The ex-Premier, since his return from London, has delivered himself to good effect on one or two subjects, notably education, in reference to which he discredited the ultra-conservative and reactionary spirit of late years. Returning to the capital the other day from Yokosuka (where he had been witnessing the launch of the Akashi-kan, a new cruiser) he tackled the principal_members of the Ministry re-erding the Communications Department. he Minister at the head of that useful and necessary branch of the public service chancel! to be in the carriage and, if he happens to be a man of any sensitiveness, he must have enjoyed the railway ride home. For 3 Ito got in some home thrusts on the subject of the delays the postal telegraphic service, ud pointed vut that foreign visitors cannot fail to draw anything but. creditable conclusions as to the country and its people from the vexatious and disgraceful delays in the delivery of letters, telegrams, etc. Ifthe ex-Premier would consult some of the business men here he would not want instances to support his argument. Viscount Nomura, of course, took refuge bed the plea that he was not allowed enough money to run the Department properly, but this isa lame excuse and by means explains the abuses known to exist.
Military operations on an impressive scale just been carried out in Kiushi der the supervision of Marshal Marquis Tnspector-General of the Land res were watched by milit: attach's, papers tle idle of operations was that a hostile power had landed two army corps athern Kiushiu, after capturing Okinawa (Loochoos) and severing all comniunication between Formosa and Japan oper. The invaders were supposed to ave taken possession of the greater portion of Kiushiu, while the defenders held Saseho, Shimonoseki, ete. What remained of the fleet was held'to be stationed at Kure and Moji. Ogura Castle having been seized by the invaders, an attack in force was made at that point, with complete success. At Tawara also the defenders were held to have driven the enemy back, The decisive engagement of the series was fought beand Kurume, near the banks The manceuvres were the 19th when the is reported to have pointed out that the cavalry had not made the most of their opportunities. Before dispersing the forces a grand banquet was neume. Upwards of thirty Fapanese war correspondents were present at the manteuyres.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.