Dutch News 4Q1898

[Borys]

 Netherlands News, 4Q98

Amsterdam; 1 Oct,98
The Ministry of Defense announced today that the 1st Division, II Colonial Corps. has been transfered to the Netherlands newly claimed lands in southern Australia. This is in response to Russian troop movements in the area. Also the XIV Colonial Reserve Corps has been issued orders to begin activation, after training the Corps will deploy to Australia.
In other news the Foriegn Minister , Lubbert Gijsbertsz, announced today that the first Dutch colonists to South Australia sailed last week. The final landing area has not been relerased.
Mr. Gijsbertsz also stated that the area now being called Dutch Australia was largely unsettled and undeveloped. The ship is expected to reach Australia before Christmas. A Royal Navy escort will be provided when leaving Java, the nature of the escort is not being released.

Stanleyville Congo; 29 Oct. 98
More trouble in the northeast areas of the Congo have been reported. One of the latest attacks to take place was in the town of Bunia just west of Lake Albert dozens of farms were looted and burned. All livestock was gone and the bodies of all the men and old women were mutilated. The trail lead to the lake and then vanished, it being suspected that the attackers came down from the north in boats to throw off pursuit.
In other areas just one or two small villages were attacked and burned to the ground. One mounted patrol surprised on group as they were leaving the village they has just burned. The patrol killed all the raiders and freed 7 women and young girls. All reported being raped except the 3 youngest and also stating the men were tortured before being killed.
As yet none of the raiders have been taken alive to be questioned. The Viceroy of the Congo is reported to be increasing the provincial police patrols.

Antwerp; 6 Nov. 98
The Admiralty has announced in 1899 three new classes of ships will begin construction. No details have been released as yet but one class is thought to be a large torpedoboat type. The construction contracts are reported to being given out to home shipyards and in the NEI.

Brussels; 15 December, 98
Her Majesty Queen Wilhemnia today lit the first state Christmas tree to be lit my electric lights. The 15 foot tree is lit by 100 lights painted in various colors.
The queen will be spending Christmas in Brussels this year with her family.

Brussels 26 Dec. 98
The queen yesterday at Christmas Mass was blessed by Cardinal de Ruex of Bussels and was asked to continue to strive to maitain peace through out the Empire. She also sent Christmas greeting to all the nations of the world.