, 1898-03-12

Spanish tours IeIl over Two per cent.
The African and Chinese situations also
assisted the disturbance in London, especially
on its becoming known that China had
assented to the demands Of Russia, and which
London journals regard AS IA virtual annexa-
ton Of that region.
The "Iimes'', in an editorial on the above,
expresses HE opinion hat it reveals an atti-
tuds HE reverse Of friendly and a disposition
to aggrandize Russia in a manner humili-
ating aud injurious to England.
\ Washington correspondent Of a New
York paper reports that Spain has with
drawn her |intimation regarding Consul Gen
elal Lee, explaining that it was Unofficial
originally and issued upon il misunderstand-
ing regarding eIttl1 utterances attributed
to General Lee.
Other Washington Jews states that the
U. s.. S. "Montgomery' has been ordered to
relieve The "Fern" at Havana, and that the
latter will take the relief supplies to Cuba.
This, it is said, satisfies Senior Dubose, the
acting Spanish Ambassador, without pre-
iudicing the United States claim 10 send
warshipS into Cuban waters at will.
President Mckinley issued invitations to
The leaders of both Houses, including the Chair
men Of Commuters controlling supplies and
army and navy affairs, to u conference" ut the
White House. Later the House Of Repre-.
sem AliV6S passed VIVA NOCS. Wild lule0 lh1b
only, q Bill authorizing the formation of two
more regiments Of artillery. The Chairman
IF the Appropriations Committee introduced 4
resolution empowering the Iesident at his
own discretion to expend6fty million dollars
for the national defense. This, it is consl-
dered, dispels the last pretenoe of concealln3
the preparations for any event, and which re-
sponsible organs regard as the best assurance
Of peace.
lie Columbia and "Minneappolis", two
Of the finest cruisers, have been ordered to
lie commissioned They were the last yes
sells upon the reserve list.
Options it is sail have been taken upon 2
cruisers now building for japan in the
United States, and agents have been sent
abroad upon a purchasing GRAND, but it is
rumoured that England proposes to recOup
arrears in heI naval programme by excrcis-
ing prior options for war vessels now build.
ing in British ports.
a Telegram from Havana announces the
arrival there Of the S. s Alfonso thirteenth
Of the Spanish line, with ! 800 troops.
From Madrid it is reported that the
floating debt Of spain has been augmented
by 10, 226 ,681 pesetas during February.
The London "Daily Mali, oditoualIy dis
cussing the probability of the United States
goadiug Spain into declaring war as a last
desperate move, says that III the unpTcpafeV
condition Of the United States Spain could
infict appalling damage. Neither could
conquer the other and the utmost the United
States could gain would be an equivocal
triumph in securing Cuban independence.
If Spain takes the first step America will
lave herself TO thank.
~ Liverpool telegram states that Major
Lugard, the Commander Of the Royal Niger
Coy's forces, accompanied by some other
officers have sailed for Rio Dos Forcad0s,
Upper Guinea.
Advices from The West Coast state that the
Royal Niger Coy's forces have left Lokoja
for Sokoto for the purpose Of assisting the
Sultan OF Sokoto to DIVE the French force
out of his territory should they refuse to
rrcross the Niger River.
London, March 9th.-Sir Walter Sendall,
K.C.M.G., 4overnor-iu-ChI of British Gui-
ana, accompanied 10y L.dy Send'II, sailed
from Southampton to-day.
At the Colonial Institute yesterday Mr..
George Darlington read a paper detailing the
condition of the West lndla Colonies and
spoke in favour Of coAutelvailing duties or
the abolition Of b%ouutlss.
Sir Henry Norman presided at the meet
ing.
An Important discussion followed, in
winch MesSrs Lubbock and Lawrence. Colo