TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1236, 19 February 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

CABLE NEWS [eeutee’s special telegeams to pbess AGENCY."] T H E~WA H. London, February 16. Earl Derby has had an interview with Count Schouvaloff, and expressed a hope that no Russian troops were moving towards Gallipoli, whereby communication with the British fleet might be threatened. Lord Derby also said the consequence of such a movement was most serious, and he must decline the responsibility of the consequences. [SPECIAL TO THE “SYDNEY MOENING HEBALD,”] The Porte refused a firman to the British fleet to remain at Stamboul on the ground that the Russians would occupy the city. The armistice is terminable in three days. It is rumoured that the terms of the alliance between Turkey and Russia are that the latter assumes the protectorate. The steamer Metropolites has been wrecked on the coast of Carolina, and one hundred lives were lost. Russia suggested a conference at Brussels or Lausanne. AUSTRALIAN. Mklbouene, February 19. The Governor in a speech at the Ballarat Exhibition banquet touched on the crisis, and expressed his intention of observing strict neutrality in politics. Stops are being taken to place the defences on a satisfactory footing. The Ministry are considering the course to pursue in the event of an adverse decision of the Imperial Government.

[Per Alhambra via Bluff.] Melbourne, February 13. There has been nothing of a startling nature in political circles during the week. The Assembly has passed a declaratory resolution asserting its right to make votes legally available for expenditure upon passing the Assembly. The motion was not debated at any length, and eventually it was carried by twenty-nine votes. Yesterday Mr Berry proposed a resolution for an address to the Queen, setting forth the circumstances of the crisis. This is considered necessary in view of an appeal to the Home Q-overnment for an alteration of the constitution, which is said to take the form of a nominee Upper House. In the course of the debate, it was suggested that a compromise might be arrived at by the Council passsing the Payment of Members Bill and the Q-o----vernment withdrawing the item from the Appropriation Bill Although no member of the Qovernmont responded, several of their supporters said, if agreed to, the Ministry must give way to sterner men. This was received with applause by the supporters generally. On rising, the Assembly adjourned to the sth of March.

Several scenes occurred in the Assembly last night. The crisis is now being realiy felt, and especially by the tradespeople. Business was never so dull in any branch of trade. No person will speculate in land or property of any description, and dullness reigns everywhere. Even the theatres and places of amusement find great difference in attendance. Shortly the mechanics, artisans, and labourers generally will feel the effects, as building operations are paralysed and persons won’t lay out money at the present juncture. Several largo and important buildings, which were then commenced, have been indefinitely postponed. Tenders have been accepted for the erection of the Wilson Hall, at the University, for £35,910, the generous gift of Sir Samuel Wilson.

A number of casualties have latterly been reported. Two brothers Hutchins were smothered in a shaft by foul air while sinking for a well on a station near Warnambool yesterday. A school boy of fifteen, Percy Campbell, committed suicide on the railway. He had his head completely severed from his body. The cause was a love affair. Later in the day a woman drowned herself in the river through unrequited love. A fire at Port Albert yesterday destroyed fire shops, mostly insured very heavily. Mild rains have fallen all over the country. The benefit was great. The drought is now completely broken up. Sir Jns. McCulloch intends shortly retiring from Parliament. Over £SOO have been collected towards a testimonial to Sir Redmond Barry. The steamer Q-olden Crown, formerly running in the Thames, changed hands yesterday for £7BOO at a compulsory sale. The opera““Die Eledermaus ” is the principal attraction just now at the Opera House, which is represented by a strong cast, including Madame Simonsen. The other theatres are doing little. New Zealand oats are in good demand, and have advanced considerably.

The Banks have raised the rate of discount 1 per cent, all round. Sir John Coocje, the eminent engineer, is engaged on the harbor works. The report is likely to be exhaustive and valuable. Henry Brettle, a laboring man at Sandhurst, kicked his wife in the abdomen last night, and killed her. He was arrested. INTEEPKO YINCIAL. PRESS AGENCT.I Laurence, February 19.

The committee appointed to arrange a suitable reception for Mr J. C. Brown on his return from the North Island, have decided that it should bo in the form of a public banquet.

The weather continues fine for the harvesting.