Shigioke, on behalf of himself and the other Liberal members, addressed an interpellation to the Government as follow: (1) What action did the Government take with regard to the lease of Kinochou by Germany and the lease of Port Arthur by Russia? (2) Did the Government know if such action was taken by the two Powers on a common understanding? (3) What view did the Government take with regard alliance with Great Britain or some other strong Power? (4) What understand ding did the Government have with Great Britain respecting the lease of Weihaiwei (8), How did the Government regard China's present position? (6) What measures were proposed to be adopted against China regarding the Shasi riot (7) What was the result of the negotiations with Hawaii? Mr. Ozaki on behalf of the Progressionists brought forward similar interpellations.
Mr. Fujita, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, explained the Bill for the Repeal of the Raw Silk Export Encouragement Law. "The Law, he said, had been quality of raw silk and developing the silk adopted with a view to improving the industry; but its objects had been frustrated, as foreign countries were adopting retaliatory measures and imposing heavy duties on Japanese silk. Therefore it was thought advisable to repeal the Law. Several members criticised the vacillation of the Government, but ultimately the Bill for repeal was adopted, further read-ihe Minister for Justice stated that the being dispensed with: Law were now before the silver yen after the lst of July next; and ' Houses. The Commercial Code hed been submitted first to the Upper and the Civil Code to the Lower House. Mr. Hadano, one of the Progressionist leaders, objected that it would be difficult to consider so voluminous a body of laws in such a short time, but the Minister for Justice urged the impossibility of delay, as the time for the operation of the new Trexties was rapidly approaching. The Code was thereupon referred to a Committee.
At a meeting of sake brewers held yesterday a resolution was passed to oppose by all possible means any increase of the tax on sake.
The United States has prohibited all telegrams passing through its territory (1) from or to the Spanish Government, with exception of messages to the U.S. Executive; (2) messages in code addressed to or from the West Indies, Venezuela, and Brazil; (3) dispatches showing a hostile intention towards the U.S. Government. Chefoo, 21st May.
Two British men-of-war arrived at Weihaiwei yesterday.
Weibniwoi, 23rd May.
The Japanese flag has been lowered and the Chinese hoisted in its place.
British marines have been landed and the British flag will be hoisted to-morrow. Peking, 23rd May.
China has assented to the payment of 30,000 taels to the relatives of the murdered French priest and has agreed to erect a church at Peihai, in Kuangtung province.
The demand to construct a railway from Peihai to Kuangsifu will be separately considered.
Tue two following notes are from the Kobe Herald The Chutoo gives publicity to a somewhat sensational report. According to this Tokio journal, a telegram has been received in the capital from Chefoo state ing that the British fleet at Chefoo has been rapidly making preparations for war in anticipation, it is suggested, of a hostile movement on the part of the Russian fleet. This is said to be due to the approach of the date for the delivery of Weihaiwei, It is further reported that England has determined to attack the Russian fleet, should Russia raise any objection to the occupation of the port.
'A Tokio news agency reports that Prince Henry of Prussia, who-is now in Peking, is coming to Japan. Application is said to have been made to Marquis Saigo, Minister of the Navy, through Count Ley-den, German Minister, and Baron Nishi, Foreign Minister, for' sanction to cruise along the coast of Japan. 'The Prince's request having been granted by the authorities, the Gefion, with the Prince on board, the Dent ud, and the Kaiserin Augusta will shortly enter Japanese waters.' 'They are expected to visit the ports of Nagasaki, Ujina, Kobe, and Yokohama, and then proceed on a two months' cruise along the coast.
A Cazcurma telegram of the 2nd inst.
"Details of the riot at Garhshankar are serious. There' were nine people ied and twenty-seven wounded. The outbreak was only suppressed after lange re-inforcements to the Police had been secured. Phe place has been since quiet.
The Poona district has been declared free from Plague.
The panic in Calcutta is subsiding, owing to the modified Plague rules.
There are no further definite Plague cases:
Itis estimated that two hundred thousand have already left Calcutta.
Froxt the London and China Express of the Sind ult. we learn that the nder-Endangering the Maosion" Houso.-the und railways in the City are patent
Cramps are to build two 12,000-ton warships for Russia.—Capt. Bayley, late of the P. & 0. Ca. Colombo, died suddenly on the 17th ult. in his 69th year.—Dr. Schmidt-Leda, German Consul-General at Yokohama, has been appointed Minister at Caracas,—In the Silver market there hay been a good inquiry for forward Silver, and, owing to the small amounts offering, forward deliveries are now quoted only 4d. under "spot." The "spot" supplies have not been large, and, with America withholding sales, the price has remained almost unchanged since our last. In Mexican dollars there are no movements to report.—In the Tea market business is noticeable for a firmer tone, nearly all kinds commanding attention.' The. warlike position between Spain and the United States has already affected some staple products, and may strengthen prices of low grades of tea.—The P. and O. Company have sold the Ravenna and it was thought she was bought by Spain.
Tue theory that Lord Salisbury is seriously ill from overwork will be confirmed by the following telegraphic report of a recent speech wagon, 4th May.
Lord Salisbury, speaking at a demonstra tion of the Primrose League at the Albert Hall to-day, lauded the surpassing courage and skill of the officers conducting the Soudan carapaiga. His Lordship said that the work in that quarter was not yet done, and would be accomplished with no laggard hand. He believed that posterity would regard the present time og an age of heroes, producing soldiers like Sirdar Kitchener and General Lockhart, and administrators and diplomats like' Lord Cromer and Sir Claude Mucdonald.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.