, 1898-03-16
ST NKOIX STATION

naval estimates were nearly twenty four
million pounds. The Government, he said,
we're resolved against "ficial optimism, and
while they regarded the jubilee review nH
satisfactory they did not consider 1t ideal.
1t was, however, against the countrys inter
eat to disclose the Governments precise
programme, but he admitted that the add
lions to the navy would bo very costly aud
they would prefer building powerful cruisers
Than battleahips. In conclusion he snld "GOd
R.Mnt that tho future holds peace with
honour, and God forbid war without honour
and success" (Cheers.)
Lord Beresford replying said that it was
inadequate that every vacant slip should
hold n vessel under construction, but every
muzzle loader should be replaced.
Sir Charles Dixie said that England was
losing her place relative to others.
Mr.. Goschen replied that all vessels now
building in private shipyards were u resource
available. but only i'll case OF strict emel-
gency.
The Under Secretary Of State for Foreign
Affairs announced that the Government were
unaware that Russia had protested against
the Anglo, German loan. Russia, he said, is
negotiating for Port Arthur and Talienwan
but not for the surrender Of Chlna's BOVerelgn-
tv. nor under O. threat Of invasion, but with
the understanding that if Talienwan be-
leased it would be open to foreign trade.
A st. Petersburg telegram states that II
Ministerial Ukase directs the disbursement
Of ninety million Roubles for the extlnordi-
nary construction Of warshipF. This aggre'
gates q total of two hundred and forty
million dollars voied this week by different
nations.
Tho Hon. II. Dunoombe NJ. P. for Eyre
mont stated in the House Of Commons that
he will ask the Government whether they
would consider placing the British fleet at
the disposal of the United States in the event
of complications arising between the United
States and any foreign power. Suhseqnent-
" Mr.. DuncOmbe stated in the Lobby that
the question thus notified expressed his
personal view of English sentiment, but that
the question would not be actual asked
because q definite reply would be impossible
and an indefinite reply liable to be mIscon-
strued.
The Under Secretary Of State for Foreign
Affairs replying to a question by Mr.. Munro
Ferguson, Mp. for Leith, slated that there
had been no communication regarding CubH
between Sir Julian PAunCefOte and the United
States Government.
1t is doubted that this includes unofficial
personal Communications already reported,
but which ale not on diplomatic record.
The Paris Figaro suggests that mbltla-
ton by the Pope or the Gar on lie difference
letween the United States md STain other
than the Cuban question might r,stoIo calm.
Advices from Newport News report that
the new battleships "Kearsngs,' and ken
tuoky' will be launched OH the Gath instant.
A Madrid despatch states that at u meet
ing Of the Cabinet the Minister for the Colo
MES read a despatch from General BIanco
saving that the situation in Cuba had imrrov-
ed.
Senior Luis Polo de Bernabc, the newly
appointed Spanish Minister to the United
States, arrived here to-day. lie was a pas
senger on board the S. {. "Kaiser William
Second"
The London Daily Chronicle" declares
that Englands policy in West Africa will be
the same as in China, viz, to secure flee mar
kets, in the attainment of which She is will
ing to make such territorial concessions as
may be compatible with the preservation Of
her self respect.
Hong Kong dispatches announce the ar
rival there of three Russian WaIshlpS belong
ing to the Black Sea fleet. H.M.S. Edgar"
has been ordered to proceed to Manila in
consequence of the reported activity among
the insurgents in the Philippine Islands.