NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1920, 20 April 1880, Page 3

NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

[By Telegraph.] [Per S.S. To Anau via Bluff.] LONBON, March 12. Lord Hartir.gton, in referring to the domestic legislation of the Government, declared that tho Liberal party could grant no special favor to any class or ary interest;, and that it could only undertake that while maintaining the power of the British Empire, tho safety of the country and its possessions, it will engage in no policy of disturbance or uncalled for annexation. Tho address of Mr Gladstone to tho electors of Midlothian describes Lord Beaconsfield’s letter as containing baseless, terrifying assertions intended" to hide his views and their effect upon the country from their sight, Mr Gladstone charges the Ministry with having neglected homo legislation, aggravated public distress, augmented taxation and expenditure, and brought about a series of deficits unexampled in modern times; while as to foreign affairs they have strained, if not entangled, the prerogative of tho united empire, and dishonored it in tho eyes of Europe. Eor domestic legislation tho electors must, in futuro us in tho past, look to the Liberal party. Sir Stafford Northcoto brought forward his budget last night. He had estimated the revenue at £83,058,000 for tho present year, and tho expenditure ot £81,155,000, showing a surplus of £1,909,000, which, however, ho said had turned into a deficit of £161,000 by a credit vote of £3,000,000 taken for the South African war. Ti'.e revenue had fallen short of the estimates by £2,195,000. The revenue for the coming year was estimated at £81,560,000; expenditure, £81,486,000 ; surplus, £74,000. But it was now probable that the duties introduced a few days ago would add £700,000 to tho revenue, thus increasing the surplus to £774,000. As regards the accumulated deficiency of £8,100,000, being the balance of £12,285,000, the cost of the war in South Africa and war preparations in connection with the Eastern Question two years ago, Sir Stafford proposed to convert £6,000,000 of this balance into annuities to terminate in 1885. To meet the charges thus created he wilTapportion an annual sum of £600,000, allotted five years ago as a sinking fund to redeem the national debt. The “ Times ” of March 11th publishes a telegram stating that the Russian military expedition against Tekkes had been postponed, probably on account of serious complications between Russia and China. Colonel’Stanley, in tho House of Commons, in moving the army estimates, which, were passed unopposed, expressed an opinion that tho experiments made recently with heavy guns will probably result in breech loaders replacing muzzle loaders. Bismarck has expressed approval of the action of the French Government in refusing tho extradition of Hartmann.

The steamer Batavia, the first of the Cunard new line, ran ashore on the island of Perim, but was towed off uninjured. Tho papers on March 9bh published a letter from Lord Boaconsfield to the Viceroy of Ireland, in which, after alluding to the passage of the Bill for the relief of the Irish distress and the efforts of the Government to improve tho condition of Ireland during his tenure of office, he §aj3, “ Nevertheless, there is danger in the ultimate results which may be scarcely less disastrous than tho pestilence and famine now raging in tho districts of the country. A portion of tho population is attempting to sever by constitutional moans the tie which unites Ireland and Great Britain. It is to be hoped that all reasoning men will see that it is wise to resist this destructive doctrine. The strength of this nation depends on the unity of feeling which should prevail throughout tho United Kingdom and her wide-spread dependencies, and yet there are some who challenge tho expediency of Imperial policy. The immediate dissolution of Parliament will afford an opportunity to the nation to decide upon a course which will materially influence its future fortunes and shape its destiny. Rarely in this century has there been an occasion to study more critically the power of England. The peace of Europe will largely depend on tho verdict of this country. Her Majesty, with the advice of the present Ministers, has hitherto been enabled to secure that peace so necessary to tho welfare of all civilised countries, and so peculiarly suited to the interests of our own. But this ineffable blessing cannot be obtained by the passive principle of non-interference. Peace rests in the precedence, not to say ascendancy, of England in the councils of Europe. The doubt which at the present exists as to tho result of the elections does not diminish, though it certainly arrests, England’s influence, and this is the main reason for delaying an appeal to the national voice. Whatever may be its consequence to her Majesty’s present advisers, may they return to Wcst-minster-a Parliament not unworthy of England and fully resolved to maintain its position.” An important meeting of Liberal notp.bilities was held on Wednesday at Devonshire House, the residence of the Marquis of Hartingtou. Mr Gladstone, Mr John Bright, Sir Vernon Harcourt, Earl Granville, and other members who were members of the Liberal Cabinet, wore present. Lord Hartington, in an address to the elector* of North-East Lancashire, declares that ho seeks to evado no issue which tho Government can raise. Ho knows of no party which w ill challenge the expediency of maintaining the Imperial character of this realm, or attempt to enfeeble tho colonies by a policy of decomposition. If tho colonics grow moro loyal to the throne, more attached to tho connection with tho Mother Country, they must be more willing to undertake the common responsibility and burdens which must now be borne by all members of a great empire, than at any former time. It is due to the fact that, under the guidance of'Liberal statesmen, they have received a constitution of complete self-govern-ment, and learnt to recognise tho truth of entire independence from Imperial assistance, for dependence is not compatible wuh dignity. Tho address deprecates exaggeration in describing tho Irish agitation for Homo Rule. He says it is impracticable, and considers that any concession or appearance of concession in this direction would be mischievous in its effects on the prosperity of Ireland as well as England and Scotland. He had consistently opposed it in office and in opposition, and should continue to oppose it. This agitation must be met not by passionate exaggeration, but by firm, consistent resistance, combined with proofs that tho Imperial Parliament is able and willing to grant every reasonable just demand of the Irish people for equal laws and institutions. Much, however, remained to be done in removing the inequality of tho laws which still exist to the disadvantage of Ireland. His Lordship went on to say : “ Before we can do this wo hope that tho Irish, people will be convinced of tho just impartially of the Parliament of tho United Kingdom.” In proceeding to discuss the foreign policy of tho present Ministry, Lord Hartington declared that tho Government had signally failed, and had not achieved any of its professed objects, either in Europe or Asia. Ho affirmed that the Liberals were no less solicitous for tho just influence of England in tho Councils of Europe than the Conservatives claimed to be. BOMBAY. Ma ch 26. It is staled that interest in the situation in Afghanistan is centring at Ghuznce, where ropoite on one side state that the lending chiefs are about to give in their submission, and on tho other that they contemplate a general rising at tho end of the month. Defensive operations are still actively carried on. General Roberts has constant supplies coming in, and Cabal is to bo held by 10,000 troops.

Lapel Griffin, who has been appointed political officer at Cabul, arrived there on March 19 th. At one tims Mahomed Jan’s submission was rumored, but this is still unconfirmed. It is now supposed that the threatened attempt will take place at the time specified. Ilia movements, however, are very mysterious. The decision of the Marino Court which sat hero to enquire into the loss of the steamer Vingorea is to the effect that in the absence of the evidence of tho captain, third engineer, and clerk who were drowned, it is impossible to arrive at the cause of tho disaster.