, 1912-02-17

the, naval changes made during His Maiesty's
absence in india, which, it is reported, he has
not altogether approved.
His, Majesty has held the first Privy
Council since his return, for approval of the
Kings speech at the opening of Parliament,
and afterwards received Lord Haldnne for
an account of his mission to Germany. 1t
is believed he brought a personal message
from the Kaiser.
A sharp rise has taken place in consols.
pnrtly upon orders from Berlin, the best in
terpretation of the significance of Sir Ed
ward Crews appointment as Knight of the
Garter. Sir Frederick Lugard, Governor Of
Hong Kong, has been appointed Governor of
Amalgamated Northern and Southern Nige-
ria.
The naily News derides the report of Mr..
Aequith's retirement, which is now unle1pect-
ed before the introduction of the Home
Rule Bill. 1t is suggested that Mr.. Asquith
initiated Sir Edward Grey's appointment in
order to prevent Mr.. Lloyd Georges success
ion to the Premiership, since Sir Edward
cannot serve under Mr.. Lloyd George now.
The recent Admiralty changes will be the
subject Of early questions in Parliament, and
the suffrage question has been made more
urgent by a Socialist and Labourite de-
monstration, Mt which it was resolved by
that suffrage reform must be
made ~sexless. Mr.. Ramsay Macdonald was
loudly applauded when he declared that the
Labourltes were prepared to defeat the Gov
eminent otherwise. Their action, however,
may be undecisive as the Unionists are di-
vlded, and some will support the Govern.
ment upon this issue, being regarded as out
side party lines. There is also bitter opposi-
ton to Welsh Disestablishment and three
measures, each vital to the Government, are
popl Gl1ffipiaOt To rn0ka a memorable cacciOp
The death is announced of Admiral of the
feet Sir Novel; Salmon.
England has challenged Australia for the
Davis International Lawn Tennis Cup, won
from the Americans.
Eight hundred thousand GOLFERS in the
United Kingdom have confirmed the ballot
to strike on February twenty ninth unless n
minimum wage is conceded. Forty thousand
Derbyshire miners gave notice to quit, and
others will do the same today, nevertheless
the hope Of avoidance of a strike survives.
The French Chamber of Deputies, by q
vote of four hundred and fifty two to seven
ty three, has adopted a naval programme
proportional to- Frances needs in the Med
iterronean, but specifically stated that
France does not propose rivalry with other
Powers. Tlle Senate has adopted the war
budget, which includes the most ambitious
aviation programme proposed anywhere,
fifteen dirigibles, and the number of ae-
roplanes to be increased to three hun.
bred and forty four this year, at q cost of
eight hundred and fifty thousand sterling
this year, and one million thereafter.
A Berlin despatch states that Herr SPAIN,
President, having resigned, the Socialist vice.
President, Herr Scheidemann, presided at
the Reichstag's session., an unprecedented
incident.
The Ryona Maru and Moria Naru collid-
eel off Nagasaki. thirty two of the crew of
the former and fourteen Of the latter were
caught below decks and drowned.
Yuan Shi Kai has issued a manifesto as
Stunning the title of fully empowered orga-
nicer of the Republic, in which be instructs
the officials, to continue their duties, he also
requests the Powers to recognize him as
President plenipotentiary. The Marking
Government will send the Assembly a mes
sage requesting relief from the du, les of the
election of q new President for the entire
Republic, and the proclamation of a holiday
for celebration of the Republics establish
ment. Yuan is recommended as President.
The Assembly has approved the Edict for
the abdication of the throne, and declared
4bof Xnon pouct como t0 Mankind To he