LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3002, 8 February 1881, Page 3

LONDON.

January 31

The greatest alarm, amounting to a panic, has prevailed for the last day or two in Manchester owing to the receipt of information by the police which led to tbe belief that an attempt was about to be made by the Fenians to destroy several of the most prominent public buildings in the city. These have now been placed under strong guards of military and police. Up to the present time no violent acts have been committed.

A protracted sitting of the House _of Commons is expected over the Coercion Bill, owing to the obstructions offered by the Irish members. The Cabinet held a special meeting to determine the course to pursue to prevent the obstructive tactics of tbe Home Rulers having effect, and it was decided, despite the opposition of the Tories, to propose to the House the adoption of a motion by which the French and other Continental Chambers prevent business being obstructed. A cable despatch has been received from Sir George. Colley, in which the Governor reports that he is hopeful of bringing the Boer rebellion to a satisfactory termination. The losses of officers in the recent engagemeut is very serious.

Tbe report that the Boers were guilty of atrociously butchering the wounded colonials who fell into their hands is officially contradicted. It has been ascertained that they treat the prisoners humanely. Their attitude, however, is intensely warlike. The crews of the Oxford and Cambridge Universities have commenced practising for the annual acquatic contest.

Tbe latest advices from Natal state that the Basuto rebellion is practically crushed, and the hostile tribes are now suing for peace. Cablegrams from St. Petersburg state thta General Skobeloff, the Russian commander of the expedition against the Tekke Turcomans, after the victory over the enemy at Geoke Tepe, pursued them to Askhafbad.

Her Majesty Queen Victoria has seDt a cable message of condolence to Governor Colley upon tbe recent reverse sustained by the troops in the Boer rebellion, and of the serious loss and deaths of so many officers of his staff, mentioning specially Colonel Denne, and Captain Inman. The message contains words of encouragement and hope. February 1. News of a discouraging character has been received from Sir George Colley concerning the Boer rebellion. His Excellency reports that the Boers have been largely reinforced, and now overwhelmingly out-number the available colonial troops.