Foreign.

Manawatu Herald, 4 January 1896, Page 2

Foreign.

The Bond Bill has been passed by 169 to 136. Th^ Turkish Customs revenue has fallen 50 per cent since the crisis, and the country is practically bankrupt. The soldiers at Damascus are dying at the rate of 100 per day. The men are without food and clothes, and the neglect of the authorities is causing much hostile comment. The Sultan* has sent the Ozar a number of handsome presents. The Government contract for the lighting of Pretoria by electricity contains a clause preventing the purchase of the necessary plant from English firms. The Morgan syndicate has offered to supply 5,000,0000z gold at the option of the Government in ex* change for 4 per cent bonds. The commission charges are believed to be 1 per cent. The Rothschilds refused to assist, and it is improbable that any money will be offered by London financiers. The New York Exchange has greatly improved owing to the issue of bonds. It is stated 150,000,000 dollars' worth has been subscribed already. Canada is profoundly aroused, acd resolutely demands a scheme of defence and the appointment of British officers. Venezuela is fortifying Maraoaybo harbour. The Spanish Minister has been expelled from Bogota, the capital of the United States of Colombia, South America, for denouncing the treatment of the British Minister. A portion of the insurgents at Zeiioun are still defending the heights of the city. The Embassies' are endeavouring to arrange the terms of surrender.