Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 December 1894 — FOREIGN. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FOREIGN.

The King of Spain has closed the Cortes on account of the continued tumults in that body. Prince Bismarck is reported to be thoroughly broken down by the death of his wife, and ho predicts that he will himself die before the new year. Emperor William has presented gold watches, with his portrait and monogram, to two Bedouin Sheiks in recognition of their service to several German archaeologists. Armenian refugees arrived in Athens Dec. 5, and confirmed the stories of the recent atrocities in that country. Horrible as were the first reports, It appears that half was not told. A dispatch from Shanghai, Dec. 5, states that a ten day’s armistice has been arranged between China and Japan. Terms of peace are now being considered by representatives of the powers. Emperor William, wearing a British uniform, called on the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, in Berlin, Wednesday. The Englishmen shortly afterward returned the formal call and immediately left for England. Recent Yokohama dispatches state that Japan has decided to insist on heavy penalties from China. If the war is concluded promptly the least amount, it is stated, that will be accepted is 400,090,000 yen, and the cession of all territory now occupied by Japanese forces. A London cable, Dec. 4, states that En” glish forces in South Africa have captured a famous Kaffir Queen, who is claimed to be 300 years old. Apparently trustworthy evidence has been produced that she has actually been at the head of her tribe since 1780. Reginald Saunderson, a member of one of the most aristocratic families of England, has been arrested for the murder ol an abandoned woman named Dawes in London, the case being a mysterious one. The theory of the police is that Saunderson, who is rather weak-minded, was Influenced to commit the crime by reading the reports of the murders committed by Conham Reed, who was hanged Tuesday, The Reichstag opened at Berlin, Dec. 5 Emperor William delivered his speech from the throne in person. The delivery was earnest and impressive. Various matters for the consideration of tha German lawmakers were presented. Tin new Reichstag building was dedicated al 3p. m., Dec. 5. The Emperor and Chancellor and all the civil and military dignitaries of the country participated in the ceremonies.

The famous French engineer, died a' Paris, Dec. 7. Vicomte Ferdinand d« Lesseps, G. C. 5.1., was born at Versailles prance, November 19, 1805. In 1828 he entered the diplomatic service as an at tacho of the consulate at Lisbon, an< subsequently served in like position: elsewhere. His efforts in behalf of th: .Suez canal, on which his chief claim ti fame rests, began in 1856. The canal w 6: opened for business Aug. 15, 1869. De Les sops’ connection with the Panama cana and his failure in the enterprise are to: well kuown ton eed recounting here.

FERDINAND DE LESSEPS,