NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1527, 9 January 1879, Page 3

NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

London, November 22. EASTERN AFFAIRS. Lord Beaconsfield’s declaration in his Guildhall speech, that the object of the threatened Afghan war was to acquire a secure frontier, has provoked an animated discussion in tho press. Eminent jurists have written elaborate letters in the “Times” justifying or condemning hostilities with tho Ameer for such a purpose. The controversy regarding the proper frontier policy between ex-G overnors and retired Indian officials continues animated, and without much relieving the perplexity of the public mind. Owing to the grave aspect of affairs an influential committee was formed last week to obtain an expression of public opinion in favor of the immediate convocation of Parliament and the circulation of a memorial to the Government. The document was signed by numerous peers, members of Parliament, clergy, and persons eminent in politics and literature. On tho 16th Lord Lawrence waited on the Premier on behalf of tho Afghan committee, asking him to receive a deputation on an early day, who would urge on the Government to telegraph to India forbidding war without distinct instructions from England ; also to publish all papers on Afghan affairs without delay, and summon Parliament at the earliest practicable period. On tho 19th Lord Beaconsficld replied, promising that the policy indicated should receive the best attention of tho Cabinet. Ho also promised to reopen Parliament before tho end of November. After the receipt of this communication, the Afghan committee passed a resolution condemning tho determination of the Government not to consult Parliament till after war had boon declared.

Yesterday the Government published an important dispatch, reviewing the history of our relations with the Ameer during the past fifteen ytars, stating the terms of the ultimatum forwarded by Lord Lyttoa, and explaining the policy of the Government. Three Conservative life members have been elected by the French Senate, A joint manifesto has been issued by Legitimists, Bonapartism, and Orleanists to the delegates who are to elect the new Senators on the sth January,

Vienna papers state that the insurrection in Macedonia daily assumes more serious proportions, and is spreading in the direction of Epirus and Thessaly, but the Russian authorities deny all complicity. A strong Turkish force has been despatched to suppress tho rising.

Capo advices state that fighting has recommenced in tho Transvaal, An overwhelming force of Kaffirs compelled a British detachment 500 strong to fall back. Subsequently, in making a night attack on tho English they were repulsed with heavy loss. Military preparations are being actively carried on by tho colonial Government. A movement is on foot in Canada for the creation of a permanent military force, towards which the homo authorities have promised their assistance. Eighty-six men of the 10th Regiment lately arrived in Canada from Cyprus, and are prostrate with fever. The Halifax hospital is full. Two men have died. The Paris Exhibition closed on the 10th. The total number of admissions was over sixteen millions, averaging about 82,000 per day. The gross receipts since tho Ist of May amounted to 12,653,743 f., exceeding by nearly 3,000,000 f. those of 1867.

The Duke of Cumberland, who is now on a visit to Copenhagen, has announced his resolve not to abdicate his rights to tho Crown of Hanover.

Serious disturbances occurred at Hamburg on the 17th in consequence of an official order prohibiting a torchlight procession, arranged in honor of Deputy Hauser. Thirteen influential citizens were wounded,of whomsome have since died.

A Nihilist conspiracy has been discovered at Ivessik, in Siberia, and twenty conspirators arrested. They intended to massacre the inhabitants, and turn the Government buildings into an arsenal.

The conscription in Russia has commenced; 218,000 men are required to recruit the army and navy. Tho appointment of a Papal Nuncio to England is abandoned.

In the Antonelli lawsuit the Court of Appeal has decided in favor of the brothers Antonelli. The Countess Lambortini is required to give tho name of her real mother. Letters found at the house of the man who attempted to assassinate King Humbert show that he was a member of tho International Society. Ho had long meditated tho crime. There were extraordinary manifestations of joy throughout Italy at the King’s escape, and over 2000 congratulatory telegrams were received.

HOME TOPICS, Tho Black Prince ironclad, with the Duke of Edinburgh, left Gibraltar on the Ist for Halifax, arriving there on the 18th inst. The Duchess of Edinburgh and family remain at Coburg, The Prince of Wales celebrated his 37th birthday at Sandringham on tho 9th, when a dinner was given to 1700 laborers employed on the estate. On the 15th tho Prince gave a ball to the elite of the county. Lords Beaconsfiold and Salisbury were for several days guests at Sandringham. Princess Alice’s husband, son, and four daughters have been suffering from malignant diphtheria, and the youngest daughter died. Tho contents of Gadshill-house, including many articles which belonged to the late Charles Dickens, wore recently sold by auction.

Lord Salisbury has received from tho Chinese legation in London a letter expressing in handsome terms tho thanks of the Government and people of China for the assistance rendered by Englishmen in all parts of tho world during the recent distress caused by famine.

REUTER’S SPECIAL AFGHAN SUMMARY. Bombay, December 9. Five hundred prisoners were captured at Ali Musjid, and were sent to Peshawer, Of these tho rank and file were released and sent home, with sufficient to sustain them en route. The officers were detained, and treated in accordance with tho rules of European warfare. Some of tho Khyber Afreodis have been giving trouble to the lino of communications by firing on convoys and pickets in the roar of the advancing force, but they have been dispersed. The Maharajah of Cashmere and tho Maharajah of Scinde are both anxious to go to Lahore, and remain at the Viceroy’s court during the Afghan war. Offers of help from tho native chiefs continue to bo received by the Government. Tho health of the troops is good. The column under General Brown has how advanced through tho Khyber Pass. The Quettah column has advanced into Hershin, where the natives show a friendly disposition. LATEST NEWS. The Turkoman tribes show a readiness to co-operate with tho British against tho Russians or Afghans, An exposition on the body of St. Francis Xavier, at Goa, the Portuguese settlement south of Bombay, has taken place. Very great enthusiasm prevailed, and there was a very elaborate ceremonial. The number of Catholics who attended was immense.