LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1934, 6 May 1880, Page 3

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph. J (Per s.s. Albion at Hokitika.) LONDON, March 26

Parliament was formally dissolved on March 14th. The Queen’s message says : —“ I cannot part from you without expressing my deep sense of the zeal and ability which, during more than six years, you have consistently displayed in the exercise of your important functions, nor without tendering my warmest acknowledgments of the useful measures submitted for my acceptance, and especially for the manner in which you have upheld that policy, the object of which was to defend my Empire and secure general peace relations with foreign powers, friendly and favorable to the maintenance of the equality of Europe. I hope that the measures adopted in Afghanistan will lead to a speedy settlement of the affairs of that country. I have had much satisfaction in assenting to the Acts passed for the relief of the distress unhappily prevalent in parts of Ireland. Trusting that these measures will bo accepted by my Irish subjects as proofs of the ready sympathy of the Imperial Parliament, I look forward with confidence to the restoration of prosperity in their country. I rejoice to observe an indication of a general improvement in trade, and that the commercial depression appears to be passing away. I have witnessed with great sympathy the heavy losses sustained by various classes connected with the cultivation of the soil, and have viewed with admiration the patience and high spirit with which they have contended against an almost unprecedented series of disastrous seasons. I trust, with the blessing of Providence, that a more favorable harvest will be looked for, and that from the commission which I issued to inquire into the success of agricultural depression, a sug-

gestiou may come which will lead to a more profitable use of agricultural land and a higher development of this branch of national industry. The electors of the United Kingdom will be called upon forthwith to choose representatives in Parliament. I fervently pray that the blessing of Almighty God will guide them to promote the object of my constant solicitude, viz., the happiness of my people.” Mr Bright’s speeches at Birmingham wore largely devoted to an attack on the existing laud laws, and the evils of the system of primogeniture.

Cardinal Manning and other dignitaries of the Catholic Church in England, while declining officially to identify themselves with either political party, gave a distinct preference to the Conservative side.

The birthday of the Emperor of Germany furnished the occasion for renewed assurances of friendship between the Emperor William and the Czar. The former assured the Czar that he would never make war with Russia in his lifetime. The Gorman Crown Prince, in the event of his father’s death, will respect his wishes, and prevent war during the life of the Czar.

Most stringent measures continue to be adopted against the Nihilists. A large number of suspected persons have been arrested, and frequent domiciliary visits are made. Elaborate precautions have been taken for the security and safety of the Winter Palace. The Czar is understood to desire to revive the triple alliance, and is prepared, if necessary, to sacrifice Gortschokoil to propitiate Bismarck.

A medical report declares Veli Mahomed, who killed Colonel Oommedoff, near Constantinople, to be deranged, and recommends that ho should be watched for some time to ascertain how far he is responsible for his action. Russia, however, demands exemplary punishment of the assassin. China has definitely resolved to reject the Kuldja treaty. The envoy Chang How, who negotiated, has been imprisoned and sentenced to death. The Chinese Government are making great military preparations to repel any movement on the part of the Russians. The policy of Russia will be to encourage the insurrection of the Mabomodans in Central Asia against Chinese rule. Scobeloff has started to take command of the expedition against the Turcomans, which is on a more limited scale than was originally contemplated. The object is declared to be punishment of the Turcomans, not the occupancy of Mery. No newspaper correspondents are allowed.

The decree of the Porte, reducing small silver and copper coinage to one-third of its nominal value has caused great distress. There have been serious disturbances at Aleppo, Smyrna, Damascus, Crete, and other places. The administrative disorganisation and financial embarrassment of Turkey is generally increasing. A telegram from Bombay on April 9fch says that General Griffin declared to a number of Sirdars at Cabul that the Government of India had decided that Oandahar and Herat should no longer appertain to the rule of Oabul, and that the British troops should remain in Afghanistan until a ruler had been appointed who was sufficiently strong to protect British subjects and their friends when the military had left the country. Candahar is to be annexed, and there is a probability of the frontier being extended west to Lundi Kothal. The first result of this declaration of policy seems to be that Mahomed Jan and other Sirdars who were showing a disposition to treat have decided not to negotiate. General Roberts’ forces are getting ready for active operations, Intelligence has been received that Abdul Rabman, a claimant to the throne of Cabul, is making rapid headway in Turkestan, and that the Kobistanis are flocking to his standard.