ARRIVAL OF THE LORD ASHLEY, WITH THE ENGLISH MAIL FOR DECEMBER.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 353, 26 February 1866, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE LORD ASHLEY, WITH THE ENGLISH MAIL FOR DECEMBER.

English News to 12th January. The P., N.Z., and A.R.M. Co.’s s.s. 4 Lord Ashley/ Captain Worsp, arrived here at noon yesterday, from Southern Provinces, bringing, we are happy to say, the English Mail for December. We give the following summary of English news. REUTER’S EXPRESS. London, 26th December. The Australian October mails were delivered on the 18th and 22nd. The Queen is at Osborne—health reported good. The Princess Helena has been betrothed to Prince Christian of A ugustenberg, the brother of the claimant of the SchleswigHolstein throne. It is believed the young couple will reside in England,

Parliament meets on Ist February for despatch of business. The King of the Belgians, the Queen’s uncle, died on the 10th, and he is succeeded by his eldest son, the Duke of Brabant, now Leopold 11. The late King was buried in state with great pomp at Brussels on the loth. The funeral was attended by the Prince of Wales, King of Portugal, Crown Prince of Prussia, Archduke Joseph of Austria, Prince Arthur, Orleans Princes, Envoys Extraordinary, &c. Nearly all the Courts of Europe were represented at the inauguration of the new king. On the following day he took the oath of constitution before both Chambers, and delivered a speech which gave general satisfaction. The senate and deputies presented addresses to the King, declaring their devotion to the dynasty, and expressing their conviction that he would follow in the footsteps of the deceased monarch. The King replied in a speech animated by constitutional principles. Considerable outcry has been raised by dissenters upon the severe measures taken by Governor Eyre in Jamaica for the suppression of the rebellion. Sir Roderick Murchison has been created a baronet. American news to the 16th inst. The Congressional sympathy for Juarez has resulted in the French ambassador sending borne for instructions; and it is rumoured that the French embassy will leave Washington if America appoints a minister to the Juarez party in Mexico. The New York Chamber of Commerce has recommended the holding of a cotton growing convention to raise crops next year equal to the crops preceding the war, December 28. The Queen of Spain has opened the Cortes. In her speech she alludes to the war with Chili endorses the recognition of the Italian kingdom, and reiterates her intention to watch over the rights of the Holy See, promises the liquidation of her old debt, and the reduction of her floating debt. Two regiments of troops have been suddenly marched to Dublin, The clipper ship Nassont, from Liverpool to Calcutta, has become a total wreck. The cargo valued at £50,000. Advices from New York to the 19th inst. state that dissension had broken out among the Fenians in America. The Fenian Senate has deposed its President, Colonel Mahoney, the latter repudiating the authority of the former. ° London, December 30. It is rumored that Government has resolved to reduce the army by nearly 900 officers and 16,000 men. The Parliament of Jamaica has passed a bill substituting one chamber for the two previously existing. The Governor nominates one half the number of members, the other half being elective under a stringent property qualification. January 1. The revenue returns to the 31st December are most satisfactory. The yearly expenditure has proved less than the estimated amount, income *£1,000,000 in excess of that expected. Mr Maule, Recorder of Leeds, and Mr Roundel Palmer, have been added to complete the Jamaica Commission of Enquiry. American dates to the 20th Dec. President Johnson has not formed the Senate. The work of reconsrtuction is, however, progressing favorably. General Grant’s report expresses his belief that the Southerners are sincere in in their professions of loyalty. Mr Charles Sumner impeaches the correctness of both statements, and asserts that the Southerners are constantly perpetrating atrocities against freedmen. January 2. The Emperor of Austria has presented the Prince Imperial of France with the order of St. Stephen, of Hungary. General Marmora has completed the new Italian Ministry. January 3. At the bidding for Indian council drafts, the rates are fixed at 22-1 G , per cent, on Bombay, and 1 11 7-Sth on Calcutta and Madras. Bombay offers would receive about 21. per cent., and Calcutta and Madras 24. Bank discount, 7 per cent. The rate of exchange for sixty days bills is two shillings on Bombay, and 1-8 on Calcutta. The Spanish Correspondancia (Madrid), says that the Government knows of some revolutionary projects, by those who mistake forbearance for weakness, and that it is certain to defeat them. By a special Washington despatch we learn that the French troops are to be withdrawn from Mexico within three months. .

The latest reports state that upwards of 2,0 rebels in Jamaica were shot and hanged. There is a general desire throughout England for a strict inquiry into the circumstances. The Government have appointed Commissioners for the purpose of such inquiry. Governor Eyre is supended during such inquiry. Sir Henry Storks has been recalled from Malta in order to preside over the Commission, which includes also Sir Edmund Head; Yernon, Lushington, Bussell, Gurney, and the Eecorder of London. Sir H. Storks will also officiate in the Government of the Island, The Commander of the Forces left for Jamaica on the 16th. The Government has issued circulars to the town clerks of cities and boroughs requiring various returns as to the number of electors, &c., <sec. It is supposed that the information is wanted forthe new Eeform Bill. The Victoria Cross has been conferred on Captain Shaw, of the 18th Eegiment, for his braveryin New Zealand. The man Southey, who murdered his wife and three children in August last, was tried at Maidstone, and sentenced to death. He will be executed in the beginning of January. The trials of the Fenian conspirators have beencontinued iu Ireland during the month. Luby,. the proprietor of the Irish People, and O'Leary, have both been sentenced to 20 years’ penal servitude ; Moore, the blacksmith, who made pikesfor the conspiritors, to seven years. After the trial of these prisoners, the Commission was adjourned to Cork, where M'Cafferty, formerly Confederate captain was tried and acquitted ; Dilion,. Lynch, and O’Connell were each sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude. The police have been searching for Stephens, the escaped Head Centre, but without success. It is believed he has got off to America or to the continent of of Europe. The Governor of the Richmond- Bridewell has been dismissed. OBITUARY. Borth, the celebrated African explorer ; Captain Fouke, Architect of South Bennington Museum. AMERICA. December 13. Congress was opened on the 4th. The message says that the reconstruction of the Union must be effected by the North allowing past disorders to sink in oblivion, and by the South adopting Constitutional amendment otabolishingslavery for ever. That persons charged with°treason should be fairly tried Civil Courts, and that all disputes should be judicially settled. I* says that that no State can secede. It proposes to reduce the army to a peace establishment of 40,000, so organised that the numbers may, in case of need be raised to 82,000. It states that the army estimates have been reduced, and that a plan should bo devised to pay off the national debt within thirty years. The President’s aim will be to promote peace and amity with foreign nations j and he believes them to be actuated by the same disposition. A sincere desire lor peace induced the President to propose that the question between the United States and England, respecting the outfit* and depredations of Confederate cruisers, should be subjected to arbitration, but England rejected that oiler, and proposed a Commission to settle claims, excluding those arising from-these depredations. That proposal has been declined by America. The above claims have not been broughtforward by the United States with the mere object of obtaining pecuniary compensation, but with the purpose of establishing important principles of international law. The President docs not advise any present attempt to obtain redress by negotiation ; ‘ future amity between the two countries must rest upon the basis of mutual justice. The United States Government abstains from interfering with forms of Government, but will defend Republicanism against foreign interference. Europe will regard it as a great calamity should any European power cailenge the American people. The correspondence with Franco will be brought into the Report. The Secretary of the Treasury favors the repeal of the Legal Tender Act at the earliest possible moment; but does not urge it as an immediate measure—the paper currency afloat, includin'* seven hundred millions of dollars. A contraction of the currency is necessary to save the country from wide spread disaster. Ho recommends the Congiess to declare tliat notes bearing compound, interest shall cease to be a legal tender after maturity. He asks for authority to issue 6 per cent, bonds at discetion for the purpose of retiring United States notes bearing compound interest. He recommends legislation for reducing the debt by providing to meet the obligations at maturity and for raising revenues necessary to pay the interest with a certain definite amount annually for the reduction of the principal. No Southern representative was admitted into Congress, but a resolution was passed appointin'* a congressional committee to decide on the claims of the Southern representatives from their seats, Ihe relations of the United States Government with England and France are satisfactory, and no prospect exists of their being disturbed. Jefferson Davis is in good health. As yet nothing certain is known about his trial. The Fenian excitement in America is rapidly dying out. President O'Mahoney and the Fenian Senate in Now York have quarrelled about the disposal of the funds. The Senate deposed O'Mahoney irom the presidentship, and elected one Roberts ; and the Fenians, taking sides with the nvai presidents, their organisation is in a fair way oi breaking up. But rumors continue to crop up here.and there of a Fenian invasion. The Canadian authorities arc on the loot out. A circular of the Freedmen’s Aid Society states that unless special provision is made seventy thousand negroes will probably perish iu Georgia and Alabama aloue. —■—— CONTINENTAL. FRANCE. The French Government has published M Foulds finincial report, announcing the reduction of the expenditure by about <£l,2ou.UOO (3,000,000 stating that the revenue and the outgoings

of present year to balance of exports, and the surplus to be applied to the debt. The Government have formerlly announced that the Extradition Trety between England and Trance will terminate on the 4th June next, the requisite six months’ notice having been given. ITALY. The Italian Minister of Finance announced a total deficit of 265,000,000 francsin addition to that of the current year. He proposed reductions in the expenditure to the amount 0f30,000.000 francs in addition to those already made. He asked the House to vote an increased registsation tax, taxes on doors and windows, also a new tax on grinding corn. These proposals led to the fall of the Ministry. Marmora is now forming another Cabinet. HUNGARY. The Emperor of Aurtria opened the Hungarian Diet at Pesth, on the 14th December in person, In his speech His Majesty recognised the necessity for the autonomy of Hungary; but said this autonomy should be so carried out as not to affect the unity of the Empire or the position of Austria as a great European power. He said he wished to re-establish in its integrity the Hungarian Kingdom. Steps would be taken to have Transvlvania and Croatia represented in the Diet at Pesth. The Emperor pointed out that the first object of deliberation should be to deal with questions that concern all the provinces, keeping in view view as principles the unity Empire, and the position of Austria as a great power. He next spoke of the modification of the laws of 1848. When these questions were settled, his coronation as King of Hungary would take place. He hoped the confidence between the nation and the King would be increased; and that the great work of decentralising Austria and Hungary would give satisfaction to all the nationalities composing the Empire. His M ajesty’s speech was received by the Diet with great enthusiasm, and was frequently interrupted with cheers. ———— hINDIA AND CHINA SUMMARY. INDIA, War with Bbootan inevitable. Russia advances on Bookhara. Ameer of Cabool’s troops gone over to his rebellious brothers. Rising amongst Khoesemhs reported, and troops despatched to disturbed districts. CHINA, Rutherford Alcock arrived at Pekin. ' Court difference amicably settled. Prince Kung giving satisfaction to the Cabinet, but unfavorable to foreigners. News from the North alarming to imperialists. At Memfic rebels arc appearing in large numbers, but no active measures taken yet. Coolies routined on board Black-ball ship Pride of the Ganges, and the Captain murdered JAPAN. Still fears of local disturbances, powerful Princes steadily filling arsenals and improving naval and military tactic?. Ratification treaty by mitkabo doubted. COMMERCIAL. Wool —Prices well kept up for all kinds. Owing to the late sales full bodied combing kinds are exciting much competiou. AH the old stock is cleared off, and the market is quite bare of all kinds except the arrivals after the close of the sales, many of which are rapidly going off at full rates. Hides—Market steady, prices firm. LATEST’NEWS. London, January 12. A large reduction has been made in the American array. Spain accepts the mediation of England and Franoe on the question of Chili. The Treaty of Commerce between England and Austria has been signed. Consols, 87a. Wool is a further advance of 2d. The Erench troops are to be withdrawn from Mexico next month. A treaty of commerce has been made between Austria and England abolishing differential duties. Martial Law has been proclaimed in Madrid. A military revolt, headed by Don Carlos, is spreading alarmingly. All markets are firm. Discounts 7 per cent. Consols 87g- Copper 108.