Beyond the Dominion

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 173, 15 July 1909, Page 4

Beyond the Dominion

DHINGARA ON TRIAL. London, July 11. Dhingara, the assassin of Sir Wm. Wyllie, nas been committed for trial. He objected to he word "murder." and claimed justification for his crime on the ground of patriotism. He made a rambling and vehement attack on British rule in India, stating that it caused oppression and atrocities. His remarks implied a claim of India for the Indians. Dhingara expressed a wish that sentence of death should be passed, and then tie vengeance of his compatroits would be all the keener. He concluded by appealing to sympathisers in America and Germany. KITCHENER AND THE COLONIES. . Melbourne, July 11. Lord Kitchener has accepted Mr Deakin's invitation to visit Australia after attending the army manoeuvres in Japan early in November. He adds that he gladly accepts the opportunity of again meeting the Australians who served under him in South Africa, and of helping the Commonwealth Government with any advice he can give. London, July 12. The "Standard" says that Lord j Kitchener will ultimately become the first holder of a new post to be designated Chief of the Imperial General Staff, which will enable officers everywhere to be trained on a uniform plan by means of staff colleges similar to those at Quetta and Camberley, besides the interchange of officers between the Home, Indian, and overseas dominions stations. IRISH LAND BILL. London, July 10. The House of Commons, sitting in committee yesterday, considered the Irish Land Bill. Mr Redmond's amendment to omit the proposed increase in the tenans' annuity, which, under the first clause, is intended to provide sufficient interest to ensure the issue of 3 per cent, stock, was supported by Mr Wyndham, ex-Chief Secretary for Ireland, and other Unionists, but was negatived by 14 votes to 184 amid great excitement. A small amendment standing in the name of Mr A. Birrell, Chief Secreary for Ireland, was carried by 177 votes to 143. Finally, a motion: "That the clauses stand part of the bill," was carried by 127 votes to 41, amid Unionist cries of "Drop the bill!" There was a sparse attendance of Liberals due to the strain of the all night sitting and the distractions of the Budget campaign in the provinces. The Welsh members deliberately abstained from taking part in the debates on the bill because the Welsh i Disestablishment Bill was shunted in I its favour. The Labour Party, alone saved the Government from defeat. There was a uniform complaint throughout the debate that the first clause will bring land purchase' to an absolute deadlock. Mr Birrell, relying on his adviser, argued that the provision are just and fair.

UNIVERSAL TARIFF. Paris, July 10. In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Jaures, the well known Socialist Leader, moved that the French Government promote an international conference, with a view to the gradual adoption by all nations of uniform tariffs. Mr Cruppi, Minister for Commerce, described the idea as generous, but perhaps chimerical. Nevertheless, added M. Cruppi, the Government would not oppose the motion. The motion was carried by a large majority, an amendment to refer the matter to a committee being lost. NEW GUINEA NATIVES. Sydney, July 13. The Rev. Copland King, of the New Guinea Mission, states that sorcery is frightfully prevalent in the island. The Natives are so terrified by sorcerers that many die of sheer fright of the entrancing magicians' reputation. Old women having the reputation of being witches will dig up their own dead and eat a portion of the flesh with the object of obtaining a character as sorcerers. After a successful head-hunting raid the flesh of the vanquished is sent to the friends of the victors, much after the manner in which civilised people send wedding cake. Cannibalism, however," is gradually giving away before civilising influences. THE RABBIT INDUSTRY. London, July 12. A small consignment of unfrozen Australain rabits, killed a year ago, and treated by Mr William McLeod Kean's preserving process, was inspected today, and proved to be sound and eatable. Briefly, Mr Kean's process is the removal of the spinal marrow, after which the carcase is washed and dried. The rabbits are also preserved moist, in which case they are packed in barrels, and by either process it is claimed that they will keep indefinitely. The scheme, it is considered, will povide a solution of the rabo'.t dicfnulty, inasmuch as hte carcases can be preserved in any part ox tr.e country, irrespective of its distance irom a railway, and shippta iv Lor.aon. THE MYSTERIOUS AIRSHIPS. L'. v.y I 'J.. The "Daily Ui.ronicß " i-'-arns, on the authority o:" so-ca.Dr Boyd himself, thai ;h<- .r;c-vy car.lc-d last week of the sc-'.-re': xnu.i cc ar. airship was a fabrication. K-- a::mn:ca rr.&t he had hoaxed :h-_- "jja: .y ' LUt the motive for :.:s ac*.:on := net stateC.