London, 18th May.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt, in a speech which he declared would be his last in the House of Commons, strongly supported a motion by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman condemning the recent increase in expenditure.
He attributed this increase to the existing spirit of annexation, raids, retaliation, and appeals to international jealousy.
Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, repudiated these charges.
He said that a reduction of the Army expenditure was being considered; but the shipbuilding pro-ume of France, Germany, and russia showed the necessity that the two-Power standard for the Navy should not be changed.
He did not share the view that the Japanese war had wiped out of the great navies of the world.
The "Kéluische Zeitung" states that of the troops mobilised in European Russia, four divisions of infantry, comprising eighty battalions, as well as thirtyix squadrons of cavalry and 278 guns, will go to the theatre of war in the Far East." Besides these fourth Siberian Amy corps will be organised.
Pho steamers of the Volunteer Fleet of the Black Sea ure put into service. Apparently all of them are loading coal. The United States Government has ordered seven men-of-war to proceed to Chefoo in order to protect American interests in Newchwang, the Russians having evacuated the place.
"the neutral Powers in Europe out tain, in spite of the Japanese victori no fear in regard to the polities of China.
The Herreros are withdrawing further to the North.
Governor Lentwein of German South-West Africa denies that he intends to retire, and states that he will assist General Trotha with all his experience and all his power.
The French Cabinet has accepted Colonel Marchand's resignation.
Sede Lyth Mui.
The Japanese ioni has been subscribed for thirty times over.
The French Press notices a growing pro-Japanese spirit in Berlin.
Aden has been declared to be infected by plague.
Russia has assented to the Anglo-French agreement about Egypt. The French Cabinet has instructed Mr. Deleassé to express therefore sincerest thanks in St. Petersburg.
King Peter of Servia and Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria will meet at Nisch. 16th May, King Edward has announced his intention to visit H. M. the Kaiser during the jel week. The Kaiser has thanked the King, accepting his visit.
Tt is stated by the local banks that the Government lias decided to exclude, daring the Russo-Japanese War, any new Russian loan from the German exchanges The Dresiner Bank and the Schaafthausenscher Bankverein have enhanced their capital again by 55 million marks in order to absorb x number of smaller banks.
The Servian and the Bulgarian Govern-iment deny that the meeting at Nish prompted by any political intents {here will be no time for the consultation and closing of any agreements during the interview.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.