General News.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3642, 28 August 1880, Page 4

General News.

In tbe House of Representatives Mr *Ispwen (July 8) asked tbe Defence Minister, whether steps have been taken, as promised in previous • sessions, 1 to supply cadet corps with suitable arms with a view of the encouragement of military drill in schools ? He had asked the question on previous occasions, and it bad repeatedly been stated by the Government that armß would be provided for the use of boys' in schools, and that they were on their way from Home. Now that it was intended to reduce the votes for Volunteers, it was more important

military drill should be taught in schools and this was the most useful way of '# training boys. Mr<Bryce said the Agent- . General was instructed some considerable time ago to enter into a contract for the supply of these arms, and last December he reported that a contract had been made. He was again instructed, on the 10th March, by. telegram, to have the order executed. The Government had not heard from the Agent-General since ; but he was under the impression that the , arms would arrive before very long.!, The " Business . Man's Moderation

Society " of this city, if not the best thing, seems to be a good thing as far as it goes, - and is certainly better than nothing. Jt has three forms of pledges in respect to the use of alcoholic beverages. .• In <sne

of these pledge? the signer commits himself to the principle of total.abstinence; and, according to the last annual report of the Society, some 5,000 business meu had during the year taken this pledge. Another pledge requires the signer to abstain from the use of liquors during* business hours; and this has been signed by more than 4000 persons. The signers

of the third pledge solemnly declare that they will neither treat nor be treated; and more than 12,000 business men had taken this pledge.—New York Independent.

London, August 13. It is now positively announced that the Baroness Burdett Coutts is betrothed to Mr Asmead Bartlett, one of the members of the House of Commons. Her Majesty Queen Victoria is strongly opposed to the marriage,"and is endeavoring to dissuade the Baroness from taking the step. Should the Baroness marry she will forfeit half her income.

Sir Charles Dilke (Foreign Undersecretary), replying to a question by Aldermiß William M'Arthur, said that tb» Government were still discussing the propriety of establishing joint consular authority at Samoa, but it would be unadvisable at present to announce their deeiiion. '