IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2657, 10 May 1894, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Condos', May b. Mr A. J. Balfour, addressing a meeting of Unionist women, said that crime in Ireland was the organised means of political warfare. He protested against the Premier meddling in elections and dictating to the House of Commons. Sir E. Gray informed Mr Hogan that the Foreign Office had instructed Sir H. Rumbold, British Minister at the Hague, to insist on the prompt recognition of the claims of Captain Carpenter, of the barque Costa Rica Packet. The Spectator’s correspondent in India saya that the mysterious marking of mango trees in Behar and North-west Provinces is puzzling the Government, and coincides with the secret distribution of unleavened cakes prior to the outbreak of the mutiny in May, 1857. Sir William Vernon Harcourt has assured the Derby electors that the report of his intended retirement is entirely without foundation. An Imperial Federation Defence Committee has been formed. Its members include Admiral Colomb, Messrs Foster, Reay, Vingliau, and Morgan, The Committee will impress upon the Government the advisability of inviting the colonies to combine with Great Britain, and contribute on an equitable basis to maritime defence in the common interests of the Empire, each receiving a proportionate share in the control. Mr Gladstone in a letter to M. Leon Say, laments opposition to freetrade which he considers a powerful factor in promoting goodwill among nations and he deplores the material losses which have been caused through the protection policy. May 8. In the House of Commons, Sir A. F, Hood declared that the Navy required 91,000 men to bring it up to the increased strentgh, but of this number only 56,000 men wtre available. Lord Spencer reassured Sir A. F. Hood that the Government had every confidence in the success of their efforts to increase the strength of the Navy, and with this assurance the subject dropped. The election for the Hackney seat rendered vacant by the elevation of Sir Charles Russell to the position of Lord of Appeal in Ordinary took place to-day, when Mr Moulton, the Liberal candidate, was returned by a Majority of 192 votes. The Parnellites declare their intention of voting against an increase in the beer and spirit duties. The division, which takes place on Thursday, is expected to bo very close.