Untitled

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 109, 13 April 1885, Page 3

(reuter's tblegramb.) London, April 10. The panic which prevailed for eoine time on account of the ibreateniug aspect of foreijju affairs has now m a great measure subsided, and business matters have resumed their usual .bourne. . ■ Iv the House of Coinraona to-day Mr Gladstone stated m reply to a question, that Geueral Komarolf had been requested by ibe Uußsiau Government to lurniuh an explanation of his couduct m attacking the Afghan troops. Meblourne, April 11. The Victorian Goyerniuent baviug made euquiries as to the alleged preseuce of. Ruasiau war vessels at the Cape, Bir Hercules Robinson, Governor ot Cape OolOny." telegraphs m reply that six ineu of war belonging to Russia ielt Otpetown at the cmi of February, thejr ostensible destinations beiug Europe and India. , „.„ A.piu 12. The Merchant Shipping and Morajuit.le Aasociatiow anuounou the followiMg

scale of war risks to be charged for insuring vessels between England and Auatralian Colonies. Outward steamers 3a 4d per cent, sailing vessels Is 2d per cent., homeward steamers Is 4d per cent., sailing vessels 3s 4d per cent. It is inteinlwl by the local military authorities to make considerable addition to the strength of the artillery force at Port Phillip Heads. St. Pbiehsbdrg, April 12. A telegram dated April Ist from General Komaroff to the Russian Government explains that he summoned the Afghans to evacuate the position, this, however, acting uuder advice of British officers present, they declined to do so. In order to support tha demand General Komaroff ordered the troops to advance, still counting, however, upon a pacific issue of the difficulty. On the approach ot the Russians the Afghans opened fire upon thorn, and followed with an attack by the cavalry, where upon General Koinaioff was compelled to order his troops to commence hostilities with the result of the battle fought as already reported. A semi-official organ of the Government journal of the St. Petersburg, -commenting on General Koruaroffa explanation of the Afghan incident declines to allow that the action of the Russian commaudcr was prompted by aggressive motives. London, April 12. It is not expected that a reply from General Komaruff to the demand of the Russian Government for an explanation of his attack on the Afghan troops will ' be received for fully a fortnight. Sydney, This Day. It is currently reported here that Hi» Excellency, Loftus and Admiral Largon are m receipt of instruction from the Imperial Government with regard to necessary steps for promoting the efficiency of the uaval and laud defences of th» Colony.