LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 3169, 31 December 1886, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph. —Copyright. ARRIVAL OF THE MARQUIS OF HARTINGTON. QUESTION OF FORMING A COALITION MINISTRY. DATE FOR MEETING OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT. MEETING OF BULGARIAN DEPUTATION WITH THE SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. CHOICE FOR THE THRONE OF BULGARIA. DEATH OF THE MAHDI'S LEADER. VISIT OF GENERAL ROBERTS TO THE BUDDHIST PRIMATE. REBEL CHIEF BOSH WAY FLED TO THE MOUNTAINS. (Received December 31, 1 a.in.) London, December 30. Tlie Maiquis of Harrington arrived in London yesterday, from Monte Carlo. He will confer today with Goshen and Sir Henry James upon the question of forming a coalition with (he Salisbury Ministry. It is officially announced that Parliament will assemble on January 27th. The Bulgarian deputation had an interview with Earl Iddesleigh yesterday, the meeting being one of the moat cordial character. They stated that the Bulgaria a Government had declined Prince Nicholas, of Mingreliu, as their ruler, his claim to the throne, being unacceptable to the Bulgarian

people, who were in favour of the Duke of Oldenburg succeeding Prince Alexander. Iddesleigh promised to do the utmost in his power to favour the views of the deputation, which should, be compatible with existing treaties. (Received December 30, 7 p.m.) Cairo, December 28. News has been received from Khar, toum of the death of Khalif Abdullisb, the Mahdi's leader. (Received December 31, 1 a.m.) Rangoon, December 29. General Roberts, commander of the British forces in Upper Burmah, has returned to Bhamo from a visit to the Buddhist Primate, Abo, who received him in the most cordial manner, and promised to induce the Burmese to peaceably accept Biitish rule. December 30. The rebel chief Bosh way, who was defeated by the Biitish forces under General Lowe, has fled to the mountains, where pursuit is hopeless. [SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE.] London, December 16. It,is understood Lord Salisbury has prevented Mr Stanhope disclosing the details of the negotiations which have been proceeding with France for some time past in connection with the continued occupation of the New Hebrides by the French troops. December 18. The Bombay Gaz-tte publics an announcement of a French occupation of Somauli Land, in the district east of Africa, and fronting the Gulf of Aden. A British protectorate was recently establised in tin: vicinity of Berber, the principal port, and the French have a settlement near Teperß, to the north. It is now asserted that the French flag is lieing hoisted at Dougietta, a port within the limits of the British protece. An English expedition was despatched to haul down the flaa. Two French gunboats were Bent to Dou»retta. H.M.S. Penguin has beeu ordered to follow on December 15. The question of an ocean penny postage is being much discussed by the London press. The Daily News and Pall Mall Gazette concur in stating that the Imperial Conference to be held next year will be unfruitful unless some agreement on the question of a penny postage is come to. The unsatisfactory state of affairs in connection with the position of the new • Hebrides and New Guinea is commented upon. A settement is hindered by i he want of firmness ou the part of the Agents-General for the colonies in presence of a Minister. Yesterday, they displayed a lamb-like demeanour when they waited upon him to ascertain what is being doue in these matters, and they fniled to take a firm stand. The National League have arranged a scries of isunday meetings. Arrangements will be made for collecting the rents f om tenants, on Dillon's basis. At a meeting of the Cabinet Council to-day, it was decided to issue circulars to the Great Powers regarding the continuation of the British occupation of Egypt. December 19. Surpiise having been expressed at the quiescent attitude of the Irish leader towards the no-rent demonstration in Ireland, Mr ParneU announced he had no hand in originating the scheme or in devising a plan or campaign. He was in ignorance concerning it until particulars were published. He declined to express an oipnion until fully informed concerning the facts. Mr Parnell has been serio'isly ill from gastric fever, but is now recovering. December 21. The divorce suit instituted by Lord Colin Campbell, son of the Duke of Argyle, against Lady Colin Campbell, and a counter suit by the wife against the husband, was concluded yesterday. The Judge summed up strongly in favour of Lady Colin Campbell. The jury retired at 6.45 p.m. and returned at 9.20 p.m. The foreman announced that they agreed that Lord Colin was not guilty of adultery, but iu the case of Lady Colin they could not airive at a decision. Afterwards it transpired that the sole reason for hesitation was the absence of General Butler, one of the co-respondents, who did not appear in the witness-box to answer a chaise against him. When the annouucement of their failure to agree was made by the jury, Lady Colin Campbell was much affected, turned pale, trembled and almost fainted. The Judge solemnly lectured the jury, pointing out the great pain and inconvenience which disagreement must inflict on all parties. The jury retired again, and at 10.15 p.m. returned to Court with a verdict affirming the innocence of Lady Colin Campbell. The jury also added a nd«r, censuring the conduct of General Butler, in not coming forward to testify when a woman's honour w.,.s involved'

as unworthy an officer and a gentleman. The verdiot and rider were appended in Coutt. The newspapers, which iasuedsspecial editions, had an enormous sale. -