The Times from London, Greater London, England • Page 21

THE TIMES, JANUARY 22, 1901. craft, discoverers, theologians conqueror has stood a onun, a slmplo hearted woman." In this, a In many other churches, rpcclal prayers were offered for. her Majesty's recovery. The Chancellor of the. University of Nebraska sons in the Queen a groat woman, a powvr In tho'political world holding together by tho cobcslvo sentiment of personal loyalty an Emplro which after her, ho thinks, may not endure.

Tbcsn arc but samples, perhaps the best, at any rate representative. They represent also tho American view of tho Queen common anion laymen as well as ecclesiastics what I may call tho Republican view. To the Queen personally all homage, to tho Queen as Quvn tho samo homage, but based partly on the belief that sho has not really lxxn a Queen, not a Sovereign, not tho head of a State, nor wielding much kindly owcr. A mist Is before men's eyes wo look uion tho Throno any Throne as through a gjass darkly.We praiso the Queen as before all things a constitutional Sovoroign.an august figure holding a sceptre which Is hardly moro than tho symbol of a past which is passed for ever. Wedo'full justice to her beauty of character, imperfect justice to her wisdom anil her statesmanship.

Her goodness is worshipped. tier greatness, jarhaps for that reason, passes partlyunpcrocivod. Wo are not. or the maioritv Americans aro not, familiar with tho uniform testimony there iaay lo ono exception of her chief Ministers to her extraordinary capacity for public business, her never relaxing influenco on the course of affairs. Kngland to us whi wo aro in tho mood of fierce democracy is still ruled from the Throne, because tho Tbroiio is there.

In other moods she is only veiled Republic." alternately conceive tho yueen as tHMsessin; more authority than she does, and less. Of the sustaimxl continuing force of ono unchanging will through 10 completed Ministries we have but a faiut understanding. Ilenco it is that wo fail to appreciate completely that matchless sagacity which impressed its purpose on her political servants while strictly observing every limitation on her inherited regal power. Much is said in tho Press, and admirably said. always in the spirit of what I quoted yesterday from tho I quote also lrom the Joui imI.

whoso testimony is tho more significant lecause jTEST INTELLIGENCE THE QUEENS ILLNESS. MESSAGES FROM THE COLONIES. yj, following telegrams or sympathy were re frired yesterday from tho Governors and Mini 5rr, of various colonies CAPE COLONY. jVfltn the Prune Minister of Cape' Colony to tho Iccst Ocncral. lvidon Th Government and people this colony Jct their deepest sympathy with her Majesty JQaeon.

his Bcyal Highness the Prince of WVs.an.I the nerooer i.ow. anj iirfnl rws of her Most Gracious Majesty's condition. May I impress upon you tho 4,5, concern with which the alarming statements tcour beloved Queen's illness are received by her loyal subjects in South Africa HONG KONG. Fm the Governor, Sir Henry A. Blake, to jjf.

Colony of llong kong learns profound irf ft serious condition of her Majesty the (jaccn and fervently prays that the Almighty may pVtvl to restore her Majesty to health." COM MON WEA l.TH OF AUSTRALIA. From the Governor General, the Earl of Hope tABS. to Mr. Chamlvrlain jjy Miniters desire me to assure you that the of the Australian Commonwealth par jj, with their fellow subjects in tho United KicpAta in the national anxiety and distress raised by tho lamented illness of her Most Crscions Majesty the Queen." Troon the Governor of Queensland, Lord Laming ton. Mr.

Chamberlain land my Government aro deeply con it often reflects mere popular caprices, which are rfd at news of her Majesty's ill health. Wo sometimes unfriendly to Kngland; but to dav it morning throughout tho day. Incessant applications havo been mado to the Foreign Office and tho British Embassy. Tho list of thoso who havo cither called or sent to inquire includes people of Pl ranks. Tho Court ball, for which invitations had been Issued for to morrow, has been postponed, which is an entirely unusual course In cases where there is no blood relationship with the Austrian Imperial family.

Several entertainments to bo given at tho foreign Embassies and Legations have been put off. No opportunity is lost of showing sympathy and respect for the Queen. Within my experienco of Vienna, which extends over well nigh a quarter of a century, I havo never seen such a unanimous demonstration of the kind. Tho great Sovereign will assuredly prove to bo a benefactress to her country, even when sho is no more, owing to tho world wide sympathy which sho has known so well how to, conquer and to retain for over CO years. But perhaps on an occasion like the present the testimony of foreigners is of greater valuo tlian that of any of her own subjects.

therefore. append some opinions expressed to day by two of If he has settled down since tho attack of typhoid fever which brought him to the edge of the grave and aroused in his favour as flue and spontaneous a demonstration of enthusiastic loyalty as did the malady of Louis the Bicn Aime. in 1715, ho has been nnablo to escape tho conditions of his lifo as heir. Tho maladroit courtier who published tho collection of his speeches did him a really bad turn. Ho has his tastes, his friends, his Court.

Even if ho would liko to follow his mother's example and have an effaced, rile, tho fact that ho is a man makes the thing more difficult for him. Tho Queen's death will probably bo in more than ono domain tho signal for grave changes. It is the end of an era." Tho iMxisremarks Comprehending tho grief of our neighbours and tho attitudo which this conjuncture imposes on us, wo shall confine ourselves to joining onr wishes to theirs for tho recovery of their Sovereign, although there is every reason to fear that these wishes cannot bo realized." (rr.oM ora correspondent.) P.ISUS.SELS, Jan. A painful suspense has prevailed hero all day in anticipation of tho receipt of fatal tidings. King I Tvinnlil hia .1 1..

ir i l'ressc observes that tho whole world now mani 1 v' lul lests tho deep svmpathv which her character as a ami callers navo been ruler and her private virtues havo won for Queen numerous all day at tho British Legation. Tho Victoria during her 03' years' reign. Tho chiefs feeling in tho masses is evidenced by tho rapid of States and tho heads of Governments cuke s'0. 'f this evening's papers, of which tho hourly inquiries as to her condition. Tho Era editions are exhausted as soon as issnod.

Thero peror Francis Joseph immediately despatched a is no mistaking the outward and visible signs of telegram to the Prince of Wales expressing his regret that a great and good Sovereign is pass cordial sympathy and a heartfelt hope that her ing away. Even so slight an incident as tho Majesty might recover. It is only at tho moment following serves to show tho condition of tho of her impending death that it is possible to public mind. In a second rate theatre in tho realizo tho deep mark sho has mado in tho history town, attended largely by tho working classes, one of her time. Sho has exorcised her Royal func of tho topical songs makes a passing allusion to tions with truly feminino reserve, with an im 1 England's Queen, which serves to amnio tho pressivo simplicity' which presented an extra gallery.

Last night tho singer was advised to ordinary, contrast to tho brilliancy and iowcr desist, but disregarded tho hint. Tho public inherent in her position. Sho was always con i hooted tho man from tho stage, and he did not been received at the Colonial Office, January 13, 1001 For week ending January 17 IS fresh eases of bubonic plague, 13 'fatal total deaths from plague, 10. (thkocgh nrcrnt's ackxct.) HAMBURG, Jus. 21.

A bacteriological examination of the dead rats which were found among the cargo of the steamship Pergamon, which arrived here on tho 13th Inst, from Smyrna, showed that tho animals havo died of plague. The crew of the Pergamon and tho labourers who came into contact with the cargo are under medical observation but are all well. Tho ship has been isolated in the India Harbour. The unloading of the cargo is being carried out under the supervision of the police and of tho harbour medical authorities, and when this is completed the steamer will be thoroughly disinfected. 3 THE WAR.

nest anxious for any further account and MTicstlv rrav frr her recovery. Will you make fcxwra oar sympathy and anxiety in tho proiier qwrtcrs Froci the Officer Administering the Govern exut of Victoria to Mr. Chamberlain Srato of Victoria. My Government and I respectfully express most earnest sorrow at serious Cine of her Majesty tho Queen and our most saxiorcs hope that state of health will soon be fiUv restored." ZEALAND. The Agent General for New Zealand has received tho following telegram from tho Right lion.

R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, ho is at present at Melbourne 21. Illness of beloved Queen has caused profound gloom over Australia and New Zealand." (TBT.OrCH better's agexct.) MELBOURNE, Jas. Zl.

News regarding tho illness of tho Queen is eagerly awaited throughout Australia. Tho feel ing of grief and sympathy is universal. The news of the Queen's serious condition was rot generally known throughout Victoria until this morning, when the greatest surprise and tho deepest concern were everywhere manifested, and daring the day tho successive bulletins havo boea eagerly scanned. BRISBANE, Jax. 21 Deep grief is felt throughout Queensland at the illness of the Queen, and prayers aro bcin offered up in tho churches.

(rr.on oun cocnEsroxDrxT.) OTTAWA, Jas. 21. In consequence of the precarious condition of the Queen's hcaltb.all social and public functions are being postponed. Tho law students 'of tho groat French University in Montreal met this noming and passed resolutions expressing their loyalty and devotion to her Majesty. (nrnoccn wxnx's agfxct.) OTTAWA, Jan.

21 Acute anxiety prevails to day in tho Dominion rapital. Crowds stand round tho newspaper offices eagerly scanning the bulletins from Cowes announcing the Queen's, condition. In several Anglican churches prayers were said at a special rjirain; service to day, and everywhere touching 'erences are mado to her Majesty, and tender tr.Untes to her wtimanly 5olicitudo for her Canadian subjects are heard. At a revival meet conducted last night at tho Dominion Methodist Thurch by the Ilev. Mr.

Chapman, of New York, the National Anthem was sung and the Mowing telegram was sent to Osborne Eighteen hundred Christians hero assembled srt all praying to God to bless tho Queen." TORONTO, Jav. 21 PoMie interest in tho condition of tho Queen 1 en intense to day. Crowds have been it iiing the bulletin boards, and inquiries from i v. ry part of the province havo been continuous i' :l.o various newspaper and telegraph offices Ttnt the Queen might be sparod to the British Lilian and the hand of death staved was tho iuhject of special prayers in nearly all the thnrh in Toronto yesterday, and God Savo th Qa was fervently sung at the close of taanv services. TRETORIA, Jan.

21. The sudden cews of the Queen's serious illness Las produced a profound sensation here. Special prayers of intercession wercoffered in church last r.igbt that God would bo pleased to spare her Majesty's life. GIBRALTAR, Jas. 21.

Owing to the serious news concerning the Queen, tho Governor and Commander in Chief has ordered tho military lands not to play in public. All entertainments havo linen postponed, and intense anxiety prevails among all classes of her Majesty's subjects. A3LERICAN TRIBUTES, (rxosi on own NEW YORK, Jas. 21. To day, as yesterday, wo live in suspense, wait is; for bulletins from Osborne, hoping against rricvlng for and with our kin beyond tho a.

God save the Queen is heard from American lip" tfA less devoutly than from English. It was all Sunday. The mournful resonance of pulpit cravirv was heard all the way from New York to Nebraska, and, doubtless, beyond. Thoso Wartical tributes aro suffused with a tono of if not always entirely adequate. The most ii 'horitativo voice in tho American Church is Lihop Potter's, of New York.

Ho likens tho iC to Washington, ever tho highest tributo an African can offer. To both he denies political rU'G, in both hn finds the loftiest truth of character, conception of duty, and fidelity to Peat trusts, and an absolute devotion on the I art of the Queen to tho tasks Imposed on her fcj" the most difficult position in the world." Ia Lis judgment, no human being, who has lived fjr tLe last 82 years has exercised so enduring or remarkable an influenco on the world as she. Yet tho excellent Bishop will not allow great feiellcct or great gifts to the woman who has done Uus. lr. Huntington, of Grace Church, points to tie Queen as the central figure of that group of dcrs which has made the Victorian ago illustrious.

Amid And above tho master of ta to il is itself to own tho truth. The Hcrahl. though at nrst unuerranng tno extent ot tlie Queen prerogat ive, observes finely liut it is to the glory of ictona that she was in sympathy with the "progressive statesman ship of Jier time, that her hc was on the stdo of humanity and civilization, that sho oncouragisl and weleomcsl jvlicies designed lor tho better government of her ieoplc and the advancement at their welfare. It she could not prevent war, r.er spirit and example wore for jieaee. No ono more than the Queen lamented the suffering of the South African struggle no ono would havo welcomed its end with greater relief.

With the sarao humane feeling she hailed tho warm friendship avowed by England and America as an assurance of lasting peace between the two kindred nations." To that wo all come back. Wo know what the Queen did for Anglo American relations. We know some of her sjiecific acts of intervention in tho common interest of tho two peoples we know her constant "influenco upon both for good. Wo do not forget her messages of sympathy when Lincoln was murdered, whcn Garfield was mur dered. Wo remember what sho has done for tho moral unity of tho English speaking race.

We believe her successor will lo animaUtl bv the samo spirit, but it must bo long lieforo Americans can owo to any other ruler or to any human boin not American the immense debt of gratitude we acknowledge to tho Queen. let the simplest testimony is perhaps the best the voice you hear privately, the number of voices which murmur the same wish, the samo blessing, haid an American woman yesterday evening whoso natno has a higher social distinc tion than any other in the tinted States, Tho English cannot lc more sorry than wo are. think wo lovo their Queen as they do." I will not try to add anything to that. (THROCGH nECTER's AGF.NCT.) XEW YORK, Jas. 21 Tho deepest sympathy with tho Queen Is evinced Tho newspapers publish illustrations and describe at considerable length scenes and incidents of her Majesty's life from the time of her birth.

Tho intor st taken by the American nation is shown by constant inquiries andtherings round tho bulletin boards. Lord Pauncefote, tho British Ambassador, is represented to have said that tho many expressions of sympathy which havecometo tho Embassy would tj tuny appreciated. this feeling was natural when it was considered that Queen Victoria had boon the guiding spirit in thealmost efforts for tho advancement of her people at homo and tho lietterment the conditions of the multitudes under her sway lyond the limits of the home islands to tho end of tho world. Mr. Robert Lincoln, tho ex" United States Minister to England, said that it would ho impossible to.

exaggerate tho intense devotion of the British to their Queen, a combination of loyalty to tho Crown and lovo of the woman. Queen Victoria was one of tho wisest women, probably the wisest woman, who had ever lived. He added I do not mean to say that, sho is a genius, but her great gift of common sense, reinforced by her vat store of knowledge, has enabled bcr to counsel men and women of all classes anil conditions with a wisdom which could not Iw excelled. On occasions when I dined with tho Queen there was considerable conversation entirely upon topics which sho suggested. Her 1 remarks on a largo variety of subjects revealed the l.reaIth of her knowledge.

I cannot rememlier if sh; ever said anything aliout sentimental relations tween onr and jieoplo anil her own, but in many ways sho snowed her warm interest In the United States." Tho Evening Post says To say that in America 'the death of no other foreign Sovereign could excite tho sympathetic concern and almost a sense of personal loss which is perceptible in all flaws is fairly to suggest tho phwo which Queen Victoria holds in tho public in this country. It is not simply tho ties of race ami stww ch which mako tho difference, it is not alono the glamour and almost mythic glory which nocossarily gather round a reign yond all precedent, but it is tho womanly virtues kept clear and sl.ining in an exalui station to which vc pay tribute. Sho win pass irom eartn seeuro in the and memory not only of her own loyal subjects but alio of alien peoples and distant lands." WASHINGTON. Jas. 21.

Great sympathy is expressd by the officials here. In his prayer at the opening of the Senate tho chaplain referred with deep pathos to tho condition of the great and good Queen who had won not only tho loyalty of her own people, but also UiC veneration and homage of all trne hearted men and women throughout the world." lie con tinued as follows And now, as it seems sho is denartimr from earth, crowned with tho blessings and the love of countless myriads of tho human family, let Thy Heavenly grace cheer and sustain her in this supreme hour. Likewise minister Thy tenderness and sympathy to all tho members of tho leroavod family and tho people of her realm, who feel as if their mother were departing from them Every bulletin is awaited with anxiety at tho White House. President McKinlev. tho members of the Cabinet, and other high officials aro by their own request promptly notified of every change in her condition.

All tho employe's in tho different departments, even the humblest messenger, arc equally diligent in becking tho latest information scions of the responsibilities and limits of her con stitutional sovereignty. It is evident from Sir Theodoro Martin's Lifo of tho Princo Consort tint even in her lUth year sho was profoundly penetrated by tho consciousness of tho great tasks that had bceti imtwsed upon her. Tho samo work shows tho devotion with which she dedicated herself to the duties of a wife and mother. As Queen, wife, and mother she has' been ail object of affection and veneration for her people, who now tremblo under tho apprehension if a great and irreparable loss. That is tho feeing of the crowds who anxiously scan tho hourly bulletins at tho Mansion house.

Tho Seue I'reie. Vretae. then refers to tho won derful dispensation which ordained that two great femalo Sovereigns should havo achieved such great and lasting services for England. Tho power created by Elizalietli was preserved by Victoria. But never did Queen Victoria, although during her reign tho British trident literally ruled tho world, allow her gentle womanliness to lo affected by prido or nrrogance.

Throughout the wholo Victorian era tho British Throne was the centre of great historical events. Yet those did not affect tho welfare of tho English peoplo or hinder tho progress 'of British invention, science, and liberty. In conclusion, tho Seue Frcic l'ressc remarks that it is scarcely possible to realize tho wealth of incident in tho great again mako his appearance. (TlinotCU llECTCTl's AGESCT.) OSTEND. Jas.

21. Tho arrangements for the departure of the Kinir of tho Belgians to England havo been countermanded. ATHENS, Jas. 21. Tho news of tho serious condition of Queen Victoria has produced widespread sympathy and genuino regret among all classes of society.

Tho Court and all the alistained from attending the jiopular Parnassus kill given last night under the patronage of tho Crown Princess. CETTIGNE, Jas. 21. ATTACK ON HELVETIA. The following telegram from Lord Kitchener has been received at tho War Office Residency, Pretoria, Jan.

21, 7 13 ajn. A few Boers did some damage to electric works at Drakpan yesterday. Helvetia was attacked about midnight, but Boers kept at long range. N'o casualties. Patrol came in contact with 70 Boers, of whom four killed and threo; taken prisoners.

Our casualties nil. CHANGES IN COMMANDS. (THRorcn ntXTEit's BUrTELSDOORN, Jas. 17. General Clements has goco to Pretoria, and General Cunningham, who for some months has been in command at Rustenburg, assumes tho command of tho forco here, which till now has been under General Clements, fusard Moderate Republican by 0,301 vote to 5,745.

Tho Moderates thus lose a seat. A female barrister to day for the first time addressed a tribunal. Mllo. Jeanne Chaaria took her brother's place as counsel for tho pointsman charged with responsibility for the ChoLry Ic Roi collision. She argued that the amnesty law applied to him, and her 'pica was successful.

The census fixed for March 21. THE BRITISH PROCLAMATIONS. (rnitoccH nrcrrn's agency.) JOHANNESBURG, Jas. 2J. I hear on good authority that British proclamations arc being intercepted by the I5oer leaders and destroyed.

In ono instance, which has 'hwi verified. General Smuts refused to allow women to In the alienee of tho British Minister, who is deliver Lord Kitchener's List proclamation to staying at Corfu on leavn of absence, Princo their husbands. Many of the men on commando Nicholas desiring to havo more frequent news of therefore aro still ignorant of the terms offered Queen Victoria, has had a telegram sent to tho them by tho British Commander in Chief. British Minister at Corfu asking him to request Boer prisoners state that in several commandos tho British Consul at Skutari to come to Ccttigne. ammunition is running short and that the men on mm Kuivimuiji uiuii uu means oi plenishing theirstock.

THE EMPRESS FREDERICK. (fkom.oce own correspondent.) BERLIN, Jan. 21. Prince and Princess Henry of Prussia, Prince Charles of Hesse, and tho Hereditary Princess of Saxe Meiningen have proceeded to Friedrichsbof, near Homburir. in order to ho with tho Kmn epoch now approaching its close, whilo watching Frcdcrick.

Tno Krpu. Zeilunn learns that the tno uoatn Pou ol the venerable patient purely human characteristics aro almost more Wr redenck was quite prostrated on hcar cxtraordinarv than her Royal virtues. She is I lnff tho regarding tho condition of the hated by none, loved by her own people, and Queen, and that tho grief of her Imperial Majesty honoured by tho whole world. "is more poignant by her inability to Tho Wiener Zeitunj says that a i leav" "I S'CK, room imperial Majesty is 4i overwhelmed bv tho bitter constraint which CONTINENTAL FEELING. (FROM OUC OWN COKEEsroSDENTS.) VIENNA, Jas.

21 All classes of the community, from the Palace downwards, await news from Osborno with the keenest anxiety. Nothing else but the Queen's Illness is spoken or thought of. Wherever in formation is likely to be obtained there have been anxious Inauirics from an earlr hour this colossal Empire greater than thoso of Cscsar and Alexander has been ruled by Queen Victoria. It compares what has been done within that Empiro and what exists on the Continents In Continental States all devouring militarism and universal conscription deprives a man of tho three best years of his life. On tho other side of the Channel here is a volunteer army and the citizen is not compelled to take tho military uniform.

On tho Continent thero is a discontented working class, a revolutionary proletariat which seeks improvement exclusively in the overthrow of the existing order of things. On the Continent tho Parliamentary system is everywhere aying and popular representation is being persistently discredited. Jn England tho authority, of tho Parliament is btill beyond dispute and increasing from one, generation to another. On tho Continent thero aro sanguinary revolutions whereby tho populacij forces its way to power, whereas across the Channel there aro reform Bills which open tho doors of Westminster to tho people by legal means. On tho Continent tho nationality feud is constantly becoming more acute.

In England there is an honest endeavour to repair the longstanding injustice done to Ireland. In Continental Europo tho national debts aro getting larger every year, whereas in England tho interest on tho Stato loans, since Queen Victoria ascended the throne, has been annually reduced. According to tho M'iencr ZcifMw; tho Channel separates two distinct worlds, and that which Qnron Victoria ha ruled for over two generations is not tho worst one, Various false reports announcing the Queen's death were current in the' course of the dav. In ono instance a well known English firm hung out a mourning streamer, while in another one of tho newspajiers issued a special edition with the false news. Tho Scur H'tcncr TarjblaU is responsible for tho following information from Tho Hagno President Kruger has mado inquiries through the Dutch Government at tho British Legation hero concerning tho condition of tho Queen and has expressed a wish for her Majesty's prompt recovery." BERLIN, Jas.

21. Tho German public and tho Press are content to await the arrival of telegrams from London, and no further comments on the national and international aspects of tho situation have apearel. From tho prominence given to a quotation from a leading article in The Timet refer ring to tho non jolitical aspects of tho Emperor's journey to London, as well as for other reasons, may bo inferred that tho views expressed in your columns are shared by the German Government and people. Many inquiries continuo to bo mado at tho Embassy. All the festivities for which tho Ambassador, Sir Frank La scellcs, had issued invitations havo been abandoned.

According to advices from Kiel, received by tho Berliner Taqeblatt, tho Imperial yacht Hohen zollern is. being prepared for a voyage tho destination of which is supposed to bo England. escort of several cruisers is also, it is said, being held in readiness. The Grand Duko of Hesse, the grandson of tho Queen, who was on his way to Russia with tho Grand Duko Madimir alter tho bicentenary festivities in Berlin, interrupted his journey on receipt of tho intelligence from England aud returned to Germany. ICUMrJ, JAS.

21 In tho Italian Senate to day, Senator do Sonnaz, in view of tho serious illness of Queen Victoria and of tho lively friendship which has ever united tho English and Italian Governments and peoples, proposed that the Presidency of the Senate should officially ask for news of the augnst invalid, and express tho most fervent wishes for her restoration to health. Tho Marquis Yisconti Vcnosta, Foreign Minister, associated himself with tho sentiments of Senator dc Sonnaz, and promised to carry out; his wish. The proposal was then carried unanimously, Callers at tho British Embassy extremely numerous again to day. They included all the members of tho Diplomatic Corps and Count Gianotti, Prefect of tho Palace, on behalf of the King. Tho Pope is understood to havo expressed his lively concern for tho condition of Queen Victoria, and to havo ordered intelligence of her stato to be conveyed to him hourly.

The Patrtu, one of tho largest evening journals, publishes an articlo full of sympathy with England, and eulogizing tho qualities ol Queen Victoria. PARIS, Jas. 21. Tho Temps, after describing the career of the Queen as that of an ideal constitutional Sovereign, says Tho Princo of Wales has a long llfo behind him. If ho long ago gave uo emulating cores by prevents her from being with tho Queen.

IN THE MINISTERIAL CHANGES AUSTRALIA. (TirnoccH r.EUTur.'s agency.) SYDNEY, Jan. 21. Sir John Forrest, rostmastcr Gcncral in tho Commonwealth Cabinet, assumes tho portfolio of Defence rendered vacant by tho death of Sir J. R.

Dickson. Tho former's successor will le appointed Postmaster General and Minister of Excise. MELBOURNE, Jas. 21. Mr.

A. Peacock, Chief Secretary and Minister of Education succeeds Sir George Tnrner as Premier and Treasurer in tho Victorian Cabihct. It appears that the Do Wet who was recently reported to have joined hands with Botha is not General Do Wet, but a schoolmate of his bearing tho samo name. General Christian Do Wet is believed to bo still in tho Orange River Colony. PRO BOER PUBLICATIONS FROM ENGLAND.

(nntocGH eectfr's agency.) CAPE TOWN, Jas. 13. Tho stoppage of the circulation of local pro Boer newspapers in districts under martial law will, it is strongly felt here, havo no effect whatever it tho circulation of pro Boer literature from England is allowed to continue. It is a notablo fact that an English pro Boer monthly review and other publications inimical to British interests aro found in every farmhouse, and it is believed that theso do more to foment disloyalty than tho local pro Boer prints. It is therefore considered imperatively necessary that such publications siiouia Do loroidden circulation in South Africa, THE DELAGOA BAY CUSTOMS.

(ruoM OCK correspondent.) CAPE TOWN, Jak. 21. Tho Delagoa correspondent of tho Argus says that Imperial officials are collecting tho Customs dues on goods for Fifteen per cent. Is handed to the Portuguese. THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

(FliOM OCR CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 21. There is some agitation in Fiji over tho question of federation wi New Zealand. Tho federa tion party demand tSo removal of tho Governor, Sir Georgo (TURorcn EEcrat's agency.) SYDNEY, Jan. 21 A.

deputation representing tho New Hebrides Presbyterian Mission Synod waited on Mr.Barton to day, and charged tho French with wresting land from tho natives which they had not pur chased. They statotl that tho joint government of tho islands had never been satisfactory, and urged, tho appointment of an independent authority to deal with all tho cases. Tho depaLa tion contended that Untisn annexation was necessary. Mr. Barton promised to mako representations to the Secretary of Stato immediately.

NATIVE LABOUR IN THE AFRICAN COLONIES. (rami ocn correstondtnt:) WELLINGTON, Jan. 21. At the instance of the Labour party in Victoria Mr. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, is consult ing his colleagues with a view to urging tho Imperial Government to prevent forced native labour, the importation of Asiatics, and foreign contract labour in tho African colonies.

LORD RANFURLY. (FROM OCR" correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Jas. 21 Lord Ranfurly has returned to New Zealand. Ho has secured a splendid collection of birds for tho British Museum, including tho Merganser lustralis, which is almost and specimens of two species ncwto science. JAMAICA.

(rROil OCR CORRESPONDENT.) KINGSTON, Jas. 21 A sevcro storm from tho north passing over tho island has dono extensive damago to tho banana' plantations. Many of them aro rained THE UNITED STATES. (THROCGU RECTER's WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.

Tho United States Senate has adopted a reso lution brought forward by Senator Turner askin, the President for information as to tho steps the United States have taken to protect tho rights of Mr. Brown, an American citizen, in tho matter of his claim against the Transvaal. Senator Turner spoke of tho Transvaal authorities denrivincr Mr. Brown of his gold mining claims now said to wortn lie saia teas tho idea of his resolution was to press upon Great Britain tho mentononsness of the claim and to ascertain what steps the United States had taJccn with regard to it since Great Britain assumed responsibilities lor tno iransvaai. ARGENTINA.

(FILOII OCR CORRESPONDENT.) BUENOS AYRES, Jan. 21 The latest official statistics state that the pro bable exportable surplus of wheat flour will be equal to 1,750,000 tons weight of grain. These figures aro considered in trade circles to De exaggerated, tho surplus being recEoned 1,200,000 tons. THE CHILIAN ESTIMATES. (TDEOCGH EECTER'b AGENCY.) VALPARAISO, Jan.

21, The Estimates for the year have been passed. The figures arc set down as $81,068,112 paper currency and $34,158,462 gold, showing an increase on the previous year of about THE PLAGUE. Tho following telegram from the Officer I Administering 'the Government of Mauritius ha BELGLVN NEUTRALITY. (FROM OCR CORRESPONDENT.) BRUSSELS, Jas. 20, The obligations of Belgian neutrality as affect ing the question of army reform continno to occupy the attention of tho commission which is now sitting.

It will bo remembered that Colonel Ducarno read a report last; week with the object of showing that, in his opinion, treaty rights aro respected only in so far as they do' not clash with moro important interests and that circumstances might easily arise which would render it neces sary to uphold such rights by forco of arms Although tho sittings of tho commission aro ostensibly held in eamera, tho rule of secrecy is moro honoured in tho breach than in the observ ance, and theX report of M. Vcrhaegen may lie cited as fairly representing the views of tho anU reform minority in opposition to those held by the advocates ol army reorganization. According to M. erhaegcn, 4 confidence and gratitude towards tho fivo Powers who aro responsible for the neutrality of Belgium is the best safeguard against any i infringement other treaty rights. England, according to M.

Vcrhaegen, is the one Power who would never consent to seo these rights trampled upon Mr. Gladstone himself declared in IbiO that Great Britain's obligations went beyond thoso of guarantor in the ordinary acceptation of the term, and sho would not, therefore, remain passive spectator in any attempt to violate tho nation independence, lho forts on tho Meuso being tho key to tho situation, it is only neces sary to garrison them properly but, even were the army contingent doubled, Belgium could never carry on a campaign in tho open field against France or Germany. By a manipulation of figures in reckoning the proportion of persons under arms to the square mile, M. Vcrhaegen also endeavoured to prove that the Belgian military uudget is the heaviest in turope. an assertion which is not borne out by the actual GERMANY.

(from our own correspondent.) BERLIN, Jan. 21 It is.ofScially announced that the Grand Dnke William Ernest of Saxe Weimar is suffering from an attack of measles. Iruke Johann Albreeht. Regent of Mecklenburg Schwcrin, has exhibited symptoms of catarrh and fever ever since his return from Weimar, where he attended the funeral of the late Grand Duke. An attack of measles, of which these symptoms had at once been recognized as premonitory, was diagnosed on Saturday night.

Thero are, however, no complications, and the disease appears to be running its normal course. The Emperor, as was stated at the time, abandoned his' intention of being present at the funeral of the lata Grand Duko of Saxe Weimar on account of the prevalence of measles at the Weimar Court. FRANCE. (from OCR OWN correspondent.) PARIS, 3 AX. 21.

A Nationalist, M. Benolst, was elected Deputy yesterday in the frontier department of Meurthe el MoacIIa at Montmedr acainat aa aaU Dxex THE FRENCH ASSOCIATIONS BILL. (from oca OWN correspondent.) PARIS, Jan. 21. The debate on tho Associations Bill was con tinned In the Chamber to day with a three hoars speech by the Comte de Mun and a reply by M.

Waldcck Iloussoau. Tho Comto do Man began by reproaching tho Prime Minister with raising; a bogey to frighten tho people in his Toulouse speech, in which ho dwelt fantastically on tho millions hoarded up by tho religions bodies, drained from the economic life blood, so to say, of tho nation. In order to justify tho Frimo Minister's famous milliard of francs the Minister of Finance had had published an immense volume of statistics which, in tho opinion of tho Comte do Man, was unworthy of a great pnblio administration. Such associations as, for the Diocesan Missionaries; who wcro merely secular priests dependent upon the Archbishop, were included in these tables in order to swell the list. The Comte do Mun rnthlessly criticized the want of method and tho confnsion characterizing tbo work of accumulating these? statistical facts pertaining to tho Fiencb.

congregations, pointing; out that it was impossiblo to use the statistics for scientific purposes in an inquiry. But. accepting the figures offered by tho Government, what did they find Tho congregations possessed directly about and this figure included tho property, of thoso which were authorized by tho law. now could M. Waldcck Roosseau pretend that this constituted aa economic peril This sum of re presented about 21.0UO hectares, but tho property belonging to tho communes wa also mortmain property and amounted to moro than 4,000,000 hectares, so that thero was no comparison.

In fact, as Leon Say said. Clerical mortmain would soon become of slight importance in comparison with social and political mortmain. Contrary to tho spirit and acts of tho Revolution, association, was now invading every field of social activity, yet tho Radical and Socialists no longer Tho proposal contained in the Bill tvr transfer tho property of tho religious orders to tho superannuation and pension fund was not calculated to destroy but to cultivate tho tyranny of mortmain. Tho Frimo Minister said to tho people Wo havo no money but thero is a milliard in tho coffers of tbo congregations. With this wo shall bo able to offer yon a superannuation and pension fund." No Prime Minister had a right thus to whet tho appetites of tbe populace.

The Prime Minister had not only appealed to ignoblo passions but had grossly exaggerated tho returns and income of the real estate belonging to tho congregations. (Tho Corato do Mun gave instances.) And ho was: preparing, thcrcfore.tho most cruel of disappointments so that nothing was left of his Toulouse pecch but tho phraso which developed cverr form of base appetite. The Comte do Mun went on to aceus tho Primo Minister of following a policy of flinging sops to tho Democratic Cerberus. This policy? ho called tho height of imprudence, for it was not: so easy to rid oneself of compromising friends noe so simple a thing to break, just when one the chains which ono had forged foroncsolf. Tha day would coroo when his political friends would) disdainfully throw him Recalling a phraso of Louis Blanc on tho Revolution, tha Comto do Muh apostrophized M.

Waldeck RousMxm and M. Millerand, who were seated! side by side in front of him on tha Ministerial! bench, thus Then was seen tho multitude) appeased by impossible philosophers and studious tribunes The Kight and tho Centre applauded vociferously, but tho quotation seemed not less happy to tho Radicals and Socialists, and they accepted tho citation as a compliment for their, friends and applauded as well. Tho speaker then discussed the charge that thm monks were a menace to tho State, and developed at length tho familiar arguments as to their rha in maintaining i rench prestige in the East and the Far East. On this point his arguments wera but a paraphrase of tho papal letter to tho Archbishop of Paris and of tho interview In thoJfatin. He accused the Government of having a double faced policy, and contended that neither at homo nor abroad could Franco get on without tho religious orders.

As for some of them being authorized by decrees, this implied that tho pretended danger of mortmain did not exist. Although, thero might be an intention to spare tho femalo orders so as not to excite odium by their dispersal, the Government would be forced by its Socialist supporters to carry out the law. Governments and laws could not understand tho monastic life, which was an example of hcroio charity and self denial, often requited by but remaining tho grandest possible nso of human liberty. Ho twitted members of tho Government with having been educated by tho orders which they wero now seeking to suppress. 1 his homo thrust was, of course, applanded by the Right.

The Comto de Mun denied that Catholicism had opposed science, citing Pascal, Descartes, and 1 asteur as proofs to tho contrary. and asked whether, amid diverse systems and doctrines, Catholicism alono was to bo denied liberty. Ho predicted a Socialist revolution It which Catholics might, perhaps, bo vanquished, but in which the Republicans would be crushed and would be glad of tho aid of Catholics in repairing the mischief dono by them. Ho concluded by warning tbo Government of the respon sibility which it was incurring in beginning religions war in which Catholics would' ba assisted by independent and courageous men. This eloquent spj ech was much applaudisL M.

Wal deck Rousseau spoke substantially aa follows The present debate has called forth contra dictory opinions as eloquent as they are passionate. Two doctrines arn before us that of tho supremacy of tho civil powvr and that of tho predominance of religious ideas. TIkj thesis of tree religious avsociations had never en a Stato thesu. Thu Bill submitted to tho Chamber is not ono made for any special occasion. I proposed it in lbs' on tho morrow of the fall ol the Oambetta Cabinet.

I revived it in and I need not make any great effort to recall that I was at that time seated, not by tho side of M. Millerand, but between M. Jules Ferry, M. Chaliemcl Lacour, and M. Melinc.

If tho Bill beforo yon is not voted wo shall not accept tho responsibility for events which may occur. My task is a heavy one. It will, perhaps, bo long. Many of tho objections which havo been raised are based on confusion of thought. I shall try to conjure that confusion away, and to this end I shall exaaUro' the judicial and political objections made to tho Bill, as also the criticism that it is anti religious.

Association if a convention by which two or more persons combine their knowledge or their activity for an object other than that sharing the benefits. But it can bo valid only if its causo is lawful, and this is why Clause II. forbids thoso associations which are contrary to the laws, to public order, to good manners, and to national unity. Tho Bill is entirely based on the most elementary principles of lawand a simple perusal of the clauses will show that it submits associa tions to tho regulations common to all conventions. The Bill, it is declared, makes special roles for religions Now, what is demanded for the communities is exceptional legislation, not the common law.

The principle of the preservation of States shows that never has there been an epoch or a regime in which religious associations have been able to be formed without the authorization of the State. The legislation as to religions communities reposes entirely on the necessity of authorization, of surveillance, and of the right of dissolution. One has only to look back through the history of the edicts in regard to them to be convinced that all organized States have applied these principle. Whether by Bill or kr a decree, such, srrthnriratim is ilnn.