EUROPEAN NEWS

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1605, 25 August 1874, Page 334

EUROPEAN NEWS

TO 14th AUGUST. [by electeic telegraph."] LONDON. 7th August. Parliament has been prorogued. The Royal speech states that foreign relations continue friendly. Her Majesty's Government would employ all its influence to maintain treaty obligations and in. promoting the consolidation of peace' Delegates had been sent to the Conference at Brussels which had assembled at the suggestion of the Emperor of Russia, after assurances from various powers represented that no proposals would be made to alter the recognized rules of international law, or placing restrictions on naval operations, but in sending delegates her Majesty's Government reserved full freedom to accept or reject the recommendations of the Conference. Negociations had been commenced in reference to a Reciprocity treaty between the United States and Canada. The disturbances in Spain are regretted, but while her Majesty earnestly desires the restoration of peace and civil order, it is believed that such result will be more surely brought about by rigid abstinence from interference by the European powers. The treaty with the Sultan of Zanzibar for the suppression of slavery has been faithfully observed, and already much had been accomplished in that direction. It is a subject for much gratification that the famine in India had hitherto been attended with little mortality, and such a thankful result was mainly attributable to the exertions of the Viceroy, Lord Northbrook, and his subordinates. The speech also referred to the steady progress of the measures taken for the pacification of the inhabitants of the Gold Coast, and the organization of the Government in that dependency. Treaties of peace had been concluded with important tribes; the King of Ashantee persevered in his efforts to discharge his treaty obligations, It was hoped that a reduction of taxation would be possible. The revenue shows increased elasticity. The French Government has taken measures to preserve the neutrality of the Pyrenees. The English .harvest is proceeding satisfactorily. The Archbishop of Canterbury's Church Discipline Bill passed, and Lord Penzance accepted the judgeship of the newly constituted ecclesiastical tribunal. During a discussion in the Houso of Commons, both Mr Disraeli and Mr Gladstone said that although tranquility prevailed throughout Europe, 'influences exist indicating great troubles sooner or later, in which Spanish affairs would play an important part. Mr Bourke, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in replying to a question from a member, said no power contemplated armed intervention as regarded Spain. Mr M'Arthur moved a resolution approving < the Government decision for the annexation of Fiji, which was discussed. Sir Charles Dilke moved an amendment urging caution. Both motion and amendment were rejected. Lowther, UnderSecretary for the Colonies declared that the cession must be unconditional; domestic slavery could not be tolerated. 10th August. Count Hohenlohe, the German Ambassador at Paris, has notified to tho Duke de Coges, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that Germany intends recognizing the Spanish Government. The Duke de Coges has issued a circular refuting the complaints of Spain, and alleging negligence on the part of the Spaniards, but adds that renewed orders have been given for observing a rigorous neutrality on the frontier. International disturbances have occurred in Boumania. Arrests have been made in Florence, Rome, and Naples. 11th August. Field-Marshal Bazaine escaped on Monday night by a vessel bound for Italy. • In a circular despatch, Prince Bismarck proposes to tho European powers the recognition of the Spanish Government. Sir James Fergusson has resigned the Governorship of New Zealand, and is to be succeeded by the Marquis of Normanby, now Governor of Queensland. 14th August. England and Franco have recognized the Spanish Government. Field-Marshal Bazaine's escape is found to have been planned by his wife. He descended the cliffs by a rope ladder, and waß conveyed away by a vessel in waiting. The officials conected with the fortress have been placed under surveillance. Mr Cairns, a brother of the Lord Chancellor, succeeds to the Governorship of Queensland. . [items per tartar.] The Hon. E. W. Gladstone's wife has inherited a property worth £15,000 per annum, by tho death of hor brother. The London papers say that tho Liberal party will lose their leader, in consequence of Gladstone proposing to take his ease in Italy. The Scotland team won the Elcho Shield at the Wimbledon meeting, England second, Ireland third. The English Insurance Company lost a case before the Court of Exchequer, in which a question whether the policyholder had a right to travel without the Company's permission was concerned. Dr Beasley insured his life for £IOOO sterling, and went to New Zealand and died. His heirs were refused the money on tho grounds that the Company had not allowed him to go to New Zealand, but the Court compelled them to pay.