Prime Min
lister of Italy, has stated to an interviewer
that, in Europe as in Africa, no question can
separate Italy from England. One of his
greatest desires would be to obtain the SYM
pathy and support of English public opinion
for his policy. In respect to France his task
would be to. remove misunderstanding, and
establish a feeling of complete confidence. In
home affairs he had only one programme
namely to accomplish an economic recu-