EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 299, 22 March 1881, Page 2

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Tho following items of European news are from Australian papers received by the Rotorua :—■ London, March 18. The Globe to-day publishes an article on protection, commending the fiscal policy pursued by Victoria as one marked by an intelligent appreciation of its own interest, and as well calculated to advance the material prosperity of a young country. Intelligence from the Transvaal states that leaders of the Boers exhibit pacific tendencies, and are desirous of bringing hostilities to a conclusion. They demand autonomy, but are willing to recognise the suzerainty of tho British Government. These proposals are under consideration by the Cabinet. Important changes in the management am! regulation of the army are indicated by Mr Childers in the House of Commons, and have excited much criticism in military circles. It is announced that Sir Garnet Wolsley will be entrusted with carrying into effect the new scheme of army reform. A serious railway collision took place at Baltimore, the chief city of the State of Maryland. Several persons were injured, and amongst tho passengers was Mr Hayes, late President of the United States, but he escaped unhurt. No improvement is manifest in the relations between Turkey and Greece. The warlike feeling in both countries is very strong, and it is confidently expected that an outbreak of hostilities will take place at the commencement of spring.

Marked sympathy is evinced by the Irish in the United States with the agrarian agitation in Ireland. Branches of the Land League have been established in all the principal centres, and it is stated that they number no less than 920. Large contributions have been forwarded to the Head League at Dublin.