THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1867.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 199, 23 April 1867, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1867.

The Suez Mail brings us a budget of important and interesting news, not the least of which is the intelligence relating to the Home country. The great question of Reform, which has for so long agitated the public mind of the kingdom, has again come on before the Parliament, and its issue will probably involve the fate of the Derby ministry. Whatever be that fate, it can scarcely be doubted that the question will be settled one way or another, and that a Reform Bill of some kind will be passed. The Derby ministry made a bad start, and very nearly escaped dissolution through the course taken in endeavoring to force the House of Commons to relieve it of responsibility. A change in the Cabinet became necessary, and we are told that ministers had at last agreed to the principles of a Reform Bill, on -which they would stand or fall. The reductions and extensions contemplated are, the reduction of the county franchise from a .£SO rating to £20, and of the borough franchise from .£lO rental to £6. Three additional qualifications are announced as among the probable changes — an educational franchise, the possession of .£3O in the Savings' Bank r>r ,£oo in the Funds, aud the payment of 20s in direct taxation. How these proposals will meet the popular demand remains to be.smi, but judging from ifce- earnestness of the reformers^ and the iVtjL of previous attempts to satisfy he^Lit appears probable that they will .ndergikcpnsideiuble modification. The JotlgeMlfeaiicliise is omitted jrfiom the o^- ' Tll e

popular excitement on the subject of ! Reform seems to have moderated considerably, and although demonstrations of various degrees of importance continue to be made, the}' are becoming tiresome and uniufhiential. •The Fenian. conspiracy, rebellion, or insurrection— if it is worthy of either title, has at last shown an open front, and has proved to be iv every way a foolish, badly organised, and utterly powerless association, creating only one sentiment — that of pity for the deluded creatures that have been led into it. It appears to be evident that the recent risings in Cheshire and Ireland were part of a premeditated scheme, and were intended to test the probabilities of suecoss on a larger scale. . How contempt- ■ ible these, outbursts proved to be wo gather from the accounts in the public papers, With such facts before them no one can entertain any fear of a successful Feuian rebellion. Even in the country districts of Ireland, where the inhabitants may be regarded as.sympathisers with everything savoring e>f opposition to British rule, the Fenians cannot make the slightest stand, auel are barely able to escape the pursuit of the proper authorities. By all the intelligent public men, and by the Bishops and .Clergy of the Catholic 'Church, Fenianism is alike clenouncecT' as a wicked delusion and snare, the leaders of which are designing ael venturers. The steps taken by the Government, and the utter failure of the risings in Kerry and Killarney, seem to have restored the public confidence, and all sense of serious danger appeal's to have passed. The political changes in Europe are gradually being consolidated and completed. The Federal kingdom" e>f Germany is "un fait accompli," and the various populations have completely accepted the new regime. Austria is making progress in constitutionalism, and has strengthened her political status by restoring the Constitution and separate Parliament iv Hungry, and Austria may now have little fear of revolution. Italy pursues her course steadily, and her improved relations with the Holy See seem to hold out the prospect of peace. The Great Exhibition appears to be the sole subject of solicitude in France. Its size, magnificence, and completeness will exceed any previous similar undertaking. It is satisfactory to know that New Zealand will be well represented. Events in Spain are rapidly reaching that point when a general revolution is inevitable. A corrupt and tyrannioal Court, subservient Ministers, and servile army, com bine to produce a state of things intolerable to the people and a scandal to the world. The retribution, when, it comes, will be terrible — and come it surely will. The Cretan insurrection appears to have terminated in the submission of the insurgents to their Turkish masters", so that what once threatened to be the cause of a great war has for the present passed away. Turkey, herself disorganised aud bankrupt, is likely to be entirely eclipsed by Egypt, which, wealthier and more pros perous, has embraced Constitutional Government, and demands independence. Turning from political to social subjects, we have two very interesting facts — the opening of the great Russian telegraph line to Tientsin, and the actual completion of the Suez Canal. The girdle of electric wire is now almost literally set round the world. There is now telegraphic communication frpm Tientsin, the port of Pekin, Sibci-ia, Russia, Germany, England, the Atlantic, and across the American Continent to San Francisco. In a short time the line across British Columbia and Behriug's Straits will be completed, and then the circle will be completed. The Suez Canal is one of those achievements of science and engineering skill that have been completed in the face of strong unfavorable predictions. AVhat was said by many eminent engineers to be impossible has been proved to be possible. The two seas are now united, and the mail brings us the news that two steamers have passed through the Canal. The reported death of the great African traveller Dr Livingstone will be received i with universal sorrow. There is a possibility that the report may be exaggerated or unfounded, but there is a dread uncertainty abo-it the matter which augurs badly. It is not improbable that the Doctor has been killed in some conflict with the turbulent natives of Nyanza, but in the absence of reliable information, we can only hope that the cause of civilization has not yet lost the L'b :>vs of one of its champion workers.