British and Foreign

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 March 1914, Page 3

British and Foreign

[PBK r*MB ASIOWAJION.J 'ELKCTKIC TZLEGAAPH, COi'IUIGHT. j (Received This Day, 8.35 a.m.) STIRRING IT TROUBLE. St. Petersburg, March 14. Tho newspapers ununiinousy refuse to heed the intimidation ol Austro-Gerinun press campaign, and recall that Germany set the example by increasing her military strength. M. Sazanoff. slates that there is no ground for present excitement. The relations between Russia and Austria are excellent, though (hey were strained in ID 13. The semi-official Bourse Gazette says that Russia, in the event of war, will no longer act on

the defensive. Henceforward she will resume (he offensive The fortifications are completed the officers' standard raised, and the artillery in many respects excells that of France and Germany. Other branches, including the aviation, are also highly efficient. GERMANY'S AVAR TAX.

Berlin, March 14. The Gerrnan-American Commercial union is protesting to tho Government against the imposition of the new war tax upon American residents in Germany. The law provides that all persons with an annual income of £150 sterling pay an extra tax of a half per cent. Several European Powers intend to jointly protest against the tax. A BIG FIRE. New York, March ly. A iire on the waterfront, at Portland, Oregon, destroyed six blocks of buildings. The damage is estimated at two hundred thousand sterling. Two steamers, the Cricket loaded with asphalt, and the Glenray, loaded with wheat, were destroyed. The crew of the latter vessel were rescued with tyThe fire was helped by the tons of sulphur and asphalt stored in the vicinity, through which Ihe flames spread with amazing rapidity. (Received This Day 5.55 a.m.) THE PITCAIRN ISLANDERS. The American barque, Afonlaw, reports that when .oft' Pitcairn Island, two boats conveying thirty-fo\ir islanders, cameaboard and reported that they were short of bread and other commodities. They obtained a supply, also a supply of clotliing in exchange for poultry, vegetable? and fruit. The islanders reporierl all well at Pitcairn. A gale had destroyed tho plantations some time ago but those wore now recovering from the effects.