LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2329, 14 February 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. STATE OF AFFAIRS IN EGYPT AND SOUDAN. PROCEEDINGS IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. RESIGNATION OF BRADLAUGH. THE ANTI-CHINESE RIOTS. THE DEATH OF CETEWAYO. BRITISH TROOPS FOR SOUAKIM. (Received February 13, 10 p.m.) London, February 12. In the House of Lords this afternoon, a discussion took place upon the situation of affairs in Egypt and regarding the rebellion in Soudan. During the course of the debate Lord Granville announced that Admiral Hewott had been ordered to relieve the besieged Egyptian garrison at Tokar if it could possibly be done. With reference to the Egyptian policy of the Government, the Foreign Secretary stated that there was no intention of annexing Egypt, and the Government only proposed to continue its occupation by British troops and to retain command of the country as at present until its pacification had been completed and its stability restored. In view, however, of the present serious aspect of affairs in Egypt, Government now intended to appoint a diplomatic agent of the first rank as British representative at the Egyptian Court, and to recommend efficient officers to the Egyptian Government for appointment to leading civil and military positions in Egypt and its dependencies, (Received February 14, 0.50 a.m.) February 13. In the House of Lords last night the motion of the Marquis of Salisbury condemning the Egyptian policy of the Government was adopted by a majority of one hundred votes. In the House of Commons the motion of Sir Stafford Norlhcote that the recent disaster to the Egyptian arms in Soudan are the results of the wavering policy of the Government in connection with Egypt came up for discussion. The Premier’s statement was similar to that delivered during the afternoon by Earl Granville in the House of Lords, but Gladstone announced in addition that Lord Wolseley has instructed General Stevenson by telegraph to send Colonel Graham, with a portion of the British garrison at Cairo, to relieve Tokar. Mr Gladstone also stated that telegrams had been received from Gordon Pasha reporting that he had been welcomed on all sides during his journey through Soudan by the inhabitants. Charles Bradlaugh, the junior member for Northampton, has resigned his seat in the House of Commons, and has announced his intention of presentin'* himself for re-election. February 14, 1.20 p.m.) Evening. The report in Lord Granville’s speech on Salisbury’s motion in the House of Lords yesterday was incorrect, as telegraphed, so far as it referred to the British representative at Cairo. His Lordship did not say that it was • ! intended ” to appoint a diplomatic

agent of the first rank, but stated that such an official “ had ” been appointed, meaning Major Sir Evelyn Baring, the present Agent, ConsulGeneral, and Minister Plenipotentiary in Egypt. (Received February 13, 10 p.m.) Hong Kong, February 12. The statement that Anti-Christian riots occurred in the Chinese territory, as reported yesterday, is incorrect. The massacre of Christians and the destruction of a mission station took place within the borders of Tonquin. (Received February 14, 0.50 a.in.) Capetown, February 12. It is reported that Cetewayo died from the effects of poison, and a post mortem examination has been ordered.

(Received February 14, 1.20 p.m.) Cairo, February 15. The Ist Battalion Royal Highlanders (42ud Foot), the Ist Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps (60th Foot), the Ist Battalion Gordon Highlanders (75th Foot), and the 19th Hussars, now stationed in this city, have been ordered to proceed forthwith to Souakim, and the British regiments now in Alexandria will come here to take the place of those corps. The troops from Alexandria will be replaced by a strong detachment of sailors from vessels in the Mediterranean Squadron. ♦ [special to press association.] London, February 9. The frozen meat per Liguria and Tongariro has arrived in excellent condition. The Tongariro will make her next voyage through the Suez Canal. The Spectator demands that the Government should now throw aside all further pretence and assume the direct government of Egypt. The Times and Pall Mall Gazette severely censure the Gladstone Ministry for shutting their eyes to obvious facts, in the vain hope of avoiding responsibilities which all Europe lays at their doors.

In Parliament Ministers have intimated that they will accede to Lord Salisbury’s motion for a Royal Commission on the housing of the London poor. Mr D. Macfarlane, M.P. for Carlow, has given notice for Tuesday of a motion in favour of the immediate establishment of a protectorate in Egypt. Owing to the important character of Egyptian affairs public interest is now almost entirely centred in them, and little attention is given to the domestic policy of the Government. The idea of an Egyptian protectorate is widely and influentially supported. The creditors of Young and Lark, Australian merchants, have agreed to accept payment in full, extended over a period of two years. Their Egyptian liabilities are to be paid within six months. The London liability of the firm amounts to £360,000, but it is estimated that the assets represent nearly double that amount. The London Chartered Bank of Australia ranks as a creditor for £190,000. February 11. Information has been received that Colonel Gordon reached Aboohamed aafely on Friday last. The Calcutta merchants favour the proposition for a direct line of steamers with Australia. The Chairman of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, however, considers that a Government subsidy will be necessary to support the line. Her Majesty the Queen has presented Bishop Barry with a number of volumes, and an ample amount has been subscribed to replace the library which the reverend gentleman lost by the sinking of the ship Simla. Those of the Phoenix Park murderers who were convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment have been removed to the prison at Chatham.