LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3025, 7 March 1881, Page 3

LONDON.

March 4

At to-day's wool auction 7550 bales were catalogued. The tone of the sale was firmer.

Colonel Sir Evelyn Wood, who temporarily commanded the British troops in Natal, has been appointed a MajorGeneral.

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone made a statement announcing that negotiations have again been opened between the Cape forces and the Basutos

for the termination of hostilities, and that a prolonged armistice has therefore been declared.

It is announced that Major General Edward Newdigate will accompany Sir Frederick Roberts to the Transvaal. March 5. After a two day's debate, the House of Lords has, by a majority of eighty, adopted a motion brought in by Earl Lytton in favor of the retention by the British of Candahar. In the House of Commons to-day the Irish Arms Bill was read a second time. The Coercion Act has been declared to have force in nine counties in Ireland which have been most disturbed, and owing to the fear of arrest a considerable exodus of Leaguers and other agitators is taking place. Tne Governmenn has received information from tho President of the Orange Free State regarding "the overtures which he made at the request of the late Sir George Colley to the Transvaal Boers for the cessation of hostilities with the British. Dr. Brand announces that the leaders of the Boer Republic, in reply to his communications, state that they are willing to conclude peace provided the terms are consistent with their demand for freedom and independence. At the wool sale to-day 8000 bales were catalogued, making a total of 142,100 submitted at auction since the opening. There was a fair demand for the various lots offered.