AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. WORLD FLIGHT. NEW YORK, .March 25. The British round-the-world fliers’ challenge to make a race of the American and British attempts to circumnavigate the world has been declined by the United States War Department, on the ground that speed is not the essential element of the United States’ flight. The U.S.A. Air Service holds that the competitive element would immeasurably increase the probabilities of failure, and possibly of disaster. It lias intimated that both flights should be in the nature of scientific tests.

further disarmament. WASHINGTON, March 26. Commenting on a Tokio despatch saying Minister Kokuyochi has approved in principle the American suggestion for the further restriction of naval armaments the State Department declares that no such suggestion has been made to Japan beyond tlie House recommendation that a further armament conference will he held. The Administration has indicated that it does not consider the time opportune for further elimination.

U.S.A. CONGRESS. NEW YORK, .March 25. The New York “Times” Washington correspondent learns that President Coolidgc, while whole-heartedly favouring a further limitation of armaments, believes the present time inopportune therefor. The U.S.A. House of Representatives meanwhile h»s adopted an amendment to the Naval Appropriations Bills, requesting President Coolidgc to consult the Powers, with a view to calling an armament limitation conference fas cabled .March 15), and if tlie Senate approves of tlie suggestion. President Coolidgc will undoubtedly act in accordance therewith.

President Coolidgc, nevertheless is oi opinion that .nothing can be accomplished in this direction, because several of the Powers at Washington Conference are strongly opposed to the limitation of submarines, aircratt, auxiliary craft as envisaged ill tlie so-call-ed Hughes plan, suggesting the livc-lico-three ratio. President Coolidgc further believes the causes which prompted this opposition have in no way abated. and that theiofore little real limitation is probable. Nevertheless President Coolidgc sees a possibility of further modifying international law, and also of other agreements which arc likely to bring a realisation of the futility of competitive armaments.

CANADA HOUSE IN LONDON. t ßeceived this day at 8 a.m.i OTTAWA, March 20. The Commons has voted thirteen hundred thousand dollars for the purchaso of the Union Club in Trafalgar Square, London, for a Canada House. TEAPOT DOME SCANDAL. WASHINGTON, March 23. The Teapot Dome oil lease sensation may finally be lost in the American Courts. Mr Sinclair (bead of one oil group concerned in the leasing ol J2Jvl acres of naval oil -reserve at leapot Dome, California) is now declining to testify before the Congressional Committee that is investigating the mi scandals. Consequently tlie Congressional Committee has sought an order from tic. Court compelling him to testify. Whatever decision is obtained, boa over, h will be appealed against, until Liu United States Supreme Court rules on the question. Several weeks will thus probably intervene before the ruling Is given.

STOCK DISHASf

SAX FRANCISCO March 25

The hoof and mouth epidemic (cabled mi, February 28) is increasing. The officials who believed at first that they would l>e able to confine the disease to two or tlnee counties where it was initially in evidence, now admit their failure! Stricter regulations are being enforced in an attempt to delete the post, FOOT AND MOUTH DISKASE. (Received this day at 11.15 a.m.) NEW FORK. Afaieh 20. The foot and month disease'is spreading so vapidly that almost the whole of California has been Apia ran lined. BANDITS’ DARING DEED. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, .March 26. Four bandits in Chicago snatched mailbags rfjntaining 1 .15.1100 dc.Hfais, currency from the messengers. The bandits’ <-ar was madly chased by motors into the centre of the city "here a traffic jam enabled the robbers to escape. The route of the chase * was marked hv torn mail sticks and envelopes, the bandits -busily employing themselves getting, rid of incriminating evidence excepting the money. PROHIBITIONIST COMMITTED. TO SING SING. NEW YORK, A Birch 26. William Anderson, the former head of the Anti-Saloon League has been convicted on a charge of embezzlement. Ho has commenced his term of imprisonment in Sing Sing.