BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 869, 13 December 1878, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

—0 (By Cable.)

London, December 5. Tlie Queen’s speech on the opening of Parliament will probably advert to the Afghan difficulty, to the necessity for a re vised frontier, and indicate that foreign relations are friendly. No amendment is expected, but the Opposition will move a subsequent resolution disclaiming the responsibility of the war. The Liberal leaders have decided to move no amendment to the Address and not to refuse supplies, hut to introduce a motion censuring the policy of the Government. The Caledonian Bank is liquidating, anl other hanks are paying deposits. General Roberts had a grand victory at Peiware, capturing all the runs, with enormous loss to the enemy. The British Joss was 100. Parliament was opened to day by commission. The Royal speech regrets the necessity for summoning Parliament so early Owing to the Ameer’s hos'iliiy i upland was obliged to send an ultimatum, and directed the expedition to cross the frontier. Estimates are preparing. General measures will be submitted, and the Berlin treaty is being executed. The Queen’s speech expresses the belief that the Berlin Treaty will secure the peace of Europe. Since the opening of the wool auctions, 'OB,OOO ha’es have been catalogued. The bidding was firm, and the market steady. Bombay, Decmber, 6. Intelligence of the capture of Peiwar Pass by General Roberts’s force afrer a secon 1 severe engagement states that all the guns and ammunition of the enemy fell into the hands of the British. There was heavy loss to the Afghans, and the victory was complete. The British loss in killed and wounded was four officers and eighty nun. London, Decembers. Among other matters mentioned in the Queen’s speech on the opening of Parliament was that suitable redress be demanded from the Ameer on conclusion of hostilities. In the House of Commons the Under- Sec retary for India gave notice of a resolution that the expense of the Afghan war be charged on the Indian exchequer. The Earl of Beacons field in the Rouse of Lords vindicated the object of the war with Afghanistan, and trusted Gcn-ral Roberts’s victory would be satisfactory, lie thought the worst phases in the depression of trade had passed, anil was confident regarding recent action in Asia Minor. The House of Commons voted the address after a short debate. Lord Hartinglon disclaimed any intention to oppose supplies being granted. Thfe Secretary of State for the la Han Department denied that a quarrel had been picked with the Ameer. Their only object was to secure the frontier. Calcutta (undated). It is stated on good authority that the rfply of the Ameer was both defiant and in* sclent. December 8. A conciliatory reply to the British ultimatum has been received from the Ameer. It professes to have been written before tindefeat of the Afghans at AH Mnsjid, but is believed to have been written afterwards. London, December 0. The West of England and South Wa'es ' District Bank has suspended payment. The I liabilities are unknown. It is reported that Shore AH has fled. . The West of England Bank’s liabilities are L 3,5.30,000. It is alleged that the office has sufficient assets, and that suspension will possibly he temporary. A revolution is reported at Cabul, causing the Ameer’s flight to Turkestan. A German sailor rescued in the Channel reports that he is the sole survivor of the barque San Juan, bound from Sydney to j England with wool. She came into col- ! lis'nn with a steamer ott the Lizard. * Princess Alice is alarmingly UJ.