ENGLISH & FOREIGN.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2163, 31 January 1881, Page 2

ENGLISH & FOREIGN.

CABLE NEWS.

[rettter's teles-rams.] LONDON, January 28, The Markets.

The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain amounts to 2,340,000 quarters. Australian tallow—Best beef, 35s 6d; best mutton, 38s; Four-and-half per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 99£. Best Scotch pig iron, No. 1, f.0.b., in Clyde, 52s 6d; best Australian leather, 10-Jd. Irish Affairs. The debate in the House of Commons on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill was resumed to-day. Mr Gladstone made a lengthy speech during the evening, in the course of which he reminded the House that the increase of agrarian outrages and land league had progressed together, and were strongly connected. The coercive measures which the Government propose to adopt are aimed solely at the punishment of evil doers and abettors in its agitation. The debate was again further adjourned. January 29. Greek Affairs. It is announced that the British Government is in accord with other Powers ia regard to the action to be taken for the settlement of the Tarko-Greek difficulty, and has agreed to tho proposed Conference at Constantinople at the same time. It is known that the Powers have been informed that England still believes in the compromise decided on by the Berlin Treaty to be yet binding on Turkey. CAPETOWN, January 28. The "WarNews has been received to-day from, the Transvaal that the rivers have fallen, and the force under General Colley haa been able to continue its advance in the Transvaal. The bodies of Boers which were sighted a few days- ago were again seen ahead of the lino of march, and were apparently preparing to oppose the advance of the colonial troops. Sir George Colley at once ordered the artillery to open fire, and the infantry followed up to attack, but the enemy declined an engagement, and retired in. haste. Later. Telegrams from official sources have been received this evening from Natal announcing a serious British defeat in the Transvaal. The information to hand states that Sir George Colley made an attack in force on the Boer position at Langsnek. Heavy fighting ensued, but the enemy offered a strong defence, and finally inflicted a severe repulse on the Colonial forces, which were compelled toretire, with heavy loss in killed and wounded. Sir George has now decided to await the expected reinforcements from England and India before resuming offensive measures against the Boers. January 29. Further news to hand from the Transvaal states that in the defeat at Languck, Sir George Colley's force had 198 rank and file killed, and five officers killed and three wonnded. Intelligence to hand from Caffraria states that the rebellion of the Pondomise Tembus and othertribes is daily collapsing, and it is expected shortly to be completely quelled.