LATE CABLE NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1899, 25 March 1880, Page 3

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

INVERCARGILL, March 24,

The following items of news appear in the Melbourne papers brought by the Rotorua : LONDON, March 8.

The American Congress regards with dissatisfaction the acquisition by the French of paramount influence in the construction of the Panama Canal through the Isthmus of Darien. A select committee was appointed some time ago to cor eider the question. Evidence was taken in reference to the various schemes submitted, and also as regarded the power conferred upon Lieutenant Luoien Napoleon Bonaparte Wyse, who was despatched in command of an expedition fitted out by the French Government to survey and report upon the most feasible route for constructing the canal. The report of the committee has been published, and the recommendations contained therein are wholly adverse to the French acquiring control of the canal. March 10. Mr Wm. Shaw, M.P. for Cork, the leader of the Home Hule party, has issued on address in answer to Lord Beaconsfield’s letter to the Duke of Marlborough, charging the Premier with placing false issues before the electors tending to excite the worst passions of the ignorant. Ha invites the Irish people to answer the insulting missive by returning an overwhelming mojority pledged to a settlement of the great Irish national question. Preparations are being made for the approaching campaign in Afghanistan. It is intended to increase the numbers of the Native army in India, and recruiting for the native regiments is being vigorously prosecuted. Mr Gladstone has issued hia address to the electors of Midlothian, which constituency he seeks to represent in the next Parliament. He attacks the policy of the Government in every essential particular, and contends that the action of Lord Beaconsfield had served to aggravate the distress following upon the general depression in trade at home, thereby necessitating the augmentation of taxation. Abroad, the prestige of the Empire had been weakened by needless wars. Ho condemned the acquisition of profitless extensions of territory in South Africa, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world, and declared that the onerous and ill-defined responsibilies assumed by England in Asia Minor under the treaty of engagement with the Porte were most unwise. The appropriation of Cyprus he stigmatised as equivalent to filching territory from an ally, and as dishonoring to England. March 13.

The repressive policy adopted by the Cape authorities towards the natives of Basutoland threatens serious complications. A pro-

olamation has been made that the order for a general disarmament, which had been suspended for a time to enable the people to appeal to the Home Government, will be immediately enforced. Tho Basutos regard the proceedings with embittered feelings, and affairs in tbe district are considered highly critical. March 15. The German Press recently condemned the attempts made last spring by the Russians to negotiate an alliance with France and Italy, but there are now distinct signs of a better feeling between Germany and Russia. The addresses of the Liberal leaders are very moderate in tone. They are all in favor of cementing the union between Great Britain and her colonies. March 16. The feeling of hostility against the Chinese throughout California, which was exhibited by very repressive measures passed through the State Legislature, and by pressure brought to bear upon public companies and manufacturers, to prevent theJemploymerit of Mongolian labor has greatly subsided, but while much jealousy of the Chinese continues to exist amongst the working classes, overt acts of coercion have been discontinued.

New currants are quoted at 32s 3d per owt. Currants are high, owing to the French having purchased extensively for purposes of distillation.

In consequence of the Lords of the Treasury refusing to increase the subsidy allowed towards the representation of Great Britain at the Melbourne Exhibition, the London Commission, of which the Prince of Wales is president, has relinquished all responsibility in reference to the transmission of the British exhibits,, and will leave the matter entirely in the hands of tho Victorian Commissioners. March 17. Mr J. Warren, of Adelaide, contests Leicester, and Sir Thos. Gore Brown stands as a candidate for Chelsea in tho Conservative interest. It is rumoured that H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught succeeds tbe Duke of Marlborough as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Defence Commission has taken much valuable evidence, and will reassemble at the end of May. They are very anxious to obtain colonial opinion, and have invited the colonies to send witnesses. The Russians at CiO'stadt in the Baltic, and Nicolaieff in tho Black Sea, are preparing for the immediate despatch of further munitions of war and men-of-war to the Pacific to protect the Amoor. The Pope blames the Roman Catholic Bishops of Nottingham (Dr. Amherst) and Salford (Dr. Herbert Vaughan) for tho language used by them in relation to Irish affairs. March 18. A company has been projected in London for the importation of Australian meat, preserved on the Strathleven principle. The capital will be raised by 5000 £lO shares. It is proposed to import 200 tons of meat fortnightly. March 18. The French Government continue to evince a marked interest in the success of the vl elbourne Exhibition. M. Montmahon Sik has been appointed as a delegate to represent France in Victoria, and he has received special instructions from M. Ferry, the Minister of Instruction, to study and report upon the Australian system of education. New Zealand hemp fetches from £27 15s to £2B per ton. SOUR AB AY A, March 10.

The Maria ship, from Tjerlajap to Melbourne, with sugar, has been thrown on her beam ends in a severe gale she encountered. She put into Banjoewangie to restow her cargo.