NEWS FROM EUROPE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2182, 16 March 1880, Page 2

NEWS FROM EUROPE.

(Per Eotomahana at the Bluff.) BLUFF, March 15. The following additional items have been received per s.s. Eotomahana:— THE FAMINE FUND. The Duchess of Marlborough has disclaimed any connection between her fund and the Dublin Mansion House fund. The Duchess, in addressing her committee in Dublin, said that the “ Purse ” charity could not escape Mr Parnell’s misrepresentations, but that was not surprising, seeing that it was he who slandered Her Majesty the Queen by daring to say Her Majesty gave no help in the famine of 1841, and also unjustly accused the Duchess’ fund of being used for political purposes, and not for the relief of the distressed peasantry. ANOTHER ACETIC EXPEDITION A meeting at the Mansion House was held on Jan. 29, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor, in support of the proposed Arctic expedition, which is described as the “ British and Canadian Expedition, under John Chcyno, E.N.” The estimated cost of the expedition will bo £30,000, which is sought to be raised by voluntary contributions. Commander Cheync and the Finance Minister of Canada suggest that the colony should find the money if England did not. It is proposed to ascertain which of the two channels is the most open. In the first week of June three ballons arc to leave the ships, with provisions for 50 days. The North Pole, it is presumed can bo reached in from 21 to 30 days, and the return is to be accomplished partly by sledge and partly by balloon. In a letter Lord Bury strongly opposes the scheme as an impracticable one, and suicidal for those engaged in it. LATEST FROM AFGHANISTAN. BOMBAY, Feb. 14. | [There has been no further fighting in Afghanistan as yet, but rumors continue to be circulated pointing to the resumption of hostilities at an early date by Afghan malcontents under Gharazi, who is known to be organising a force to carry out his long-threatened attempt to drive our forces from Shirpar. General Roberts is busily strengthening his defences. A redoubt, which will hold 700

men and six guns is being constructed at Siali Sang - , on a crest nearest Bala-Hissar, and a smaller fort on the slope nearest Shirpar. The opinion in India is universal that until our power is fully established at Ghuznee, and Herat taken, the Afghans will not believe in our supremacy. The Government itself evidently holds the same view, and is making preparations for the coming campaign on a great scale. MELIKOFF AND THE NIHILISTS. On March 3 General Melikoff, who, a few days previously, was appointed Supreme Commissioner for the repression of the Nihilists, had a narrow escape from assassination. While driving through the city he was fired at by a Nihilist, who most fortunately entirely missed his aim. Before he could make good his escape, the wouldbe assassin was arrested. His name proved to be Tolardarsky, and he was said to be a baptised Jew, and connected with the Nihilist organisation. Acting under the despotic powers conferred upon him as President of the Committee of Public Safety appointed by the Czar, General Melikoff ordered the man’s immediate execution without trial. A sentence of death by hanging was passed upon him, and next morning (March 5) he was hanged outside St. Petersburg, in the presence of an immense concourse of spectators. When interrogated as to his accomplices, the prisoner firmly refused to afford the authorities any information. He was escorted from the gaol to the gallows by a strong force of military and police, as an attempt at rescue was apprehended. During the execution a disturbance occurred, and for some time a melee seemed imminent, but the police having apprehended the ringleaders, order was restored. THE CHILIAN WAE. The latest news received from the seat of war in South America states, _ that in spite of an understanding which has been come to between Chili and Peru, that hostilities should not be resumed for some time, naval operations have been commenced by the Chilians. The Chilian fleet, which by recent advices had been blockading Africa, the principal seaport of Southern Peru, has made an attack on that town, which it had bombarded with considerable effect. During the engagement the Chilian commander of the ironclad Huscar, which has lately been refitted, was killed by the Peruvian guns. CHINA PEEPAEING. China is preparing heartily for war. The Eussian difficulty is the principal cause, but there is on the part of China a defiant attitude generally to foreigners.