BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 841, 31 May 1878, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(By Cable.)

(From our Dunedin Exchanges.) London, May 21. The statement that General Todlehen sent an ultimatum to the Porte demanding that the Turks should evacuate Varna, Shiirala, and Batoum, and the Russians occupy Bujukdcre, is scmi-officially denied. The speech of Lord Hartington was moderate, being confined to the question of Constitutional rights. The object of concealing the slip (?) of Parliament could be only to assert the prerogative of the Crown. The Attorney-General and Mr Gladstone argued the legal points. The latter protested against making a precedent of an act violating Constitutional liberties.

Mr Nowdegate supported tire resolution. May 22. A four per cent. Queensland loan of L 2,200,000 has been announced. Constantinople, May 21, A number of riotous refugees entered the palace and -cheered for the ex-Sultan Murad. The rioters refusing to disperse were fired on by the military. Lon don, May 22.

The Attorney-General in reply to a question, said the Government had received no information confirming the report of vessels designed for privateers bcint; bought in America by Russian agents. On the resumption of the debate on Lord Hartington’s motion, the speeches were desultory, and the House adjourned. Nothing authentic is known here regarding Count SchouvaloiTs mission to St. Petersburg. It is still hoped the Conference will meet. May 23. Count SchouvalofT is in London, and will have an interview with Lcrd Salisbury tomorrow. London, May 24th. The strictest secrecy is maintained re Count Schouvaloffs mission, pending the teply of the British Government. The prevalent opinion is that it is of a pacific character, and that there will be an early mooting of the Congress. Athens, May 22nd. Severe but’iudccisiye lighting has taken place at Crete. Constantinople, May 23rd. A great fire here destroyed the palaces of the Minister of Justice and the Supreme Council of State. The Russians are advancing within the iter.tral zone. London, May 23rd. Supplementary estimates were introduced to-day for the Indian contingent of the army and for an increase to the naval vessels on the New Zealand station. London, May 25th. The Duke of Cambridge inspects the Indian forces at Malta. Constantinople, May 24th. The Russo-TurkiSh Commission failed to agree toa line of demarkation. ‘London, May 24th, Hopes for the maintenance of peace are greater. The greater part of the Sublime Porto was burnt by the fire yesterday, which is supposed to have been accidentally caused. The majority of the Government in the House of Commons exceeds 120. London, May 25th. A Cabinet Council was held yesterday, when Count Schouvaloffs proposals were considered. The Council is summoned for to-day, when the final resolution of the British Government is expected. London, May 26th, The Congress will bo held in June. It is expected that early invitations will be issued to the Powers.

The Queen's Birthday (Saturday) was celebrated by reviews and banquets. Many Colonials attended the dinner of Sir M. Hicka-Bcach. Obituary : Bnohesa of Argyle.