LATE CABLE NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 277, 24 February 1881, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

(Pi'r s.s. Tararua at the Bluff.) London. Feb. 10. The Emperor of Russia is again reported ill. Feb. ii. An article appeared in the World accusing the Dish members of being in the pay of the Land League, and insinuating that their action as members of Parliament was influenced thereby. The Irish members are very indignant, and have brought the matter before the House as a question of privilege. Very severe weather has again been experienced during the week. In the midland counties of England there have been disastrous floods, which have occasioned a large amount of damage. Feb. is. The defeats which have been inflicted on the Basutos recently have made them anxious to sue for peace. Several principal chiefs have communicated with the Cape authorities their desire for an armistice, in order that some satisfactory terms of settlement may be arrived at.

The latest intelligence from Cape Coast Castle is more satisfactory. The Governor reports that the Ashantees exr hibit a more pacific feeling and that probably the difficulty will be overcome without resort to hostilities.

News has been received respecting the Cunard steamer Batavia. A vessel just arrived reports having spoken the Batavia in mid-ocean. It is supposed the delay has been caused by her machinery having broken down. The weather in the Southern States of America has been abnormally severe. Extensive floods have taken place around New Orleans, no less than five square miles in the vicinity of the city being covered with water. Trickett has definitely determined to visit Canada, with the intention of meeting Hanlan again, when he has recovered his condition. The revelation made of the Russian intrigue with the Ameer Shere Ali has not induced the Gladstone Government to alter its policy with regard to Afghanistan, which includes the evacuation of that country by the British force.