The Times from London, Greater London, England • Page 3

THJ5 TIMES, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1900. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. AUSTRALIAN 'FEDERATION. (rrbM coRRrsroxnnxr.) SYDNKV, Drc. 19.

Ijlpctonn has entrusted Sir W. Lyno with WV of forming tbo first Federal Government. Lyno has asked for time before giving a tarte reply. nA has been allowed till the cud week to decide. jjj Hope tona's election of Sir Lynn to lo lVli'f3 Multry has.

excited Intense sur aad disappointment among Federalists. jjf lUrtoa'ha Iwii generally acknowledged as yjulcr of the Federal movement since the iiof Sir H. Farkes. Sir W. Lyno personally wred f.xlerat ion strongly and persistently, and fdiorhip oT Now South Wales I con inuioiont to justify hi selection.

Mr. flartoa ta rrfuMxl to join Sir W. l.ync. VICTORIA. (rcoM on; Ore.

19. Victorian Government is introducing a jilt mike Legislative Assembly increasing the Krc powr or tnv li.unt of j. fv 4.ftkl.rt)0 1o "IT. IKK SvJ Rifles. Sikh, and carriers under Major Cobbc.

Tho Ulstcrmoro having embarked 1,8.7) carriers under Captain Blair left on tho same day for Zanzibar. Tho West Indian special scrvieo officer havo received orders to stop at Sierra Loouc. Bcntor'a Agency Mates that Kibbo is ono of the chief towns or Akim, and tho Juabins aro a 'tribe which trekked fr.om Ashanti in tbo disturbance which followed on tlio death of Kvaka THE WAR. THE TRANSVAAL. (mnoccu REi Tnn'8 acdct.) DUHHAN, Pre.

IS. A', reconnaissance from Vryboid wan mado on tho IGtti Inst, towards Kambuladral." Tho artillery druvo tho liner from tho ridgo of Beaufort and thenco: to Blocmhof. Our men, who had no casualties, captured Jl.000 sheep and 40; horses. Th1 abovo appeared In our Second KJilovi of yesterday. KKUOKItSDOUr, Dir.

1C. Somo farmers have rnnw into this town from near BLiauwhank, having been sent across tho Ilor lino by oritur of Dclarey, who told Ilium that there, were three courses oji'ii to them to join tho commando, to lw shot, or to cross thy line, I a WixU n0 1()nl Salisbury, reply quarters wb can positively affirm that tho assertion of tho ex President is ono of tho numerous falsehoods propagated by tho Boers. No such letter was ever received by Lord Hobcrts, who was, consequently, never called upon to give any such reply. At a meeting in favour of tho Boers bold in Munich, at which a certain Mr. Do Wet was present, it was said that tho English authorities had put a price on his head.

This story IlkcAvlsc an unspeakable falsehood. It is perfectly char that tho English would never set a prico on tho head of any member of cither of tho Boer armies." (tiirovgh recterV agcct.) l'AUIS, Dec. 10. Tho Matin to day publishes a letter from a German diplomatist, unnamed, justifying the Emperor's attitude towards Mr. Kruger.

On four occasions," hays tho writer, since the war in South Africa broke, out, either personally or tb rough the intermediary of his representatives abroad, his Majoty tho F.mpororhas endeavoured to ascertain whether any steps on his part might have, a chance of terminating the angiinarv ami unequal strugglo which Is desolating South Africa. Each time ho lias received absolute and irrefutabln proof that ono of tho twii bollipircnts would tolerate no intervention from any quarter or, in any form, and that for that belligerent the only itossiblo end to the strugglo was tho complete and entire absorption of tho territory of its adversary. lho letter ni miitls to stale agreements to bo mado with tho Generals 4 Under Count von Waldcrscc's plan America has tho district to tho south cast of Peking, from tho Tshang tshang road to" tho road running from Nakukrin to Ho sl wu. Count von Walderseo says that ho knows that a considerablo forco of Chinese, under Ma, is In tho north of Shan si Province, ami that another to tho south of Tshang tshang, but that during tho severe winter weather which has now tct in ho docs not expect an appressivo Chinco movement. Ho iwints however, that wherever tho Allies leave any district for soroo length of time bands of robbers and Iloxcrs will conprrpate.

For this reaM.n tho Marshal desires tho cooperation of all tho Allies ineoveringthe districts with strnnp patrols." ITho aboTe apjared in our Second Kditlon of yrtUnlay.J by 153 rotes to two, M. Ruicysso and M. Vazolllo fonnlng tho minority. Tho Bill now goca back as amended to tho Senate. THE HAY PA NCKFOTK TREATY.

(rnoii ovt. JiKW YOUK. Dtc. 19. Xle rrcsJdcnt is willinp to accept tho Hay rasccc'ti Treaty with an amendment tiTtn lulwvT Treaty, ay alunpton tcle which is defined as ruuninp from Ailrian DclanVs farm, ten miles from here, iu a northwesterly direction.

The farmers report that Delarey's commando numlK'rs 1.500, that (5ener.il Clcmcnts's camp is in their immeiliate neighbour hiHsl. and that a llpht is imminent. From IKxrr sounva it has been aseertalnetl that amonp tho killed at Nooitgcdacht wero t'otn mandaut Van 'Axl and a Field Cornet. A id roup detachment of Oeneral French'i 1 4: vur cavalry brigade arrival here on the loth with jir.sa: There i no reason to believe that 1 cl.dvnt is willing to divide with the Senate nsiba ty fera wntoaCwntto England. ATTACK OX A BOSHOF CONVOY.

ocsnsicoc viy mv ocnaicr win auoji wiu jaeaiaes1 by which tho Clayton Bulwer Treaty fcpi'reilcl." It is cynically defended to day etic p'nnd that wv shall then Ik relieved of trirticn again colonization, while British cpk ciiit ion i prevented by the Monroe doctrine, V.i hA h.wvn bim i'lf Mivit 3 Senate apgnVisioa, then? is nothing to jatc that he will be a consenting party to a iist oontcapt'of national faith. But It is too tsfli to Rojo that the President will appeal to tie rsvplc against tho Senate. Tfce acayary of 77ic Timrf article cabled this isemiag ds not disconcert jingo agent. engaged fiipLmd's attitude. The New a jinpi oracle, prints a long h.vnojtsis rt Thi Timtt leader in its hews columns, and editorially that the British public is to tho question of control of tho canal tad eront to tho fate of the Clayton Bulwer Treaty.

The Sun al rf of opinion that tho tYtitc debate is being conducted with due regard duo respect for tho British (loveni ae. and with courtesy and propriety in every jamealar. Washington btill cmlUi telegrams tssifiiz that England shall submit to the Mate." Imdon takes a hand in the same game, tb tcwa despatehCM regaling the American public tub the op.nion of Mr. tabouchcrc. Evtnt 'mmv1ka in tho Senate havo littlo neo on tho viitis, or on public opinion.

To tttrr w's vote is not without eonio elements of tsecrtainty. but tho latet fun vast suggests tiut tbo jingo conplracy will prevail and tho Jeiwe will go on nvonl as treacherous to tho which a previous Senatn ratitletl, Mr. rakcr, a type of tho Oliio jKdlfician, applauds 3k. Hay while undoing Mr. Hay's work.

Frem arroaiercijl point of view, the lowest depth Is by Bird, of California, Bepubllcan, discriminate In favonr of American gotxls NATAL. TVNrrrYrrV Tribtinei still domirin of tho (TUtlOCCU flECTlaVn AOKXCT.) fiiT rannccfote Treat v. eontinuis to arinie for. DUKUAN, Drc. 10 airopation of tho Clayton Bulwer Treaty by Acting under Instructions received from arret mont bet'ween England and the United General Hildyanl, tho Iwal military authorities cv.

I am romovinir C08 orisoners from tho tr.iiisiinrt. Hay', attitcdo disappoint his enemies, Manna and tending them to Ladvsn.ith, where via! seek intrigue him out of the State Depart He accepts all responsibilities for tho an closuro thin the military camp has been wr with Lord Pannccfotc It lei long Prepareil for their reception. The prisoners in lae that Le drafted tbo iastrument. Tho qution are sum ndereil burghers, who arc not Saute is now told nu ofiicialIv what others lnblo to transportation. fcs a fact.

This is intended to meet the A proclamation tho to day removes i i tho embargo on tbo imimrtation of mules and js 'c iw engaged in mutilating was wholly of mxTrjt's aofnct.) KIMllEKLKY. Drc. 18. Tho convoy recently sent tor Boshof with pnv vijona retunusl this morning, having fulfilled its mission huccssfully. Colonel Parke, of tho Yeomanry, was in command, and his forco consisted of fiovcral squadrons of Yeomanry, two 13 ioujuIers and three Poui i'oius," arid a detachment of tho Kimberley Bi piment.

after leaving Frankfort on tho evening of tho 11th the M'outs were tired on, Tho Yeomanry galloped out, and with 0 or 'M rounds Uisersel tho enemy, while a lu vjunder fired ono round. On the return Journey tho convoy was again tired on. Three natives wem captured on this side of Frankfort by our Seventy eight white nnd three coloured Boor prisoners have arrived here from Boshof. They wen mircheil to gaol under nn escort of the Klmlierley Begiment. They consist chiefly of useets who havo been pathem! from tho Boshof district nnd sineo their eajUuro havo boon temjwrarily contlneil in Boshof church.

Two of them. wero concerned in tho recent firing on tho jconvoy. THK LADYBRAND DISTRICT. Atirsry.) MASliKl', i)rc. in.

Captain Bennlc, cf tho. Black Watch, has lieen appointed Acting CommUsloner of tho lidylirand district. IVnrr scout In that vicinity are carrying off farm stock whenever opportunity offers. It Is reported that Do Wet lost men killed and wounded nnd 12 prisoners in crossing tho British lines on tho llth Inst. American origin v.4th the full sanction of tho Aseriean President.

Tte report of the Senate Committee on Intcr Ocitic Canals is tho work of Mr. Morgan, Ite'icrat. of Alabama. Mr. Morgan supjortcd ti Hay Treaty in its original form, but is "iaU.r ready to support anything which promises i canal.

He is for any kind of canal on any ters, asd. the argument, of his report covers a fold. In rational moments Mr. Morgan rtfl'Wts international law, of which ho is not ignorant, but when the canal fit is on him ho is Pbi? of saying that tho passagu of the Hepburn lill by the House mut havo produced a protest la England if England had thought that txostiro invaded her rights. England's rights ill Cot be threatened till tho Bill has ju.SM.

tho feate and lef signed by tho President. Mr. Morraa sjieak of tho Senate as now engagedin iCctution with Groat Britain." Tho Senate, of warse, cannot but this claim is ono Efcfj evidftneo of its usurping spirit. Mr. Morgan tt; SenaUj has no more right to susju ud ndsUoa tlian tho nt has.

Neither tho Ssmor tbo I'ntiident, In his judgment, lias uf right to r.j"et tho Heiiburn Canal Bill, ta tho Bill violaU a.trcaty which, according thy Constitution, is tho supremo law of tho ted. Tho President's friends will for tho Prosi seek a means of btlfling a Bill which sign ith honour: (TUttOCGII llXTJt'H ACE.NCT.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 19. The Seaate in Kxecutivo Session yesterday r4afd the agreement supplementary to tho fcy Pauncfcfoto Treaty extending tho time in the treaty may bo ratified to March 4, when treaty jll be called up. Un Jcr the terms of original laj Pauncefote Treaty tbo 1 imo for its ifeation expired fi vn months ago.

Tho Senate jw ecnidcrl resolution which Senator Tillman lciocirat) offered In opon session calling for 'rwpoadenco betwtion tbo Unlteil Status and 'H Ojlombian (J'overnmenU relative to thn jtof tlio United SuUa to construct a canal OiloBjbian trritory. Tho resolution was "Ifr1 u' utn an ftmendmont proposed by t.r Morgan, calling also for tho corre Mecc, Wtj, um Panama Canal Company, alti, apjrwi in our Second Edition of yratenlay. TK REVOLUTION IN COLOMBIA. (UlhOtUti mcthi'h aokncv.) WASHINGTON', Dtc. 10.

A Wegram rerelvwl at tho Htato Department A M. Beaupre, tbo United KUtes Charpo A5res at Bogota states that great battle, for two days ntGlranlo Point on Biver, rVultl In tho decUivn Wory fit, forces, Hlf hundrfd tcprJrtMi 1o havo lMcn kUU4 and many Mftdn4 woandisl. STURIUNCK ON TIIK GOLD COAST. (ntnovfjii nrvmi'd aoiwcy,) CAI'E COAHT OASTI.li, I9i nMytnce tit report which havo rettchwl thai it quarrel lika liroketi ottt bluMi Hie Jju Juablrw ahd lho KIbbes lit tho part of tho colony, two compatilw of Jl tinder CapUlu Irvltib tltli Maitm havo JwenttoquU tho disturbaticc. Tho trans uu TanMcmoro sailed on Monday for Chlnde, uklu 1X00 men ol tho Ui Central African ca.

subject to tho animals undergoing disinfection and quarantine. Tho (Juibl of Loyal Women of South Africa was inaugurated here to day. Its object, is to counteract disloyalty and to undertake tho cam of tho graves of tho soldiers who have died or been killed during tho war. Tho transport Catalonia sailed to day for Colotnlx) with C12 prisoners, of war, including Boer oClcers. NEW REGIMENT.

OF LIGHT HORSE. (TIir.OCGH AfiENCT.) CAl'K TOWN, Dkc IJI. Tho Princo of Wales has telegraphed giving permission for tho repiment of light horso now being formed in South Africa under Major Owen Thomas's command to bo called tho Princo of Light Horse. Tho first squadron is going to tho front immediately. MR KRUGER, (tiiuovuii iuxteh'h AMSTEKDAM, Dkc 19.

Mr, Knigcr arrived hero to day from Tho Hague. At tho station tho local authorities, tho members of tho Communal Council, and tho Consuls of tho latd Boer Hcpublic.H rweived him in tho Boyal waitinp rjHim, where speeches welcoming him to tho city were delivered and a bouquet was presented. On his Way to tho Town hall Mr. Kruger was constantly cheered by an enormous crowd. On his arrival there tho Burgomaster delivered a speech, in which ho expressed tho hope, that Mr.

Kruger might succeed in his efforts to secure an honourable lcace, Tho ex President, in reply, after thanking tho Burgomaster, said In 1881, wo obtained our Independence, but that honourablo action Is 'obliterated. Tho invaders aro ten to one, but wo await thn day when (iod will mako known His will. Wo rely on Ills help inoro than on that of Emperors anil Prince I havo not eomo hero iw. a fugitive, but by order of the (lovcrnmcnt In urdor to secure a termination to a war in which tho BrltUh employ women nnd children against us." Thn speeches were followed by a lunch given by thn Communal Council. Mr.

Kruger subsequently paid a visit to a house where, a number of South African refugees aro accommodated, (rnoat oun xiw.N oonniroNt)KNTK.) l'AUIS, Dec. 10. Mr, Kruger, In acknowledging an address of sympathy from tho Municipality of says Fooling thomsolves sustained by tho sympathy of tho French people, having conflv down in tho justieo of their canto, mid eom mlttlng their f.di to tho hands of UimI, who I a (Jod of Jiiatleo! tlm Houth African lUpubllc wll epnUitwo tit" conflict li tlm end," Y1K.NNA. Pro. IP.

Th hhwt Infomatlvn itibllnlui tlm following i While In Pari President Kruger eompIalneHl of tho barbarous intuiiior lit Mhich wurfaro was conducted by tho iiiKllsb, who did not oven spare women and children. He Mated that ho had written on tho subject to Lord Huberts, who hnd promised to remedy that state of things, which, however, ho had iiot done. According tp ln ormation wo havu tlcrlvod from com Detent ing to a question put to him by a diplomatist, expressed similar views in regard to the rejection by tho British Coverninent, of any idea of intervention. Tho writer concludes as follows The brutal truth is that if the intervening Power or Powers wero' to insist, or to take a stronger England would mobilize her'Floet. The Emperor William knew that lietter than any him Irom the first; Ho resolved not to receive THE PEKING RAILWAY SERVICE (hom oru owN conniwoMULNT.) UKItLIN, Drc.

19. A seml ofllcial telegram, datinl tho 17th from Peking statis that thero is to bo a regular passenger service liotwcen Tien tsin, and tho capital. According to tho telegram, from the lMth inst. a train was to run every day in each (tireciioiu MONSIGNOR FAVIER ON THE CRISIS. ocn own rar.ErxrpunNT.) l'AUIS, Dec.

19. M.nsignor Favier," rny Marseilles correspondent ti.degraphs, Jandeil here yesterday Trom Tongking. Calling on hlm at seminary, I asked him what was tho'roai origin of thoChinoso tronhhw. Ho nqdied that they wenvtho work of Princo Tuan. but without tho comnlieil of tho Mr.

Kruger. and he finmd himself completely hi Oow.iper Empress; Princo Tuan hoped bv tho iigreement with Count von Billow on this isiint. 1. Ill I I nil, 1 ranee had done her duty in showing Mr. Kruger 1(, attain supremo rower.

Tho Eninross had mo pity Willi wme.li the Heart of hunipe is lllbsl tierinany has doho hers in iHforming the harder task of lolling him the truth." CHINA. THE IMPERIAL COURT. (tT.ou oun counmroNDKST.) SHANGHAI, Drc. 10. Li Lien ying, tho Empress's: favourito eunuch, whoso death and funeral wero otlleially reortel in Peking in April, Js now stated to be alive and to lm tho controlling power at Si ng an fu, where the Court still remains.

Divided counsels are causing great confusion. TuiiK fuh siang Is reported to 1m also there. If Li Lien ying is llving.what reason Is Lliorq to crwlit tho reported ibviths of Kang yi and others THE CIIU CHAU MASS ACHE. ofn cotwttsroxiiENT.) SILVNGHAI. Drc in.

A docreo issued yesterday appoints Shcng and the (Sovernor of Cho klang commissioners to Investigate tho Chu chati 'massacre. The strongest feeling exist hero that delay will result in affording tho Chinese an opjortunity for tergiversation, and will enable them to shift thn responsibility ami allow tho real culprits to eseapo justice. Tho fitrougest support Is mcessary to tho Consular action in demanding Imnieillato satisfaction and thn punishment of tho head officials, not of tho subordinates, THE POWERS AND THK SITUATION. (TltnoCOII AOKNCV.) 10. Thn Ministers have to day finally agreivl uism tho text of thn preliminary tioto to bo presented to tho Chlncso Commissioners.

Tho latest pro losal mado by tho British Government has been included. (prom orh ow.v cor.nFKroNlnr.NT.) VIKNNA, Dnc. 10. Tho principal causo of concern with regard to thc'Chincso crisis is no longer that any disagreement may ariso among tho allied Powers themselves, but rather that tho Chinese iriav, after acted in good faith, btit has lacked energy. Tho Archbishop beliovW that all hostilities will cease hen the Empress is freed 'from tho yoke of lho Boxers and, under protection, resumes thn direction of affairs.

Mgr. Favier starts tonight for Home, having been siimmonisl by the Pope ho will then proceed to Paris, and expects to return to Peking in February." THE FRENCH AMNESTY BILL. oun owx cnp.i:EsroMrxT.) PAULS, Drc. 10. I havo morn than onco attempted' to explain tho political Importance attaching to the success or defeat of the Amnesty Hill.

I havo already and I jH at, that tho Dreyfus case, over sinco Schcurer Kcstncr's entrance on tho scene, has lon a terrible weapon In thn hands of tho Opposition, which has used it with In credible violence and iinserupuloiisnoss. It has drawn the lino nt nothing, multiplying forged documents, Insults, calumnies, and lies, and adopting the most Infamous and most stupid devices. Have wo not, si en even a photograph of Colonel Picquart in conversation with Colonel Software koppon in a Gorman town? Tho terrible result of all this has been to divide tho nation, to trouble the spirit of thn army, and to create 'hatreds which disunite families, making tho son of a Bepubllcau woman, a defender of truth and justice, an nrdent Nationalist approving every misunderstanding capable of making 'breach lietween thn army nnd the lb public. This was just what was wanted by those who made of I he Dreyfus case a treacherous wiisiii enpabln of being used by nil thn forces of Ilenc. lion, Anti Semitism, Bonaparilsm, nnd Hoyiitlsnt tor the downfall of thn Bepubllo prior to cutting cwh other's throats on the ruins of the State.

Tho violent demonstrations of this coalition of hatnxl, ambition, and greed havo gone on for months, and onco moro last night tactics, morn outrageous than ever In their effrontery, wero resorted to in tho Chamber. By Its' obstruction, tho coalition prolonged tho sitting until half past 12 o'clock this morning, makjng this legislative hall an arena in which political passion seemed to become arrant madness. Tho object 'was to open up tho terrifying prospect of a further concoction of forgeries and lies, to revive old quarrels by audacious charges and all, shilly shally in discussing tho conditions of 1 assertions and so to work upon tho legislators jx aco. The accounts received here represent the to make them the easy prey and instrument' of Chinese to le still lionlon gaining time, precisely the unscrupulous. To give an idea of the degree in tho hope, that differences may occur among tile 0r cynicism which a' member of this Opposit ion was co operating States.

The danger of any serious able to reach in his lren.y I must ho allowed to divergence of views in connexion with the actual quote som passages from certain sjKHvhes tho conditions of peace would now appear' to lo over, niotivo of which was scandalously to trouble The question. a.s tb whether tho list, of conditions (the debate by futile obstruction, obstruction drawn up by tho foreign representatives in Peking ul'icli recalls tho most violent scenes ever should bo emliodiod in identical notes or in'a witnessed in foreign Parliaments, and which was collective note was never ono of paramount import I overcome only by tho inflexible discipline or a ance, and will, doubtless, have already been majority voting under tho orders, at onco clever satisfactorily disposed of. Furthermore, an" under aud energetic, of M. WaldiH Bonsscau. standing is also sure to havo IsVrt arrived at with Taking up tho report of tho sitting at the point regard to tho interpretation to given to the where I liad to break off lato Ixst night, I should term severe nunishment." used with reference I llrst mention the unanimous rejection of the to tho ringleaders in tho recent outrages.

It amendment extending tho amnesty to the Panama remains to bo seen whether or not it will le separately intimated to tho Chine so (iovornmcnt that it implies tho penalty of death. The Iiojhj of seeing capital punishmont extencbsl to some nf tho princiial offenders hxs not yet been abandoned everywhere. (Tiinocon WASHINGTON, Dkc. 10. According to tho latest statement of tho situation, It seems that tho United States, far from socking to induce Great Britain or tho other interested Powers to accept tho term irrevocable as defining thci purpose's of the Powers in dealing with China, actually Intended to take an exactly opposite view of the matter.

However, through a complication which can only bo ascriled to an error in telegraphic transmission or in the translation or rctranslalion of messages into cipher, or to. an absolute misunderstanding on tho part of tho recipients of somo of the latest despatches which havo ltccn exchanged lietween Peking, the foreign capitals, and Washington, Great. Britain, which had also objected to the use pri.ident replied the, charge. M. Lasi of the word irrevocable," was led to lK lieve I am surprised that my wo that tho Cnlted States desired that it should lo K1.Mj0 a commotion, for uvoryltod mfilriri1 ftri r.

Icinr r1rIav ntef.nt ini nf tho word was agreed to by tho British Government. But this Is exactly what thn United States does not want, Tho new exchanges of communications, which aro prm nisling rapidly, havo been luatltuted with thn objivt on the part of tho Unllisl States of getting rid of tho Irrovi's ablo terni or Idea, but It begins Jo apjcar lhat this will be dldicult of accomplishment, for even Great llritain, although slio accejilisl the word iignltut her original 'Judgment, now appear disposed to allow It to PA1US, Dec. lfl. Thn follow Ing hologram his linen rccelvnl hero from Peking Princo Chlng nnd Li Hung Chang have assured M. Fiction that thn despatch of arms and movement of troops towards tho Indo Chinoso frontier are of no Importance, their "object lelng merely repress brigandage.

They declare hat China would not think of causing aiiy complications on tlio ovo of tho opening of jh uco Tho above appeared In oir Seoppd Edition of yestfrJay, THE ALLIED FORCES. (TIIROl'Ml HKlTlfn' AflKMJY.) N1IW YOltK, Drc. In. Tlie following U'legrntu ef yolerdityV dutn.lms been revel vtsl from Peking i "Count vou Wnldoroce hn Issuwt an order assigning vnrlotw district. In tho nelghliotirlinod of Peking to tho control of tho various allied forces, llo adds How far tho co operation of tho French.

nnd Americans can bo dcpcndctl noon la a matter which wilt bo determined bv affair and tho adoption by IfCl votes to 105 of an amendment excluding tho unauthorized religious communities. It is needless to relate tho frivolous divisions demanded by tho Opposition at every opportunity and in tho form requiring the longest time. Those divisions, from which proxies were excluded, showed that about Deputies out of 5N0 wore present. pass 'on to tho 'outrngwus attack by M. La si as on M.

WaIdeck Kou.sscau. He said 1 am surprised that ho did not accept tho amendments of MM. (Jnieyssoand Vazeillo. They have had thn courage of their opinions. They owe nothing to Dreyfus and they have not abandoned li i in because they are convincisl of his innocence.

Hut you, the Prime Minister, havo abandoned him, yet you owe everything to him oOlce, I will not say fortune (Uproar) Tho President (M Dcschanel). You are entitled sharply to discuss tbo public acts of a politician, but not to address to him a personal and unmerited insult. You must havo said moro than you intended, nnd I ask you to withdrawMt." twitted tho President with having allowed attacks on General Gallieni, but tho ies thero lrds havo xly knows that tho Premier has been counsel for tho Dreyfus family." (M. W'aldeck Bousseau never 'm! do Pltourbeillon. But It' Is a fact." (Crhs on the Left of It I liiisii's.

It surprising that even that must, not bo said. In any cavp, It Is matter of public notoriety that tho Premier was on some occasions counsel for tho Dreyfus family. If, however, he declare The President. Withdraw your words." M. de then tho Premier Is Inviolable." M.

Philippe. In any case ho Is abovo all those Insinuations." M. Lasies. If the President of thn Chamber, assuming that tho Premier docs not intervene, or If any ono better informed than myself, states that Wnldeck Bousseau was neither advocate nor counsel for tho Dreyfus family, I am ready to withdraw, but if Ijo has beoii counsel for thn Droyfus family I maintain that it was not gratuitously (Uproari. and erlon of Ia Tho cennro wa then put and agreed to, Alter MKtvhe Jrom M.

Bnudry and do Jlaintil, tho latter explaining that the IbiyulUtfl would not vote ngaln.Bt Hie Illll as It ttpplbsl to huinbln ierson who worn victim of the Kentibllc, division wns taken en the whole BUI, This, huwover, being taken In the form excluding proxies, Miewed that ft quorum half tho Chamber plu onowas not present, oral least did not vote. It was then 2 o'clock. The division was thoroforo not valid, and by tho standing order a fresh division had to bo taken at tho next sitting. But thero was a way out of tho difficulty. Tho belt sitting was llied for flvo mtuutos later, and tho Bill was then adooted FRANCE.

(moM ocn ows conntsroxntNT.) l'AUIS, Dec. 19. Tho trade returns for tho past 11 mouths show a decrcasq In tho imports of raw materials, tho figures being against in ltf99. Tho exports of raw materials also show a against 1,103,000,0007. As regards manufactured goods tho exports were against but tho imports were against The parcel post exports were against in 1800.

A second lady barrister, Mile. Cbanvin, was sworn in to day. (niiioccn nnrrxit's arexct.) l'AUIS, Dr. 19. Somo months Pgo tho French anthoritins calleil upri the Passionist Fathers; of the Avcnun Hoche Chureh which was built somo years ago with Knglish and American money assessed tho pn perty, and asked them to pay thn taxes imposed on congregations by tho lot d'accnritraneitt.

Thn Fathers fought tho caso in tho Courts and lost it. Being called upon a second timo to pay tho arrears up to 1S08, amounting to taO.OOdt., they appealed to tho two Ambaso.idors. Sir Iv jointly petitioned (Sovernment, asking that these chaplains hottld Ik? exempt from thn heavy tax imposisl by the oi il'aecrotement on religious IhxUos on tin; ground that.tho chaplains discharged thn duties nf secular priests and wore stationed in Paris solely for the imrposo of scrrico under arms would bo rendered more attractive, so that by increasing tho txrfontarfat a proportionato reduction would take placo in the, levy by conscription special exemption to certain professional classes a military on thoso not actually under arms a different system of promotion among officers. Personal scrrico was naturally insisted upon In tho general's scheme as a fundamental principle Whether tho timo has coma for abolishing tho system of rcmplaeement may bo doubled in view of tho strong Catholic clement which provails in tho conduct of Belgian affairs. Tho Government have a substantial majority in both Houses of Legislature, and aro likely to keep it until tho ea use of universal suffrago has been won.

Tho commission, although containing a fair proportion of military and democratic elements, is merely acting xs a body of advisers rccommenda Hons only carry weight in so far as they roecfe with tho views of a Parliamentary majority. Tho different parties in tho liouso bao their attitodo on independent lines. Thn Socialists advocato personal service in a body, and would even go as far as unn nation armco on tho Swivt princlplo their motto is ono vote, ono gun," not in a militant son.se. but rather as a protest against tho admission of purchase system. Tho Moderates and Badicals aro also In favour of tho more democratic rityimc tho Catholics, truo to their conscrvativo instinct, are pulled rather than led in tho same direction, while many aro hostilo' to any change whatever.

Lngllsh SpcaKing uvnml tlnt lur.rM thnr. Monson and General Porter rtr contincent. is.nn.fed witli tho third point relating to the term of service. At present every youth who reaches rho age of 10 is liablo to lsi called upon to serve. Tho allotted periods for full term of tervico in tha chief divisions aro 28 months Ur tho infantry, mnn(h4 for thrt frronnfltor f.

ir vmm fi fhn ministering to tho needs of spcaking LcaValry, and five years for tho artillery. Tho mean actual timn of service is 33 months, after which th conscript is dratted itto tho reserve and is only called uj)oii at stated periods or in caso of need. Tho total number of men under people, and that their withdrawal from tho French capital would lo an irreparablo loss to tho Kngli li sxaking community. Thn French Government, however, refusal to entertain tho request, ami havo just formally seized tho church i apItw at ono timo is a neaco footing. property and threaten to sell Unless thn 20.000f.

antl t.an increased to 150,000 men of all aro pant, llio services in tli paid, lho services in thn church have not been interfi'reil with. Tho Fathers, who havo not the required sum at their disriosal.will apiwal to tho Catholic world in Kngland and the United States in order that they may lo able to savo tho church anil continue their GERMANY. (moii ocn. owx connEsroNnnNT.) 15KULIN, Dec. 19.

The general election for tho Wdrtemlmrg Diet has resulted in the returfi of 20 Domotrrats, 20 Clericals, II National Liberals, flvo Socialists, and four members of tho Agrarian League. To thnso must bo added 215 nou idectlvo members. Tho relative, strength (f thn various parties is practically tho kiiuo as lu tho list Diet, except that tho iitinibor of Socialist membors has Increased from nno to five. Baron von Mlttnacht, thn former President of tho Ministry, was defeated at Mc rgctithclm. MILITARY REFORM IN BELGIUM.

(fiiom ocn coiinissroMinxT.) lmi'SSKLS, Dnc. 18. A commission of .10 meraliors has recently been appointed by tho Belgian Government to inquire into and report upon tho question of military re form. This step is tho outcome of a Iong standiug doubt as to tho ofllclchcy of tho army on its present footing in tho ovent of Kuropean complications which might threaten thn neutrality of Holgluma doubt which first emanated from such competent authorities as tieueral Brialtnont and other military experts, and has now taken morn or less hold of thn public mind. Tho coniroUsIon.whleh has Iks'ii chosen in nearly equal proportions from tho military and civil professions, Is called upon to examine throo leading qucMloie (1) tho method of recruiting, ') thn number of the contingent or yearly levy of recruits, and (3) tho duration of service.

Other points remain to bo dealt with e.g., international obligations ns affecting tho principle or neutrality, strengthening tho forts, tease, aro subsidiary matters and: do not rank in importance with tho three specified, oil which depends tho actual fighting power of tho army itself, and therefore of tho national lifo in tho hour of danger. Tho Belgians aro a pleasuro Ioving people, and a long period of economic prosjierity, with an immunity from war alarms, has perhaps lulled them into a false senso of security. But it is admitted that in tho event of conflict between Franco and classes in timo of war. Tho necessity for raising this total by at least 20 per cent, is a matter on I which littlo difference of opinion exists. At present, in caso of attack, tho greater part of this forco would bo required to guard tho headquarter! of tho army at Antwerp, now tbo most strongly fortified locality in tho country, and in which am concentrated tho means of sustaining a prolonged defence.

But, as has been pointed out by an Knglish Belgium will always bo vulnerable from tho sido of Germany, so long as she persists in tho plan of shutting; up her army in ono spot. Tho forts on tho Meuso constructed somo ten years ago at great oxpenso aro tho natural protection against an army of 250,000 Germans which, it is computed, would bo brought Into tho field on that side. Belgium must bo In a position to offer sufficient resistanco till French army could reach Namnr. Until therefore tho Meuso forts are placed In a proper condition or defence, and a lino or communication is esta. bllshinl with headquarters at Antwerp, thn country Is practically at tho enemy's mercy.

To secure thn object In view It would bo. necessary to have at least 80,000 for service In connexion with tho forts, in addition to 100,000 for open fighting. An increase In tho contingent is therefore tho only means attaining tho end In view. It is pointed out that by raising tho present average or or thereabouts to 18,000 this would bring up tho army to tho rcquircii standard, and yet allow ot a reduction of ten months in tho cumulative periods or sorvico. On tho latter jwlnt thero Is much opposition military circle, sinco It obvious that any serious reduction In tho term of aetlvo service would bo prejudicial to efficiency in tho army as a whole and It Is not likely that any wldo roaehlng proposals will bo mado inthlsdirectlon.

The subject or military taxation Is one In which equal diversity or opinion exists. Tho Socialists would naturally shift tho entire military budget, on to the shoulders or tho rich but this raises questions or another order. It may bo stated In conclusion that tho labours of tho commission will probably extend over several months and whatever may lie tho fato of tho actnal rfyime ai regards tho rcmplaeement, It Is pretty certain tho other suggestions will relato mainly to tho Increase ot tho effective strength or tho army With a slight reduction in tho term of service. BELGIUM. (FBOM OCE BKUSSELS, Dec 19.

Tho qnestion of religions instruction in tho Communal or State schools of Belgium is about to bo rcoicned with that bitterness ot party spirit which Is usually engendered by such con Gcrmany, unless Belgium could throw into tho i troversics. xno r.uucauon cm oi lopmwu scale such a resistanco on either sido as would for religious instruction in primary schools, but prevent tho foe from occupying her territory, sho did not enforce it if parents chose to plead conr must forfeit her neutrality, perhaps her indepen sciontious scruples Tho Bill, however, remained and it is to obviate this possibility that thn Government is now making a practical effort with tho assistance of tho best opinion which can bo brought to boar upon tho subject. On tho first question before the commission the method ot recruiting a great change has come over public opinion in recent years. The general feeling is now in favour or personal service, which would involve tho alwlition ot the actual system of rcmplaeement, whereby a conscript whno lottery number at tho annual drawing him for service has tlio option of purchasing a substitute, thus securing jerpetnal immunity from being called upon to tako up arms. The prico of such dispensation is fixed at l.OOOf.

(01), and is almost invariably utilized by thoso who can afford it. But tho current ot public feeling which has set In against this system has only 1m vn noticeable of lato years, and may bo ascribed to a gradual evolution ot opinion rather than to party agitation. Thirty years ago tho lato Frere Orban, tho foremost liberal statesman in Belgium, was an avowed opponent of crsonal service, and even at tlm' present timo a not iiicousiderablo section of tho Catholic party cling to tho actual re'jime. circumstances have tended to bring about tho change referred first, the Franeo Gcmun war, which brought into relief'" the Incontestable, superiority ot German military institutions over those of tho French, from which tho Belgian aro mainly derived and, secondly, the great striko in tho coal district around Charleroi in ISMS, when. tho' inability of the.

country t.o maintain order within its own liordcrs was brought homo to tho minds of tho people. A third influence proceeding from the social aspect of tho question has not been less potent because its effects aro felt indirectly, and to this tho better elements of the Socialist movement may in somo degreo havo contributed. But, Socialism apart, the system now In forco does undoubtedly shift tho burden barrack lifo on to tho shoulders or tho wrest inil reugluSt sons or tho soil. The natural effect of this. greatly to deteriorate lho raw material which pes to birm tho army as a whole.

Any one who has cured to study the physique and general get up of tin averap company of foot soldiers as they plod' tho si rvtM of Brussels must havo mado a mental comparison In favour of I hoso men ho am recruited uion a different system to that practised here. It is well known that King Leopold himself, both as constitutional Sovereign and as chief of tho army, has long been converted to tho reform now aimed at. In amemorablopcochwhlchhis Majesty mado at Bruges some years ago lho ptinuiplo was clearly laid down that truo patriotism demands a jH raonal rather than a pecuniary sacrifice, Moro recently tho King's remark, Vous prichez tut on thn occasion of General Bnusjno' withdrawal from tbo jiost of Minister of War," showed ft sufficiently Wide divergence of opinion from tho majority of UU JlinMer, Humour has oven lent to hU Majoaty. tho Intention of rejgIng bt fAUM ho cannot carry a jwlnt on which Ito feel so Mrongly but thU may bo dimUcd a idlo golp. Before resigning his Xirtfello General Hrukiuoiuldred a lengthy memorandum to tho King setting forth hU ideas of The scheme tod elaborate to: set forth In detail.

Broadly speaking, It propd cd to bring Up thfl fighting: strength of tho army to 180,000 men, of which 60,000 wero to bo rCfCrvcd exclusively for tho forts. Other suggestions Included an increase of tbo contingent from an average of 13,300 per annum to 18,000, with a marked reduction In tho term pf scrrico a new of eatollinu toluntccta lit which a dead letter owing" to tho hostility which it had roused throughout tho country. Tho Catholics now announce their intention of putting tho law into operation by making the experiment of clerical instruction in tho Communal schools of Brussels. This has been tho signal for a vigorous protest from various scholastic bodies, notably tho Lujue dc and tho committee for tho protection of public schools. Tbo latter dro placarding tho walls of tho city with a notico calling upon jiarents to retaliate by pleading tho dispensation clause.

A public meeting under tho presidency ot M. Buis, tho late Burgomaster, is announced tor next week. A serious railway collision occurred at Couillet, near Namur, early this morning, when a passenger and goods train collided. Tho guard of thn passenger train was kilted. Tho number or injured Is given as IM, but or theso only six aro seriously hurt.

Tho accident was duo to tho driver or tho passenger train, who neglected to oley tho signal. GREAT BRITAIN AND HOLLAND. (Titnocou KEtrrm's aokncy.) THK Dec. 19. Tlm Netherlands Minister in London has informed tho British Government that, in view of tho fact that tho Netherlands were not a party, to tho frontier dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela, tho Dutch Government" cannot consider itself tmund by tho award of tho Paris Arbitration Tribunal regarding the demarcation of tho Anglo Dutch frontier.

Tho Dutch Government is considering what steps it will take in respect of the Surinam frontier. ALBANIA. (rcoM ocn own cxuiKusroxnExr.) VIENNA, VK. 19. Tho statement reported by tho Austrian tele graph agency to have been mado In tho Italian Chamber yestenlay by tho MarquU Vlscontl Vcnosta, to tho effect tliat Austria and Italy had already had an opportunity of ascertaining from each other that their mutual Interests in connexion with Albania wero lxt safeguarded by tho maintenance of tho abiftu quo, has, perhaps, made a greater impression abroad than it has done here.

As a matter of ract, It. apparently referred to what is now mora or less ancient history. A couplo of years ago, at a momont when tho agitation In Macedonia threatened to create serious disturbances in tho Balkan peninsula, precautionary measures word bollovod bo contemplated In Icnna in caso certain con tlnge ncle shoitfd re, Tho Italian Government Jot It bo known that If there were afty fresh, developments of tho Kantern question Italy might aUn feel called upon to taku meosojren for securing her own Interests, Huch was, at all event io stantlally. tho Intimation understood to havo bwn forthewnlng from Uerae. That, of course, Involved such Interest a tho Italians might propose to vindicate In Albania when the right time should come.

ThU was, no doubtj tho first occasion on which Atotria llungary and Italy exchanged assurances that tho preservation ot Uie ifdfui quo best corresponded to their mutual interests. It Is not impossible that this exchaago of assurances has since.bcctt renewed. Bo long as It Is found possible to aidluj ouo in tho Balkan oenlnaula. tho Albanian.