CONTINENTAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 359, 27 May 1874, Page 3

CONTINENTAL.

Paris, April 18th. Sixty millions were voted for the repair of the French fortifications.

With reference to the escape of Rochfort and his companions, the Paris "Soir" says the escape of the French convicts has already led to an exchange of notes between the Cabinets at Versailles and St. James. According to the information of the English Government it was a French vessel fitted by friends of the prisoners, having on board a crew of 25 men, who were quite determined to fight if necessary. Seventeen convicts were to be carried off, but when the moment arrived only five were ready, the others being engaged at work assigned to them. The English authorities declare that the captain fraudulently hoisted the British flag, but the French believe they can prove that the vessel was equipped and prepared in a British port, and that the British Government should be held responsible. Upon reach inglSydney, Rouhefort telegraphed for 25,000f. to M. Adam, formerly Prefect of the Paris police, and guardian of his children. After satisfying himself that this was not an attempt at a hoax, Adam forwarded the money, part of which was sup->< plied by two newspapers, viz., " Rcpubliqu^j Francaise " and the '• Rapport." M. Victorf Hugo, also contributed 6,300f. Four hundred thousand francs have been subscribed for the relief of the laboring classes in Paris. The distress grows wider daily. Two batches of Lothringen priests (37 in all) have been tried at the Court at Metz for reading from the pulpit the pastoral of the Bishop of Nancy, commanding the faithful to pray to the Blessed Virgin to intercede for the speedy.reunion of the annexed provinces to France. Of the first batch, 11 ecclesiastics were condemned to a fortnight' t imprisonment; three to a week's confinement; and the remainder were acquitted. ItaliT. Large numbers of Roman noblemen attended the Vatican on the 23rd March to pay homage to the Pope as a counter demonstration to celebrate the King's ascension. His Holiness made an energetic speech, praising the unalterable devotion of the Roman nobilility, who had given the world an example of faithfulness in adversity. A considerable meeting of Romans was held at Loggie de Raffacto. They saluted the Pope with frantic cheers.