CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2064, 26 April 1907, Page 2

CABLES.

rasas ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. LONDON, April 21. Tlie Empire Education fund was inaugurated at a crowded meeting. Lord Milner said the movement to familiarise youth with' Imperial problems would create a spirit of reverence and awe for the Empire, and crush the light of jingoism. Mr. Donkin sympathcticaJly-address ed the conference' of education experts and medical men in favor of teaching hygiene and temperance in the universities and schools of the

Empire. Judgment was entered by default at Dublin for £65,000 against D. E. Williams and'Patrick Smith, distillers, at the. instance of the Inland Revenue authorities, owing to defendant’s failure to issue permits correctly with parcels of spirits.

In the House of Commons Mr. Haldane’s Territorial Forces Bill was lead a second time by a large majority. The Premier, ill reply to Mr. H. Cox, said Britain’s obligation to defend the whole of the Empire was independent of any written agreement or treaty. Judging from past experience there seemed no doubt that the colonies would recognise their obligations to assist in the defence of the Empire as a .whole. He hoped to carry out reconstruction of fortresses without hurry before it comes to war, and before the fortresses are required. The finding of the Board of Trade enquiry into the loss of the steamer Berlin shows that tlie wreck was dae to the master’s error of judgment in entering a new waterway in the weather prevailing, and not making suffi_ eient allowance for wind and sea.

- Mr. Hughes, in an article in the Morning Post, appeals to the British labor party to support the compulsory training of adult males in the defence of their country. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught have returned to London from a visit to the East. The Grand. Jury at the Old Bailey was impressed with the number of cases wherein aliens appear, and unanimously expressed the opinion that the exclusion of undesirables and deportation of others should be- more rigorously enforced. The recommendation was forwarded to the Government.

Mr. W. G. Hackett, of Western Australia, read a paper at the Society of Arts dealing with social and economic conditions in Australia. He stated in regard to the labor party that calm consideration would go far to discount the fears held in so many quarters. Mr. Deakin, presiding, declared that the British public did not realise Australia’s remarkable relative prosperity, its enormous wealth, and inestimable opportunities. Australians themselves had not . vet learned to realise its possibilities. Air. Hughes quoted figures showing that whatever his opponents asserted the labor party had done during the last 15 years, it had not prevented Australia going ahead.

ST. PETERSBURG, April 24

The Duma Commission’s report was read yesterday. It described the mediaeval tortures inflicted on political prisoners and suspects in order to extract confessions, and declared the Governor of Riga, with the knowledge of the administrative authorities, -pillule prosecutor, and colonel of the gendarmerie, empowered a special committee to kill accused without trial. Some of the descriptions of the torture imposed are unprintable. Finger, toe-nails, and' hair were torn out, prisoners flailed with india-rubber sticks until their flesh was hanging in strips, salt being rubbed in. A man died on a bench. A plank was laid across his body and two policemen see-sawed thereon until his back broke. After the torture the poor manned wretches were generally shot near Riga prison.

I The Government, in reply to an interpellation, admitted tlio truth of most of the statements, but the allegations against the Public Prosecutor’s department were exaggerated. The Government added that M. Stolvpin ordered an enquiry and prosecu-. tion of the guilty persons. Gregus, the chief culjirit connsjted with the Riga horrors, has been promoted to a high post in the political police at St. Petersburg. 31. Stolypin ordered the Governors of Jewish zones, to issue proclamations, warning the people' against progroms on May 5, and announcing that the troops would rigorously suppress any disturbance.

NEAY YORK, April 24.

Captain Fultam, of the United States cruiser, Marietta, intimating thta America would not allow insults to the British flag, compelled a Honduras insurgent leader to apologise for removing a flag which the British residents had hoisted for'their own protection at Salado.

PARIS, April 24.

A fuse pushed under the door of an annexe was the cause of the Toulon, fire.

The fuse found at Toulon was not inflammable. It is believed to be a practical joke, but the evidence points to the fire having been caused by an incendiary.

BERLIN, April 24.

Herr Einem, in a militant speech in the Reichstag, declared' lie was confident the Reichstag would vote money to give the soldiers the best weapons, and not act like the French, who, when in 1905 the sky was overcast, lavished hundreds of millions on the frontier, and ordered all to be ready for war. Germany must he-ready before it was necessary to use weapons. AIELBOURNE, April 25.

An attempt was niado to wreck the Sydney express at Kilmore. Seventeen sleepers were placed on the track. Tlio train swept them aside. A man named Ryan lias been arrested. He admitted*his intention was to wreck the train. He is apparently demented.

PERTH, April 25. ’file most disastrous fire in the history of the city completely gutted Sandover and Company’s large fourstorey hardware establishment. The fire started in a cellar amongst paint and benzine, and spread with tremendous rapidity. There was a liesvv stock of explosives in the cellar. Half the firemen.attacked the flames, and the remainder entering the explosives’ department singly secured parcels and removed them to safety. The. work was dangerous owing to tile explosion of cartridges. Tho fire raged for hours, and traffic in the adjoining streets was suspended. AA’hitc and Co.’s and Alaekav’s drapery establishments were considerably and other premises slightly damaged. Samlover’s insurances amount to I £46,034, but it is stated this does not represent anything like the loss. The other premises were insured.

SYDNEY, April 25

The Herald in urging the importance of maintaining the San Francisco mail service, says: “By means of the improved service the Union Company are prepared to offer, wo can trade with A'ancouver and continue the connection with Sail Francisco without entailing much real difference in face of the present volume of trade. If the moral of the suspension of the Oceanic- Company’s ■service is that we must learn to help ourselves in the matter of the Pacific mail service, then wo must help the Union Company to strengthen the A'ancouver line.”

The Board of Cricket Control have received’ a cable confirming the Marylebone Club's acceptance of tho Board’s offer for an English team on condition that Die Alarylebone Club approves the Board’s programme of matches, which is to be gabled to Loudon.

BRISBANE, April 25.

The Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution emphatically protesting against tho exclusion of Brisbane from tho Vancouver mail service, declaring that Queensland would lose trade and prestige and have to pnj a portion of the subsidy for "htcli New Zealand would reap the benefit.

STRANDING OF THE SUEVIC

Received April 25,- 9.57 p.m. LONDON, April 25. Judgment has boon given tint tbe stranding of tbe Suevic was due 'o ‘the default of tho master in maintaining full speed towards '.and in haay weather. Considering Captain Jones’s previous record and his conduct after tho casualty, the Court derided to suspend his certifirn'o for three months only. NEW PRIVY COUNCILLOR. Received April 25, 9.57 p.m. LONDON. April 23. Air. Churchill has been created a l’rivy Councillor. . SLIGHT EARTH TREMOR. Received April 20, 9.-16 p.m. SYDNEY, April 26. The Government Astronoemr reports that the seismograph at tho Observatory recorded a small earth tremor at 9.30 o’cloch this morning. The extent will not be known till the seismograph i 3 opened next week.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

A UNIFIED ARAIY. LONDON. April 24

Mr. Haldane, addressing the Conference .urged the desirability of the organisation of the military forces of the Empire, upon a broad, and not upon a rigid, pattern, for common purposes. He suggested that the newly-created general staff should be given an -Imperial character, and be at the disposition of all local governments or commanders-in-chief for furnishing advice and supplying intelligence of an expert description. Ho did not desire that such staff should in the slightest degree suggest to the autonomous colonies that they must accept any direction from Home in military matters, but their trained advice would be at their disposal. Mr. Haldane furnished the Conference with papers dealing with the strategical conditions of tho Empire from a military standpoint, emphasising three great principles: First, the obligation of the self-gov-erning colonies to provide their own local security: second, the duty of arranging for mutual assistance in case of supreme common need; third, the necessity of maintaining the Empire’s sea supremacy. Britain was organising her territorial army for home defence, and also the expeditionary striking force, naval and military, designed to assist in any part of the Empire. He emphasised the importance of assimilating the war organisation throughout the Empire, and the adoption of a uniform system of nomenclature. The value, of colonial help to the Motherland would be much increased if their system readily fitted into the war organisation of the Imperial army in the field. A highly-skilled general staff alone could supply a common conception of essentials. The small arms and ammunition should be of the same pattern ; also, adequate reserves of stores should be prepared in time of peace. It was desirable that the autonomous colonies should obtain ordinance stores through the Mar Office. The training of officers was very important. Britain was trying -to create a reserve of officers. If such reserve were made Imperial it would be a great additional security to the Empire. The British genera! staff would cordially interchange with the colonial staffs, thus creating an Imperial school of military thought, imbued with the same traditions and* accustomed to tho same stratgetical problems. Replying to Mr. Borden, Air. Haldane said the general staff would not be an independent authority exercising control throughout the Empire, but a training school which would lend experts to the local general staffs and receive assistance from the colonial general staffs. He hoped the colonies would send experts to confer with the British general staff in order to immediately begin executing the broad principle bis resolution affirmed.

Mr. Borden viewed tlie scheme favorably. Mr. Deakin complimented Mr. Hal dano on his luminous exposition, and strongly urged the publisrihg of his speech in its entirety. He recognis ed Mr. Haldane’s desire not to inthe powers of the colonial Govern ment3 and Legislatures. Tho genera 1 staff only meant to offer export and mature advice. He believed any pro posal to extend the operations of the general staff would be heartily welcomed in Australia. He fully accepted the principle of interchangeability of weapons, and approved of the principle of interchange of units * but doubted its practicability for Australia, owing to the groat distance and the smallness of the permanent force. Australia desired an extended interchange of officers, especially o' higher standing than those hitherto sent. Tho relative rank of officer.in the outer and inner parts of tin Empire required consideration. Aus tralia was envious of Canada’s pro gross in military schools. Australir felt the weakness of her system o' officers. Owing to the local condi tions it would be very difficult tr' ■maintain a sufficient regular suppl; of entrants to local military colleges Mr. Deakin said ho had noticed thn the experts advised the colonial Go vernments to arrange for the loca 1 manufacture of war materials and stores, rather than rely on the United Kingdom’s resources. Ho hoped tin Admiralty would encourage colonia 1 ammunition factories by using tliei products. Australia was driven t< purchase her supplies from privati firms because she was unable to rob on tho War Office. Sir Joseph Ward supported thvoltintary co-operation of the cojonin Governments and the British geneia staff. He thought it possible to so cure a stronger and a better systen of general Imperial defence. It waa high ideal to try to assimilate tin Empire’s war organisation. H' agreed to obtain war stores and am munition generally through tho Wai Office if it was understood that tin colonies had a right to make ammuni tion if they were able. Ho recognised the importance of using tho sanu kind of arms and ammunition. H' believed New Zealand would ar range for the interchange of unit and officers. If a. volunteer com pany came to England for the purpose of interchange, the New Zea land Government would probably hr willing to pay a reasonable sum New Zealand was always willing tha 1 volunteers should assist the Mother land in the event of troubles arisinr both in men and money. The colom was ready to do its share in the dr

fence of any part of the world, hu* wanted to keep clear of the possibility of being drawn into Continent;' troubles. “Wo want,’’ lie said, “r distinct lino of demarcation betwcotlie responsibility we accept of onown free will and the responsibility that may he placed upon us without our having an opportunity for coo feronce or discussion.” Thousands wore ready to volunteer to fight over

seas. , ~ " General Botha thought the posi tion in the Transvaal would be bazar dons if the Imperial troops were wit )•

PARLIAMENTARY LUNCHEON. LONDON, April 24. The Parlamentary luncheon to the Premiers at Westminster Hall was a brilliant function, numbering CSO, including members of the House of Lords, Commons, ex-Ministers, notable ladies, the High Commissioners, and the, Agents-General.

There was a picturesque procession of the Conference representatives and their ladies, Sir Wilfrid Lauricr leading with Mrs. Deakin, who sat on. Sii H. Campbell-Bannerman’s left, Madame Lauricr being on his right. The guests received a great ovation. Sir H. C. Bamierman proposed tho toasts of the guests, coiTpled with Sir W. Laurier’s name, emphasising the historic character and significance of the occasion. He greeted the Premiers with goodwill and affection, and recognised tlieir patriotic sacrifice. The British Government, the Opposition and Parliament, were anxious to pay all honor to the visitors. Air. Balfour felicitiously supported the toast. ’ The guests had as much right to the historical memories suggested by tho Hall as themselves. ’ Sir Wilfrid Laurier responded. Ho said he' once dreamt that he would have liked a seat in tho Imperial Parliament which had done so much for the liberties of mankind. He recognised later that it might prove a source of embarrassment both to the Alotherland and daughter nations. Tlie best way to maintain the Empire was to allow every community to administer its affairs in its own Parliament.

General Botha was given a great reception. He proposed “The Motherland of Parliaments,” from which he said, sprang the constitution for which tlio Transvaal was grateful. Lord Loroburu and Air. James Lowthcr responded. , The Bencliers at Gray’s inn give a luncheon to the Premiers on May 11th. The Duke, of Connaught presides, and tho King will probably be present.

WHAT ABOUT COMMERCE ? Received April 25, 10.35 p.m. _ LONDON, April 25.

WORK AND WAGES.

SYDNEY COAL-LUMPERS

SYDNEY', April 24

drawn. . . Lord Tweedmouth explained Wgeneral principles influencing the Ac miralty in the defence of the Empire especially insisting on the necessity

of unity of control of the fleet. 1 The newspapers welcome tho pros- : pect of voluntary , co-operation of the Empiro’s forces. The Morning Post says Air. Hnndane's memorandum sounds a true note of Imperial statesmanship, seeking not to centralise control, but rather unity of aim. Tho Times says the Admiralty has realised the navv is made for tho Empire, not tho Empire for tho navy. It. is important to recognise the naionnl aspirations impelling Australia and Canada to insist on controlling jtheir own forces ns tho sen is the highway of the Empire. Common work in preparation, directed with a common object, and therefore regulated by common principles, which may bo agreed upon by tbe several Governments, is a method adoptnble in naval equally with the military problem. In neither ease is it. incompatible with unity of control through spontaneous action of tlie several Governments when emergency arises. Tlie Morning Leader declares that the secretariat will bo a civil link of the Empire, and the Imperial staff a military link. It is easy to see the advantages and equally easy the dangers of both being overtrained. The real virtue must reside not in the organisation, but in the men working it. AVliilo tlie spirit that made tlie Empire remains, the Empire will not bo wrecked. Reuter learns that the suggestion that General Botha intends to proposo a special Transvaal force is incorrect. If any special defence force is organised, it will not be confined to one State, but. will be common to the whole of South Africa. Lord Twcediuouth explained ‘ o the Conference that the A:1 ; miralty’s one aim was to maintain j tho fleet on a scale ensuring retention j of supremacy. Ho did not desire to press further contributions of men . and money, but cordially welcomed the co-operation of tho colonies in | the form most agreeable to them- j selves. Whether they contributed or j not, the Admiralty would do its best j to secure them from over-sea attack He expressed tho hope that tho discussion would show it was to satisfy both Australian and New Zca- i laud views. Tho Admiralty was not j opposed to the policy that Australia was particularly favored, but indicated a desire to retain control of local ships. The colonial representatives would be invited to confer separately with the Admiralty. Air. Deakin remarked that tho Admiralty’s attitude had been altered several times. He withheld his views on the general policy which Lord Tweedmouth indicated until his speech was printed. He admitted that he personally desired to see the Australian naval subsidy diverted from the coffers of tlie Admiralty and expended more acceptably in Australian factories supplying ammunition, including big gun ammunition to the squadrons in Australia. China, . and India, enabling the establishment of much larger factories than the Vocal supply would warrant. Sir Joseph Ward also declined to discuss the general principle at present. He expressed a hope that the poliev New' Zealand desired would be carried out without impeding Australia’s wishes. After a renewal of the discussion it was decided to adjourn the question of naval defence till a later sitting. The Conference adjourned till to-morrow. , MELBOURNE, April 25. Sir John l'orrest and Air. Ewing express gratification aF the Defence resolution being carried at the Imperial Conference.

The Colonial Institute dinner to the Premiers at the Whitehall rooms was the greatest function of the season. Lord Elgin presided. There were 400 guests, including Lords Halsbury. Marlborough, Norfolk, Jersey, Alvcrstnno, Brnssey, Ranfurly, Rothschild, and Strathcona and Sir Edward Grey, Sir H. Fowler, Sir E. Buxton and Sir C. Sydenham Clarke.

Lord Elgin’s casual reference to Mr. Chamberlain evoked immense and prolonged cheering. Sir Wilfrid Lanrior eulogised the granting of a constitution to their Jite enemies in South Africa as a continuation of a generous policy. Mr. Donkin’s speech was the speech of the evening. He bantered Lord Elgin for his restriction of information in regard to the Imperial Conference. He was glad he had published Mr. Handane’s spceech on the principles of defence; blit why stop there P Did the Empire exist only for defence? Must there be a brain for the army,.a brain for the navy, md no brain for commerce?

The situation in connection with the strike is practically unchanged as far as Sydney is concerned. Picketing is being systematically carried on. There are large numbers of police iu the vicinity of the employers bureau, and the ships are coaling with free labor. Everything is orderly,. The strikers express themselves very confident.

Ail important development has occurred at Newcastle. Delegates from the Sydney Union addressed a meeting of local trimmers, and as a result it was decided not to trim any vessels at Newcastle which usually coal at Sydney. Another effect o. ■the strike has been the stoppage of work in several southern collieries.

The Tsinan’s two Chinese were charged with landing in Australia in contravention of the Contract Immigration Act. Counsel for the defence contended that “contract immigrant” pieapt an,: immigrant un-

dor contract to perform manual labor in Australia. 4'he accused were neither immigrants nor contract immigrants. Tho action was being taken by some strikors to servo a private end. Counsel for tho prosecution claimed that the Act applied to moil working on a vessel which was a foreign vessel so far ns Australian waters wore concerned. Ho submitted that accused had landed in Australia because they wore working on an Australian boat. Tho Afngistrate considered that the charge was not made out, and dismissed tho case. Tlio prosecution intimated that tlie case would probably go further. A largo number of strikors watched the proceedings. While tho Newcastle lumpers were attending the Sydney meet, ing, tlie work of coaling on all ships was stopped for two hours. The delegates intend to interview the Colliery Employes’ Federation to try to securo their support for tho strikers.