ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(Jroji Our Special Correspondent.)

(Via San Francisco.)

London, May 18. jhc Colonial Conference. is a great difference of opinion about jhe results of the long deliberation just finished, and pending the publication of the oSicial report, every journal cites it as an Illustration of its own views. The "Pall jlall Gazette " is of course sanguine to the last degree, finding in the proceedings a justification not merely for federation, but also for Home Rule ; it thinks that the temporary council thus formed will have to develop into a standing committee, and it points to the haggling over the contributions for defence as evidence of the " cash-nexus " ff bich is a far stronger link than fine sentiments; _ but its most per cent remark is the following: — "The New Hebrides discussion to which Ye have just alluded suggests a third general reflection—the immense impor tance, namely, of personal acquaintance on the parti of English statesmen with colonial sentiment. Here is Lord Salisbury, for instance, who stands with his party for all that is patriotic and Imperial; and yet bo unsympathetic is his grasp of colonial ques tions that, according to the -Standard, , Jus -was the speech at the Conference that created the one 'unfavourable impression." Jvery English Minister should be bound to qualify for office by personal knowledge of the colonies, just as he should bo bound to jerve an apprenticeship in Ireland."

The " Echo " says that the only import ant point that was settled related to Aus tralasian sea defence, and that the settle ment was due merely to the acceptance by the English Government of an oiler wliich the colonies made some time ago ; but then the " Echo " always docs sniff at anything which savours of Imperialism. Really the change amounts to nothing more than this —the Government wanted to maintain a squadron in Australian waters on a war footing, but as the colonies would not promise the . requisite contributions and there is no imminent danger of war, the Government have acquiesced in having the squadron on a peace footing, and will re ceive a proportionately smaller allowance from the colonies ; the actual difference in cost-to the colonies is L 62,000 a year—the figures on a war basis being L 154,000. It is a very unsatisfactory compromise, as it only shirks the question for a little longer to raise it again when Aus tralia thinks herself menaced. Thanks to the shunting of the dangerous topic of the New Hebrides, and also that of the regulation of tariffs ; and thanks, too, to the suave and conciliatory manners of Sir H. Holland, who is popular with all who meet him, everything went off very well. On some points there was an unex pected unanimity, but if what the London correspondent of the " Liverpool Post" 6ays he overheard be true, this may be only a spurious sign of good-fellowship :—" I em afraid some of the rose leaves have been crumpled for our colonial guests. I was putting on my coat the other night in the cloak-room at a reception, when I heard one decorated colonial statesman remark to another: 'Did you hear what that fellow said as we came downstairs? He said, /Every place is smothered with colonials.' The other decorated colonial statesman re plied : ' Oh, I have heard a great deal of I that sort of thing since I have been here.' "

|: '.- ■ •■■ -Mr Sala. ' fMr G. A. Sala, who found his voyage to the Coloniee of benefit to his Sealfch, has just been giving a lecture at St.James's Hall, entitled, " What I Saw in Australia and New Zealand." It seems as if none could make a journey there with out writing a book or lecturing on it; cer tainly from a pecuniary point of view it is dl right , . Mr Froude made, and is still Saking a good pile out of " Oceana," and ik interest iii\ colonial topics does not Bern to subside. There was a great crowd to hear Mr Sala, and he was very cordially received. Of course he was bound to refer to the unswerving loyalty to the English throne, the love of democratic institutions, and freedom from flunkeyism that he saw; he spoke out plainly against the emigration of young men who were not kndy and against shipping off the black tcp of England to the colonies. The only new criticisms he had to pass were on ithleticism and literary life. As to the former he thought young Australia had a tendency to overdo it-, but for the latter le'was on the whole full of praise ; the I Gonial press he described as honest, 'patriotic, and cleanly, although Australia id'hot yeb become a "happy hunting pbiindfor literary men." General News. the social entertainment of the colonists goes on without any check, and now that the' London season is beginning once more, they may expect a lot of invitations. Last Saturday Mrs Gladstone gave a garden jjttty,- , at which a good many were present, md the week before she did the same. ■ Most of the delegates went down to Cam- I bridge at the invitation of the new Master lof Trinity. It is rather a pity that the visit 1 tonld not have been postponed for a couple lof months, when the town is at its best, I ilthotich the colleges are deserted. Stul, Ito judge from Sir W. Fitzherbert's speech Hin proposing the health of their host, they ikd a very enjoyable time. A good many SI oHhe delegates have had enough of it, and 19 are off home. H The will of a Leicestershire gentleman, M Hγ V. A. Eyre, a man of great wealth and M "speculator in land in New Zealand, has Hjoit been proved-his personalty alone H taunting to nearly half a million. B. Tie trials of a new torpedo boat that has ■ fut;been built here for the Spanish Go ■ lament excited a good deal of interest ■ laongthe delegates who are thinking of ffltoloriial defence. The boat is 1474 feet in H%h, and draws 4ft. Sins. ; when moving HfW ordinary pace of nearly 16 knots an B*r see can turn in three times her own lUv'gth; during the trials on the average ■fwent over 30 miles an hour, and a tew ||% ago. attained the extraordinary speed miles an hour. .§§ /cc final proceedings in the action against m* BeU-Coleman Refrigerating Company off last week ; the machinery of the was proved to have been sorno- HMfaulty, and had not preserved the JSew in a satisfactory manner; mf as the jury found that the charterers, had been guilty of contnbu- in not cleansing the pipes, my- Coleridge and Justice Smith had no Miff course °P en than t0 P racfcically , ■Jwonr of tho defendants, by awarding ■Ei?!™tiffs the nominal damages of a ill ' n tJ ■A*" "Drawing-room" last week most Wtefa Col P n ial representatives and their ml® * ere presented. ■'■/•Henry Holland said in the House the other night that a fHrfty-.-.for the administration of New BS ,had been approved by ™ c ■Sal;delegates; but of course the 1S» of the colonial Governments jh South Australia stands mZ' ™ the rest of the Australian Go ffiS»te are to subscribe L-15,000 for ten ■E&ttd the English Government just sum. As soon as there is an of the delegates' proceecl »S ;effi cient administration will be set country formally annexed, full Srm being given to native interests.

AN INDIAN CYCLONE.

Nearly ©no Thousand Mves Thought to be Lost

Calcutta, May 28.—A cyclone which visited this section yesterday was very des tructive. A local steamer with 750 persons aboard was caught by the cyclone and is missing It is feared she is lost with all on i .A The district of Orissa ™s com plete/ devastated by the cyclone.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The last of the " Times' " second series of articles on " Parnellism and Crime," which appeared on June Ist, concludes with the statement that the New York Council of the -b enian Brotherhood has funds for a display in honour of the Queen's jubilee—in other words, a series of dynamite and incendiary outrages is intended. Whether the schemes will succeed the near future will disclose. It adds : " What knowledge the Parnellites possess of the character and projects of the men who hold such close relations to them, we shall not here discuss. Parnell has but to raise a finger to obtain fuller information upon every point that our partial and limited opportunities have rendered impossible."

Failiesr Keller Released

The Court of Appeals rendered a decision in the case of Father Keller, a priest of Youghall, imprisoned in the Kilmainham Gaol for refusing to testify regarding his connection with the plan of campaign. The court holds the warrant for his arrest to be illegal and reverses tho decision of the Court of the Queen's Bench. Father Keller was released from prison at 8 o'clock in the evening. He drove to the Imperial Hotel in the Lord Mayor's car riage in company with Archbishop Walsh and Hon. William Harrington, member of Parliament, followed by large crowds of citizens. At the hotel he was received by Sheehy and Crilly, members of Parliament, and numerous priests. Judge Boyd has ordered the release of Father Ryan- and Father Slattery, im prisoned for refusing to testify relative to the "plan of campaign." The release is due to the decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of Father Keller.

Tenants Intrenched.

Evictions are being carried on at Bodyke, and are attended by exciting scenes. To day a fight occurred. The police charged the people with batons. The sheriff:' in command Avas seized with epilepsy, and a truce was had at once, and was used by the people to strengthen their defences. The persons to be evicted barricaded their homes, and have plenty of friends, who are assisting bo resist the police. Active work began again on June 2nd. The sheriff was protected by 600 policemen and troops. At one house, in which the inmates were barricaded, the officers made holes through the Avails with crowbars, and removed the furniture. There was great excitement in the dis trict,

The editor of "Vanity Fair" says: I met an Irish friend the other day who had been on a flying visit to his distressed fatherland. In reply to my inquiry as to how he found things going on over there, he said : " Men are standing about towns and villages all day long with their hands in their pockets and their backs against the wall, discussing the Coercion Bill and wait ing for bloodshed to begin."

An Irish land agent informed me the other day that he made an extended tour for the purpose of collecting rents long overdue. In his travels he journeyed some 700 miles to collect some £700. Now, no one can travel under 2 shillings per mile ; so that when 5 per cent, for collection is superadded and 30 or 40 per cent, is allowed for reduction, it will be seen that an Irish estate is nearly as profitable as a suit in Chancery.

BURIED TREASURE.

Twenty-five Millions Unearthed in India-

The Financial Secretary for India has ad vised the Government of the discovery of an immense amount of treasure, estimated at §25,000,000, Avhich Avas secreted in his palace by the Mabajarah. The treasure had been sunk in pits under the vaults be neath the Beenan. The secret Avas intrusted to a feAV confidential The Secre tary was present Avhen the treasure Avas un earthed. After removing the earth to a depth of six feet the Avorkmen revealed a number of great flagstones. Beneath these Avere several pits filled Avith silver, chiefly freshly coined rupees. In each pit Avas a plate recording the amount of treasure and the names of the officials Avho assisted in secreting it. The Indian Government has taken the hoard as a loan from the young Maharajah. The native papers protest against this action. They say that had the Maharajah been an adult instead of under a regency controlled by the Government he Avould never have im r ested his Avhole Avealth in Indian securities. The question will be raised'in Parliament astOAvhether the " in vestment" be not another name for a seizure.

NEW WAR VESSELS.

Three Important Additions to the British Navy.

Three vessels of Avar have been added to the English navy during the past week, namelyfthe steel armour-plated turret ship Sanspareil, launched at Blackball; the torpedo cruiser Raccoon, at Devonport ; and the composite ship Buzzard at Sheerness. The Sanspareil is the big gest ironclad ever launched ml -Bng fand. She is to carry two 100 - ton guns besides a powerful subsidiary arma ment, and Avill be capable of a speed of seventeen knots. The estimated cost of hi vessel is £825,000, but by the time she L handed over to the. Government dock yard authorities and they are allowed to Sercise their will upon her in the .shapeof alterations and i is almost certain that she will cost £1,000,000. There is now in the possession of the EnrS War Office an American repeating riflS which is said to be capable of iinng eighty shots a minute.

TROUBLE IN AFRICA.

Bands of Natives Pillaging Eng lisa Settlements.

Arlvices from Sierra Leone say that English factory on * valuaWe mer of which were stoiec wl H n tat ans police, the head of tne sava o- e s, who were deSpe f p e d y to e rette a L three' attempts, compelled to rotne d^± Tiiey leaving many ol tnei ■ besieged a force of marines who

THE NIHILISTS.

Additional Executions-Evidence A S»st the It announced that Andrejush

kin, OssepanofT, Generaloff, Shewyroffand Uljanoff were executed on Monday for the part they took in the recent attempt on the life of the Czar.

In the trial of the conspirators by the Senate, in the presence of representatives of the various governments, it transpired ihat in 1886 they formed a secret circle to terrorise action, and resolved in December to make an attempt to assassinate the Czar, for which purpose they procured explosive bombs. On March 13th, in company with those confederates who undertook to inform them by signal when the Czar passed by, they went to Newsky to prospect. It was their intention to throw the missiles under the Czar's carriage as it passed by, but the police frustrated their design. Anotlier Russian Plot A Berlin telegram to the "Independence Beige" says the police at Nova Isherkask have unearthed a plot to kill the Czar, and thirty arrests have been made. The " Tagblatt" has received a telegram from Odessa, stating that the Czar returned to St. Petersburg from the Don Cossacks country three days earlier than he had in tended, owing to an attempt made by a student to kill him on Wednesday nighb, during the festivities at Novo-Cherkask, by firing at him as he rode by in his car riage.

DESTRUCTIVE FLOODS.

Fifty Villages and Several Towns in Hungary Inundated-

Advices from Vienna say floods in Tran sylvania and south east Hungary have caused enormous damage. Temevir is crowded with fugitives. Fifty villages and several towns are inundated.

BELGIAN STRIKERS.

Several Thousand Men Out of Employment

At a meeting of the Workingmen's party, held at Brussells, ifc was resolved to hold daily demonstrations in favour of universal suffrage and the granting of amnesty to persons now imprisoned for participation in the riots of ISBG. Work in the Bounag district, Hamult, is completely suspended on account of the great strike. The strikers number 18,000. The strike has extended to the Seraing dis trict. The authorities arc taking every precaution against possible disturbance.

A CROOKED CASHIER.

The Hard Fate of a Mongo Han Embezzler.

The cashier of a Chinese bank tried to leave with funds for Japan or some place on the English plan the other day, but it is not believed that the custom will become popular. The Government walled up cash ier in a cell to starve to death and chopped the heads off all his family,and next autumn they are going to decapitate everybody in the "empire bearing his name.

THE PEOPLE'S PALACE.

It is Wpened with Imposing Cere monies by the Queen.

London was ablaze with excitement on May 14th, the occasion being the visit of the Queen for the purpose of opening the People's Palace at Mile-end. The route selected for the royal progress extended from Paddington station, in the Western portion of London, to Mile-ond, the extreme eastern limit, adistanceof about eight miles. The buildingsalongtheentire way were gaily decorated, Irish colours and the stars and stripes being conspicuous in many places. The Lord Mayor and municipal officers of the city of London went in carriages from the Mansion House to the city's boundary line at Holborn and alighted and waited for the Queen, who was in an open carriage. On the Queen's approach the Lord Mayor received the pearl sword from the sword-bearer. His worship lowered the point and congratulated her Majesty on coming to her most loyal city. He thea presented the sword to the Queen. She took and returned it. The Lord Mayor and retinue then placed themselves im mediately in advance of the Queen's car riage and escorted her across the city to the°eastern boundary at Oldgate, and there bade her farewell for a brief time and re paired to the Mansion House to await her Majesty's return. The Queen proceeded to the People's Palace and ascended a dais, where the Prince of Wale j , the Marquis of Lome, the Duke of Cambridge and the Archbishop of Canterbury were assembled, the choir sing ing the National Anthem. The Queen then received the gold key, Mme. Albani sang "Home, Sweet Home," and the Prince of Wales declared the People's Palace open. The announcement was greeted with a great nourish of trumpets, followed by the grand choir rendering "Old Hundred." Sub sequently the Queen laid the first stone of the foundation of the technical schools at tached to the People's Palace. The Arch bishop of Canterbury prayed for and blessed the people and pronounced the Benedic tion. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the royal procession started on its return. By command of the Queen the longest route back was taken, the procession moving off into Burdett Road, going: thence along Commercial Road to Oldgate. The devia tion was rendered to please the citizens, who requested it. Arriving again at the city limits the royal carriage was met by the Lord Mayor and the civic officers and es corted to the Mansion House, which the Queen entered in state for the first time in her life. The Lord Mayor, who wore his crimson and ermine robes, only assumed when the sovereign visits him, conducted the Queen to the tearoom. The weather was line all day. The Queen was accom panied by Prince Christian and Prince Henry of Battenburg and his wife, Princess Beatrice. The line of procession was guarded by 10,000 volunteers and 5,000 regular troops (selected with a view fo the brilliancy and the contrast of their differ ent uniforms as additions to the pageant), and 1,000 policemen.

THE CHOLERA SCOURGE.

Kavages of t&e Uread Disease In South America.

Chief Officer Gay, of the barque Mac- Leod of St. John, N. 8., which arrived from Buenos Ayres, tells a frightful story of death from cholera in that portion of the Argentine Republic. He says that while his° vessel was lying in the harbour at Buenos Ayres, the people were dying oil like sheep, and the disease seemed to spread like wildfire. No idea could be formed by the chief officer of the'number of cases or deaths occurring daily.

THE AFGHAN REBELS.

They Achieve a Victory Over the .Ameer's Troops.

News has reached Merv from Herat that the Ghilzais have defeated a thousand of the Ameer's .regular troops and captured five guns and considerable baggage. Baharinal, commander of the Ameer's troops, was captured and beheaded. The inhabitants of the province of Herat and the adjoining districts are greatly excited over the success of the rebelling tribes, and are said to be ready to join the Ghilzais. A St. Petersburg telegram from Merv confirms the statement that English gineers are actively fortifying Herat, The

aim of the English authorities is to enable a garrison of 10,000 men at Herat to with stand a siege of ninety days.

FRIGHTFUL COLLIERY EX PLOSION.

Sixty-two Miners Entombed

A terrible explosion' has occurred in Udston coal pit at Blantyre, a village in Lanarkshire, eight miles from Glasgow. Two hundred and twenty miners are en tombed in the pit, and it is feared that all have perished. The shaft is blocked with debris caused by the explosion.

Further particulars of the explosion in the Udston pit show that the number of men entombed is less than at first reported. Forty-fine miners, who were imprisoned hi the upper seam at the pit, were released, but one died after being brought to the surface. Others are suffering, how ever, from the effects of the shock. Access to the lowest seam, where seventy-five men are confined, is found to be blocked by debris tumbled down by the ex plosion. It is in this seam that the explo sion occurred, and it is not believed that; any of the men down there can be rescued alive. It is even thought that they are all dead now. There are seventy other men still imprisoned in the middle seam. Hopes are entertained of saving most of them. The volunteers working for the rescue can hear them calling for help. The Udston pit ie situated in the finest of the coal districts in Scotland. Aβ soon as the fact of the explosion became known, miners from all the neighbouring collieries hurried to the sceno to help tho work of rescue.- The pit head has been sur rounded ever since tho disaster by a crowd of weeping women and children. Five dead bodies have already been taken out of the mine. Sixty-two Bodies Recovered. Edinburgh, May 30th.—The search for bodies of miners who lost their lives by the explosion in the Udston coalpit still con tinues. Sixty-two bodies thus far have been recovered.

THE MEXICAN EARTHQUAKE.

Reports from local officials in tho regions recently visited by the earthquake say the earthquake did not leave a single habitable house standing at Bagpipa, and sixty per sons were killed and many wounded be yond the hope of recovery. Between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m. of the day following there were eighteen shocks, Bodies are still being dug out, and it is thought the num ber of killed will reach 150. A letter from Janos declared the existence of an extensive volcano, and says : '' Tho smoke is so dense it cuts off the sun's rays." Many testify that when the earthquake oc curred they saw large boulders shot up into the air and flames burst forth from the summits of the mountain, setting fire to the forest.

VILLAGES BURNED.

Terrible Effect of the Forest Fires in Hungary.

The further spread of the forest fires raging in Hungary has finally been pre vented. In Transylvania, 400 houses havo been burned in the village of Criskomos and thirty-three in the village of Kano shaza. A public subscription has been opened for the relief of the homeless. Terrible forest fires are raging in Galicia. The fire brigades and military detachments are trying to prevent the spread of the flames.

THE CROWN PRINCE OF GERMANY.

The Nature of His Illness.

A Berlin correspondent says : I have just seen Dr. Virchow, the leading German pathologist, who has been in attendance on the Crown Prince; and he assures me that, according to his most-careful microscopic examinations, he is confident that the affection of his throat is neither parasitic nor gangrenous,and is, therefore, absolutely without danger. It is, however, very obstinate, and its complete cure will take some time. His Imperial Highness is sufl'ering from a swelling or growth at one side of the larynx, which prevents him from making full use of his voice. Other German authorities who have ex amined the Crown Prince's throat, and Dr. Morrell McKenzie, who was summoned from London.on Dr. Bergemann's special wish, are agreed that there is nothing serious in the complaint, and that complete recovery is to be looked for. No operation, properly speaking, has taken place, but a small portion of the obstruction was cut out of his throat and examined by Dr. Virchow, with the result as above stated , Owing to the complete absence of malig nant symptoms the surgeons, it is said, have come to the decision that an operation is not needed, but that continued inhalations and cauterisations will be sufficient. His Imperial Highness must, however, take great care of himself and avoid dust or over exertion, which accounts for his absence from his military exercises and reviews. Some of the Berlin specialists were anxious to perform a dangerous operation of trichotomy last week, but Professor Bergemann absolutely refused his consent thereto until the opinion of the eminent English authority, Dr. Morrell McKenzie, shouidhavebeenheard. Bismarck,moreover, was so averse to resorting to these extreme measures that the object of his visit to the Crown Prince on Friday was to dissuade the physicians from taking the step pro posed. Even if successful, the operation would "have almost entirely deprived the Crown Prince of his voice for the remainder of his life. Dr. McKenzie's experience in disease of the larynx induced him to add his pro fessional opinion to Bismarck's political objection, and the English specialist suc cessfully and skillfuly performed a delicate operation on Saturday last which, enabled Professor Virchow to pronounce that the growth was not malignant, being only a warb; consequently an external operation became unnecessary.

A Cathedral Repaired.

The'fine lantern tower of Peterborough Cathedral, which has been rebuilding for more than four years, was last week. The splendid illuminated ceiling has been repaired, but the unique carving of the , fourteenth century has been care fully preserved in its original condition. The central crater of Mount iEtna has been erupting since May 31st. The flow is increasing in volume. Heavy clouds of smoke and masses of stones and cinders are issuing from the crater. Mr Bayley, Vice-Commodore of the Royal Albert Yacht Club, has been declared bank rupt His liabilities are 167,000 A dynamite bomb was exploded under the Police Court at Hepburn, Durham county, last night, partially destroying thebuilding. The outrage was attributed to strikers.

ITALY AND THE VATICAN.

The " Osservatore Romano " interprets the Pope's utterance in his allocution as meaning that no reconciliation is possible between the Vatican and the Quirinal with out the restitution of the Pope's temporal power. Well-informed circles declare that the " Osservatore Romano " only echoes the feeling of the Intransigeant party of the Vatican. The "Reforma," the Govern ment organ, says that reconciliation is only a question, of time, and that Italy can wait calmly,

ANTI-JEWISH RIOTS.

The Blofe Suppressed by the Action of the Military.

Some very bad riots at Presburg have had to be suppressed by the military. The foolish old story was raised about a girl having been decoyed away by a Jew, that her blood might be used for sacrificial purposes, and the house of the man suspected was besieged by a howling mob of 3,000 persons, who smashed all the windows and uttered threats of murder. The customary proposal was then made to go and wreck all the Jews' shops, but the soldiers charged the mob with their bayo nets fixed, and after some trouble restored order.

Miscellaneous.

The Queen's route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on the 21st in st. has been revised and extended. Win dows along the line ot march are letting for £40 and single first floor rooms for £50. Americans are credited with being the highest bidders and with forcing pricee up. The President of the Cambridge Univer sity Club asks individual members of the University to subscribe to send a Cam bridge team to compete with Harvard's in America.

Turkey has formally ceded the Island of Cyprus to England. Lord Colin Campbell's schedule in bank ruptcy shows L 9,000; for divorce costs, L 6,000. Sir Charles Dilke, in an article in the "New Fortnightly Review," praises the stand taken by Australian delegates to the Colonial Conference on the New Heb rides question, and says but for them Salisbury would have yielded to the French demands.

Parnell has somewhat recovered health, but is still precarious. Doctors advise per fect rest at the seaside. The disease, it is said, is cancer in the stomach. Heavy fire, Hamburg, June 2nd, burned Harbner's Quays, and British vessels, Gladiator and City of Dortmund. Mr Sexton is seriously ill in Dublin. He was nominated on June 2nd, by Lar- J nellites as Lord Mayor of that city.

There was a tremendous fight between the Russian coal miners at Bach mouth, and lifty English brewers on June Ist. Three of the latter were killed in defending a brewery.

AMERICAN SUMMARY.

San Francisco, June 3.

An hour's hailstorm on May 31st nearly destroyed the towns of Coil'eeville, Payette, Wesson, and Benrigard, Mississippi. Hail stones as large as hens' eggs fell, and roofs of houses were battered in, crops flattened, and many farmers ruined. The New York Dairy Commissioners are killing cattle wholesale to suppress pleuro pneumonia. The " Bulletin "--" Chronicle " libel suit, in which 5,000 dollars damages were claimed, resulted in a verdict for plaintiff for one dollar. The Pennsylvania Railway Company have resolved to tunnel the Hudson River to reach New York. American admirers sent Gladstone a tes timonial costing over 5,000 dollars. Temperance people in Maine areenforcing the anti-liquor laws with extreme rigour, and prosecuting farmers for selling cider. Signing of the Russian-American extra dition treaty by Secretary Bazard, whereby political refugees will bo rturrendered to the Czar by the American Government, created intense excitement among foreigners. Mass meetings of the Knights of Labour have also denounced the .treaty. Madam Janauschek, a famous actress, fell down a flight of steips at Newport, and it is doubbful if she wilL ever again appear on the stage. i Hewitt, Mayor of N/ew York, is enforcing Sunday liquor laws ■with great severity. Rev. Dr. McGlynn, recalcitrant priest, refuses to obey the Pope, • and intends to embrace Protestantism. Preparations have been made by Eng lish and Irish residents of San. Francisco to give Earl Aberdeen a complimentary re ception. The Clan-Na.Gtf.el, for yeaics one of tho most powerful lir'ish societies;, numbering among its members two senators, governors of several States, mayors of a- dozen cities, and prominent congressmen,has become en tirely disrupted by bitter internal feuds. Several members have been oparily charged with selling secrets to the British Govern ment, which, it is alleged, were the means of supplying information to the London "Times." The camps ars divided into two equal factions, one talcing the original name, and another adopting a new name. The fact that the Imperial Government will probably refuse subsidy to Canadian steamship lines between Vancouver and Australia.created something like consterna tion in Parliamentary circles; at Otawa. Subsidy or no subsidy, the' Canadian Go vernment will not recede from its position. Sir Charles Tupper has gone on a mission to Washington re the Canadian treaty rela tionship with the United States;. The Canadian Government is strengthen ing its coast defence. The British difficulty with Hayti has been settled by Hajrta paying the British Commissioner 250,000 dollars. Efforts are being made to concentrate the transit of AustrnJian mails across the continent, and thereby obviate delay in sailing of monthly steamer.

(Grapblo Accounts; of the Burning of the Opera Comique, tParis, the Collision be tween Atlantic Steamers, and Other Mall News, will be fonad in other pages).

TWO-FATAL ACCIDENTS.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

. Dunedik, this day. Charles Siiand, «ged 34, and unmarried, while riding from Stratben Station to an adjoining station, was thrown from his horse and died fipm concussion of the brain. Miss Slattery, an old resident of Crom well, has died from, injuries received through a fall over the rivetr bank.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY.'TELEGRAPH —OWN COIRBESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. The adjourned meeting of the Hastings Licensing Committee was held yesterday afternoon, when applications for renewals were made by John Teddy, Haiu-aki Hotel, (Kirikiri); Hore Matene, Kirikiri Hotel; and E. Smith, Post Office Hotel (Neves ville). The whole of the applications were refused, the Committee being of opinion that the houses were not required. The Masonic Ball, in celebration of the Queen's Jubilee, took place in the Aciademy of Music last night, and passed of very successfully, although the weather was somewhat inclement.

It.is understood that during the visit; to Dunedin of Mr Dargaville, M.H.R., he suc ceeded in floating between £40,000 and £50,000 worth of Kafliu Valley Railway Company's debentures through one of the banks there. The Government, under the District Railways Purchasing Act, were em powered to guarantee debentures on the company giving security that would satisfy them. The money is to be applied to the 9ontin.ua,tign and completion or the railway.

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the above body! was held last evening. Present: His Wor ship'the Mayor (in the chair), and Coun cillors Phillipps, Goldie, Crowther, Cooper, Swales, Davies, Holland, Garratt, Treu with, Kidd, Parsons, Dignan, Laßoehe, Buchanan, James, Lennox and Evans. Cγ. Laßoehe introduced the new member for the Graf ton Ward, Mr Edward Parsons, who made the customary declaration. Correspondence.—Letters were received and dealt with as follows: — From E. B. Parsons, Secretary of the Auckland Gas Company, requesting the Council to fulfil the engagement made with the Company in the early part of last year. This was with regard to the exchange of a piece of land for city improvements. The Company being agreed to the exchange, wished the improvements to be effected. A memo, from the Engineer was to the effect that a retaining wall • would be required in the. first instance.— Referred to the Streets Committee. From Edward Bartley, asking that the sewer in Quay-sfcreefc might be continued to the Sailors' Home, now in course of erec tion, in order that he mighb connect there with. The Engineer's memo, was to the effect that this would cost LIOO. He re commended that the applicant should drain direct into the harbour. — Re ferred to the Streets Committee. From Edward Bartley, asking for the usual permit to erect a dwelling in Symonds streefc for Sir William Fox.—Resolved that the plans be approved. From Mrs Shea, stating that she was unable to pay the con iractors for connecting her residence with the main sewer, and asking that the Council would defray the cost. —Referred to the Finance Committee. From the Secretary of the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company, for warding an objection to the excessive valua tion put upon the property of the Company. —Resolved that the letter be received, and that the writer be informed that the Council have no power to alter the valuation now, as an objection had not been lodged at the time appointed. From the Secretary of the Harbour Board, forwarding the following resolution recently arrived at by the Board : " That as the work of formation, etc., of Hobson-street, referred to in the Engineer's report, is within the boundaries of the city, the City Council be requested to cause the work of for mation, etc., of Hobson-street to be done as suggested by the Engineer;" also forwarding plans and copy of report, which showed the cost of proposed work to be LB9 9s.—Referred to Streets Committee. From Wm. Gray, Post Office and Telegraph Department, Wellington, stating that a site had been set aside for a fumigating house, oven, etc., for mails, near the Wyn yard Pier, on part of the Railway Reserve, subject to the approval of the Council.—A memo, from the Engineer was to the effect that he considered the site selected suit able—Referred to the Legal Committee. From Thomas Ussher, objecting to the valuation for water-rate of his cottages situated on the Great North Road.—The Mayor suggested that consideration of this letter be deferred until the end of the year. —It was ultimately resolved to inform Mr Ussher that the Council were unable to do anything in the matter at present. From David Hunter, Mount-street, sug gested that the Council should join him in the erection of a dividing fence between lots 14 and 13, or as an alternative, offering, if permitted to occupy temporarily lot 13, to erect a picket fence, put the ground in grass, and pay a rental of Is per month and other stipulation.—Re ferred to Endowment Committee. From Thomas Searell, architect, stating that Mr Seccombe purposed erecting a new hotel in the place now occupied by the Governor Browne Hotel, and if he did so according to the present levels he would naturally oppose any alteration afterwards. He therefore asked for definite information upon the matter prior to taking action —Referred to the Streets Committee. From James Knight, stating that the drainage now being laid in Gaol Road would prevent the recurrence of any damage to William Thomp son's property in Gaol Road.—Re solved that the Council regret they cannot entertain this and similar claims. From Andrew Sommerville, asking for com pensation on account of a landslip in South street. A memo from the Engineer stated that ho could do with the earth that had slipped. — Resolved that a reply in ac cordance with this memo, be forwarded. From L. H. Neumegen, asking for a lamp in Park Avenue.—Resolved that the letter be referred to the Streets Committee. From James Blackman, calling attention to the accumulation of storm-water on his allotments in Sarsfield-street.— The re port of the Engineer pointed out that the natural watercourse had not been left open. — Resolved that a

reply in accordance be forwarded. From the Accident Indemnity Company, suggesting that the Council employes should be insured, and submitting particulars.— Eeferred to the Finance Committee.—The Mayor said that it might be advisable to insure the Fire Brigade. Petitions.—Cγ. JDavies presented a peti tion from the butchers, praying that the Council would reduco the rates charged at the Abbatoirs to the same rates as those offered by the Tallow Company.—Referred to the Endowments Committee. The Legal Committee's Report.—This report recommended as follows :—Letter from Town Clerk, Newmarket, re omnibus fees.—That application be declined. Letter from Thomas Smart, re dismissal.—That your Committee have no recommendation to make. Letter from T. B. Hannaford, re Jubilee. — Your Committee report same as referred to the Jubilee Com mittee; Letter from John Buchanan, re presentation. of oil painting of Sir W. 'Fox.—That Mr Symons and Mr E. Bartley be requested to act as a hanging committee, in conjunction with the Library Committee, for paintings to be placed in the Art Gallery. Letter from W. S. Cochrane, Secretary of Anglican Cemeteiy Guardians, Waikomiti, re divisional guardianship at cemetery under Act.—Your Committee have no recommendation to make other than that Mr Cochrane be informed that the Council have not in any way exercised the powers vested in the denominational guardians by the Cemeteries Act. Petition from ratepayers of Freeman's Bay, request ing completion of tram lines.—Your Com mittee recommend that application be made to the Tramway Company to run cars to Freeman's Bay as formerly. Memo. ■ from City Solicitor, enclosing amended offer by S. White re auxiliary water supply, Edgecombe's Creek —That

previous arrangemenb be adhered to. Letter from William Head, re drain Vermont-street — That Council adhere to former decision. Memo, from Town Clerk, re fire, Council Chamber " That plans and specifications of the neces sary, repairs and alterations to room and furniture be prepared and submitted to Council for approval. Application for night watchman (99 received), referred to selectsix— STourCommitteehave selected the following applicants who have been notified to attend on Thursday, 23rd inst., at 7.15 p.m. : Charles Goodman, John Simes, W. Donaldson, George Hardy, John Creamer, J. S. Webley.—A ballot was taken, when Mr Webley was, appointed, Mr Hardy se curing the next highest number of votes.— The report was read and adopted. The Streets Committee's Report.—This Committee recommended as follows: Letter from Resident Engineer (J. Coom) re con dition of continuation of Commerce-street, near Railway Station.—That a reply be sent in effect of City Engineer's report, viz., the right-of-way is the property of thy Government, and. hot

a public road, as intimated some _two j years since, when, it was proposed to; kerb and channel the street.—Letter: from Town Clerk, Newton, re repairs Great, North Road, estimated to cost £78.—That; one half cost of work be paid on the repairs being effected to the satisfaction of the] Engineer, and that the amount.be charged; to the Karangahape Ward. Letter from E. j A. Ashcroft and Co. re electric lighting.—j Your committee have, authorised the work to be at once proceeded with,. viz. :—Queen-street, by four arc lamps of 1,200 c.p. each ; and side street by means of six incandescent 30 c. p. each. Petitiop from residents of Hepburn-street, re condi tion of footpath—That a reply be senfcj in terms of Engineer's report, ' viz.,j the Clerk of Works has been _in.-j etructed to make . the necessary repairs** and place wood shoot across path abj junction with Picton-street. Report by. Engineer re cab stands (on the motion of , Cr. Buchanan)—That tenders be called for-' such works as may be required during 12 months at per yard in terms of speciiica-ri tions to be prepared. Memo, from Engin-.; eer re stock (report by Halsteadenclosed)—,: Committeehavenorecommendation to make.; Memo, from Engineer, re repairs to outlet o£>, main sewer—Your Committee recommend; that the work be done by tender. Letter \ from George Fraser and Sons, offering to; place Hampton's patent fire bars ia Western Springs Station boiler at an esti- \ mated cost of L7O, and if not satisfactory, j remove same—That the offer be accepted l so far as .permitting the bars to'; be placed as a test, out without any., present or future liabilities to the Council. Be water supply to wharves—; That, for purpose of experiment, a meter,, of sufficient size not to impede the pressure, be fixed at the city end of the wharf. Letter from Resident Engineer (J. Coom) ---re condition of road leading to Railway Wharf —That necessary repairs be effected, j in terms of the City Engineer's report.,! Letter from Secretary of Harbour Board, j re city sewers and sewage—That arrange- j menthas been made for meeting of joint ; committees. Petition from ratepayers of! Wellington-street, re condition of road and-1 footpath—That a regly be sent in effect otj Engineer's report,<7*viz. : Repairs are now \ being made, and a fence has been erected i on the dangerous part of the north side ! of the street, while the south sidaj will be trimmed and made safe. Peti-J tion from Auckland Builders' and Con-. I tractors' Association and others, requesting-1 that works in Hobson, Upper Queen and) Shortland-streets be authorised at an early ; date—That Mr Pond be written to . for \ information as to completion of deed for. j signature by Hobson - street property | owners ' and others; and would, ad- i vise a reply to petitioners that the Coun- j cil is anxious to do all in its power,! to facilitate the carrying out of work 3 j alluded to. Petition from ratepayers, Ex- ! mouth-street, requesting formation. —Your. \ Committee have referred same to the' ■ Karangahape Ward, members. A lengthy \ discussion ensued upon Clause 2, and. Councillor Garratt defied the Council, to compel the Karangahape Ward to pay the sum referred to. The vote of the ■ Council was taken upon the matter, when j only the three Karangahape members: voted against the clause.—The report was adopted. The Finance Committee.—This report was read and adopted. The recommenda tions were as follows: i?e memo, from Town Clerk, re National Bank agreement.—Your ' Committee have made an arrangement with , the National Bank of New Zealand (Ld.) ' which they recommend the Council to adopt. ' Letter from Knight andFowler,re asphalting. \ —That it is inadvisable during wet weather ! to proceed with work. Letter from T. • Catran and Company re drainage across ■ Scotland and Ireland-streets. — That i Council not having ordered the work ; decline any liability. Letter from th© '. Secretary Hospital and Charitable Aid j Board re Smallpox Hospital. — That the ; building be offered, to the Board at the ori- j ginal cost (L 224) less 26-per cent. Letter from Elizabeth Blakey,requesting remissioa •' of rates, L 6 12s BJd, Customs-street,— That one-half the amount be remitted, ou condition that the balance is paid withia two months. Letter from Edward Mills, requesting remission .of rates, LI 14s B£d, West-street.—Your Committee recommend' that the rates be remitted. • Waterworks Report.—The returns from this department showed receipts for the past fortnight as follows : Fees, L 723 10s 8d : No. of new services, 10. . "•• Building Inspector.—This officer re ported having issued building permits as j follows since last meeting : North Ward, i 19 ; South, 9 ; East, 12; Porisbnby, 2; '. Grafton, 1; and Karangahape, 1. Total, 44. - Sf*O; Tool-Housk. — The following tenders were received for the erection of a tool- i house at Waikomiti :-Maughan, L 37 13s ;' J. Duff, L 49 ; A. Burns, L3S ; Conlon and Co., L 44 15s 6d ; R. Lovett, L 44 15s ; En- ' gineer's estimate, L 33. —Maughan's tender j was accepted. . •••-.'

Kerbing Upper Queen-street. —The fol-, lowing tenders were received for this work: i —Shelwin and Co., L 37 2s 4d; D. Me- ; Donald, L 35. 6s; E. Smith, L 36 16s; J. Aspinhoe, L3B 15s 2d ; T. Read and Co., L 37 19s; Colson and Co., L 35 6s lid; J. Brown and Co., L 43 14s; E. Dunn, L 46155. : —Engineer's estimate, L3B. —■ McDonald's tender was accepted. Fire-Bell Tower.—Tenders for .the erection of a fire-bell tower in Karangahape Road—A. Burns, L 67 4s; Maughan and Co., L7l 18s ; Coulson and Co., LB2 7s 2d; Larkins and O'Brien, L 94 14s Id; H. Small, L 149. Engineer's estimate, L6o.— The tender of Arthur Burns was accepted.. Fixing of Street Levels.—The levels of the following ■ streets were fixed as advertised :—Hackett-street, Mercer Road, Tweed-street, • Melford - street, Wai tangi • Road, Cameron - street, Per cival Parade, Swift; Avenue, Sey mour-street, Dedwood Terrace, Caroline street, Ring Terrace, Vine-street. - The levels of Emmett-street were not fixed, there being a number of objections lodged and supported in person. Committees.—Cγ. Phillippswasappointed as a member of the Streets Committee, and Cr. Parsons was. appointed to the Legal Committee. ........ Costley Bequest.—The Mayor moved the following motion: "That this Coun r cil proceed to . elect five menibers of the Council as an investment, committee ; that ■ the accounts in connection .with this bequest be kept by. separate account, and similar to the provisions contained in Section 190, Municipal Corporations Act, 1886."—The motion was adopted, and the following were appointed an Investment Committee :—The Mayor, Messrs Crowther, Evans, Goldie, and Garratt. This concluded the business.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night. Abbott's Opera House-Royal Opera Company in " The Pirates of Ponzance," 8. ■ Opposite City Market, Queen-street—'Thauma, , 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. Agricultural Hall—Royal Jubilee Burlesque and Pantomime Company, 8. St. James's Hall—Cantata," Britannia and Her Daughters," 8. . ■ Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-street — Industrial Association's Exhibition. ' City Hall—Address by Sir George Grey, 8. Brick School-room, corner of Hobson and Pitt streets—Royal Irish Rifles, 7.30. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Auckland Building and Tn vestment Society, 7.30. s Drill-shed—Auckland, Ponsonby; and "Waite mata Naval.Artillery, 7.30. vv«ute.

Rota of Justices at Police Court,

June 25—Messrs C. C. McMillan and W. P, Moat,

Auction Sales TcKnoyjrow,

B. Tonks and Co.—Schooner Julia Pryee. 12 '

ENGLISH MAIL.

THE "AUCKLAND EVENMG STAR, FRIDAY,^ J CHSTE "24/ 188T; s

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