LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2539, 11 August 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. >-■—<- . THE SEIZURE OF KELUNG BY ADMIRAL COURBET. OCCUPATION BY FRENCH TILL INDEMNITY SATISFIED. GREAT REDUCTION OF INDEMNITY ASKED BY FRANCE. DEATHS OF PROFESSOR ERASMUS WILSON, AND BASLET. THE FRANCHISE BILL.—MEETING AT MANCHESTER. THE TRANSYAAL AND BRITISH CONVENTION. BOMBARDMENT OF KELUNG BY THE FRENCH. FRENCH WARSHIPS IN CHINESE WATERS. (Received August 11, 1.10 a.m.) London, August 9. The cargo of frozen meat ex steamship Victory has been landed in good condition. The reported seizure of Kelung by Admiral Courbet, the truth of which was denied in the House of Commons by Lord Edmond Fitzmaurice, is now fully confirmed, and it has transpired that Patenotre has notified the Chinese Government that the occupation of Kelung by a French force will continue until the demands of France for satisfaction on account of the Langson affair have been satisfied. The proposed indemnity has now been reduced in amount to 80,000,000 francs. The death is announced of Professor Erasmus Wilson, aged 75. (Received August 11, 1.10 a.m.)

August 10. A demonstration in support of the action of the House of Lords in rejecting the Franchise Bill took place last night at Manchester. The meeting, which was a densely-crowded one, was addressed by the Marquis of Salisbury, and Lord -Randolph Churchill. Resolutions were passed in favour of continued opposition to the Reform Bill.

The death is announced of Frederick Baslet, formerly Colonial Secretary of Western Australia. Capetown, August 9.

Intelligence is to hand from Pretoria that the Yolksraad has notified [? ratified] the convention which was concluded in February last between the Transvaal delegates and the British. Hong-Kong, August 10. The town of Kelung, in Formosa was bombarded by the French fleet for one hour, when the Chinese withdrew, and a force was lauded to occupy the place. Admiral Courbet, with a portion of his fleet, is still at Foo-Chow, and four French warships are now hebefore Woo Sung, a port near Shanghai.

[special to press association. ]

London, August 4. The report of the Congress of the French Chambers, held at Versailles yesterday, alleges that Australian prosperity is a result of convictism, and advises that exile should not be perpetual if the conduct is good, and further that the Government would assist those of the convicts who were willing to work, and deal rigorously with those who were not. Marriage between the convicts would be allowed. It was indicated that Cayenne would be the most suitable place for the majority of recidivistes, but those belonging to the artisan class would be welcomed jin New Caledonia.

The English Press are delighted at the failure of the Egyptian Conference, as freeing Englaud from her promises regarding Egypt. In the House of Commons Mr Gladstone stated that if the Government were assured that the House would adopt the Federation Enabling Bill, it would be introduced immediately. This statement was loudly cheered. The French Government have refused the indemnity of half a million taels offered by the Chinese in satisfaction for the Langsou affair, and in consequence parleying has been terminated. Admijal Courbet, in command of the French fleet, is reported to be “ trimrning,” with a view to provoke an attack,

At a large meeting at Birmingham, re the Franchise Question, the Hons. Bright and Chamberlain spoke very strongly against the action taken by the Lords.

August 6. The Congress Committee advise that one-fifth of the recidivistes be sent to New Caledonia, and that for the first the number be limited to 1000. The Times states that the colonists will not be satisfied with these suggestions. In the House of Lords- Earl Granville intimated that the Franchise Bill in its present form would be introduced at the autumn session of Parliament. The Federation Conference will reassemble in the autumn. The leaders of the lory party are not opposed to the principle of the Federal Enabling Bill, but they demand time for a full discussion of the question. The Marquis of Salisbury declines to hurry so momentous a measure as the Federation Enabling Bill without first duly considering its effect. Mr Parnell privately advocates that the Irish members should combine with the Government in forcing the measure through the House immediately.

The Hon. Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner of Canada, is negotiating for a commercial reciprocity treaty between Canada and Cuba.

August 7. A letter received at Cairo from General Gordon, dated Khartoum, June 24th, asks for information concerning the expedition which is to be sent to his relief. He farther states that Khartoum i s being attacked by 16,000 rebels.