BRITISH AND FOREIGN

Kumara Times, Issue 2632, 12 February 1885, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN

[SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE.]

London, January 21. Some negotiations have recently taken place between the Colonial Office and Prince Bismarck on the subject of German annexation in New Guinea. Mr Murray Smith, the Victorian Agent-General, has endeavoured to ascertain the result of these negotiations, but up to the preseut has not been suecessful.

The Marquis of Lome is cauvassing the Agents-General of the various colonies with the view of obtaining their support to an Imperial Federation scheme.

The Governors of the various French colonies have received directions to enforce the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act in their respective colonies. The forces thus raised are intended for service in China.

January 25. It is reported that the British Government intends annexing the whole southern poition of New Guinea not claimed by she Dutch, nnd that Major ScruicUley will be appoimed QoYernoi,

It is also expected the subsidy will require to be increased.

It is stated that England would not interfere with the Solomon Islands. A man has been arrested whilst erabarking at San Francisco for Australia, it is believed with the intention of blowing up the Australian prisons with dynamite.

January 26. The English Press deplore the concessions recently made by Ihe British Cabinet, and which will practically have the effect of reviving the dual control of Egypt.

[special to pkess association.]

London, February 6. The feeling of public indignation and disgust pervading all classes of the people regarding the miscarriage in the Soudan is unparalleled, and in consequence consols have declined A per cent. ■* L

Profound sympathy is expressed on the Oontineut at the failure of Lord Wolseley's expedition to rescue Gordon. The Recidiviste Bill has passed its second reading in the French Senate. M. ttosseau contended that the recidivistes would be an acquisition to the colonies. France is unanimous in demanding that convicts should be relegated. M. Beranger's scheme, which would have largely superseded the present Bill, has been rejected. The Cathedral at Jacobstadt, a town of Russia, in Finland, has been dynamited.

Prince Bismarck contends that the recent annexation by England of a part of New Guinea is at variance with the assurance by Earl Granville, and the latter replies that the step was rendered necessary from a fear of filibustering. The Chinese have sustained several defeats in Tonquin recently. The French troops, under General Negrier, are now advancing on Langson. February 7. There is a deadlock at Lisbon. February 8. The French forces under General Negrier have captured a Chinese camp near Langson.

February 9. M. Rousseau considers that Cayenne would be a suitable place for the relegation of recidivistes.

The Times in an article on annexation in New Guinea, denounces the arrogance displayed by Prince Bismarck in the matter, and urges Earl Granville to adhere to the present extension of the British protectorate in that island. The Freuch casualties in the recent engagement with the Chinese near Langson was eighty killed and wounded. A. mutiny broke out amongst the crews of the French fleet at present stationed off the island of Formosa, but was eventually suppressed.