CABLE SUMMARY.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 292, 24 May 1898, Page 4

CABLE SUMMARY.

[The following messages were published in our Special Edition yesterday.] London, May 20. Owing to the strikes several large English engineering firms are transfering their factories to Belgium. M A. J. Balfours condition is causing anxiety. He is hardly able to speak, owing to heart trouble, arising from an attack of influeuza. America has purchased a steamer ■with refrigerating machinery, at present engaged in tho Australian trade, and is negotiating for the purchase of other vessels of a similar character. It is feared that frozen meat freights will advance, owing to shortage of tonnage. Mr Cecil Rhodes stated in the course of an interview that he expects that Sir H. H. Kitchener's Soudan forces will enter Kharteum in October next. Within five years of that time the African Continental telegraph system will have been completed. Reports from Washington indicate that the possible estrangement between America and France, arising out of American complaints against the action of the French at Martinique in supplying Spanish warships with coal.vt'nas been averted, and a friendly understanding renewed. Berlin, Ma> 20. The health of Prince Bismarck is giving occasion for renewed anxiety. Rome. May 20. Tho Italian Government proposes to revoke Cardinal Ferrari's exequatur for complicity in the Italian riots. Capetown, May 22. The Customs Union Convention between Cape Colony, Natal, and the Orange Free State, has agreed to increase the duties on coal and coke Is per 1001 b ; and to decrease the duty on frozen beef Id per lb, and on flour 6d per 1001 b.