CABLE NEWS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 202, 6 August 1884, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

[Reuter’s Telegrams.] ENGLISH HOUSE OF COMMONS. EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS. PROPOSED REFORM OF FRENCH CONSTITUTION. DISGRACEFUL SCENES. London, August 4. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr. Gladstone, in reply to a question, stated that if an Australasian Federation Enabling Bill was likely to pass without opposition, Government was prepared to introduce such a measure during the present session. The Premier, in reply to a further question, announced that the Government intends to ask the House to-morrow for a vote of credit to cover the expenses of the expedition to Khartoum, if steps for the relief of General Gordon are shown to be necessary, Mr. Gladstone added that the Government purposes taking an important step in regard to Egypt, and he hoped to be able to announce the nature of the proposed action to-morrow. August 5. The statement made by Mr. Gladstone in the House of Commons yesterday has given rise to considerable speculation on the part of the public and the daily press, as to the precise nature of the important steps which the Government proposes to take, in consequence of the want of success which attended the deliberation of the International Conference on Egyptian affairs. In its issue this morning the Daily Nezes affirms that the Premier’s statements indicate for Egypt the appointment, at an early date, of one of the leading liberal statesmen, and probably by a member of the cabinet, who will be entrusted with extended powers to act on behalf of the British Government. The Daily News also states that the Government have decided to ask Parliament for credit to the amount of £300,000, to cover the expenses of a military expedition for the rescue of General Gordon, and the relief of Khartoum, if it should be necessary.

It has transpired that the Conservative Party have decided not to assent to the passing of the proposed Australasian Federation Enabling Bill during the present Session.

In the House of Commons this afternoon Mr. Gladstone made his promised statement as to the intentions of the Government in regard to Egypt. He announced that Earl Northbrook, First Lord of the Admiralty, will proceed to that country this month with the powers of a High Commissioner, to report upon State affairs and advise Government as to the best course to pursue. His lordship will be accompanied by Sir. E. Baring, formerly British Consul-General in Egypt. Paris, August 4.

A Congress to discuss the question of the proposed Reform of the French Constitution, met to-day at Versailles. The proceedings were marked with considerable disorder, and several scenes of tumult arose. The sittings of the Congress had finally to be suspended.