LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 1 July 1880, Page 2

LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

(SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE ARGUS.) London, June 23. The French Government propose to grant a bounty to French-built ships.

(SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE.) London, June 22.

Fever and famine is extending among the inhabitants of the west of Ireland, and great distress prevails there despite all the efforts made on the part of the Central Committee to distribute relief throughout the suffering district. In the County of Mayo, 2Q deaths have occurred from the effects of fever and destitution.

In the House of Commons last night the debate on Mr. Laboucher's motion that Mr. Bradlaugh be allowed to make an affirmation, in lieu of being sworn, was resumed. The Radical element strongly supported the motion, but the Conservatives and a large number of Liberals opposed any special exemption being made in favor of Mr. Bradlaugh. Upon a division the motion was defeated by a majority of 45. The Government voted with the minority. Great excitement prevailed upon the Speaker declaring the result. The Tories were most jubilant, and cheered enthusiastically. A motion had been tabled the previous day by Sir Harding Gifford, M.P. for Launceston, and Solicitor-General in the Beaconsfield Government, declaring that in the opinion of the House Mr. Bradlaugh should not be sworn, as upon his admission he did not recognise the sanctity or binding nature of an oath, or be permitted to make an affirmation. The resolution oarp.e on for discussion, and created considerable interest. It was adapted without a division.