LATE CABLE NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2335, 10 September 1880, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

['Ey ITrug: li.irrr.j (Per Albion at Russell.) THE AFGHAN WAN. MOVEMENTS OF THE i’.ItITISII FORCES. COLLAPSE OF A KLUDGE. DESTRUCTION OF SPANISH SOLDIERS. THE ADRIATIC SQUADRON. TURKEY MENACED. LORDS AND COMMONS AT VARIANCE. A CONSTITUTIONAL RATTLE IMPENDING. Loxdo.v, Sept. o. General Roberts upon reconoitering found Ayonb Khan !iad taken up a position with Ids forces behind a ridge of lulls which he held with great strength. He is entrenched. General Phayre is advancing with -1000 well composed troops, and three batteries of aotillery. lie is expected at Gandahar to-morrow. The faction increases between the

House of Lords, headed by Lord Redeadalc and the House of Commons. The anniversary of the battle of Sedan was celebrated throughout Germany on Wednesday. Sept. 2. The House of lords having thrown out a Bill passed by the House of Commons providing for the registration of voters in Ireland, Mr Parnell, on the House of Commons meeting to-day, brought forward a motion with the object of tacking the rejected measure to the Appropriation Bill. He complained, with much bitterness, of the action of the Lords with respect to the Bill in question and other measures. The Marquis of Hartington, on behalf of the Government, while sympathising with Mr Parnell’s disappointment, suggested that in lien of resorting to a “ tack,” the House should pass a formal resolution remonstrating because of the rejection • of the Registration Bill. Parnell assented to the course proposed, and a resolution will probably be introduced at an early date. Snrti.v, September 2. Further particulars arc now to hand respecting the attempt of Ayoub Khan to enter into negotiations with General Roberts. It appears that the messengers sent by the Afghan leader were the bearers of a letter from him couched in terms of apology for talcing up arms against the Chief of Candahar and (he British forces, and declaring that. Ayoub had no intention of engaging in hostilities against the latter, hut was forced to do so. General Heberts' reply to the above communication was of a peremptory character, declining to entertain any proposals for peace except on two conditions, namely, the immediate surrender of all English and Native prisoners now in the hands of Ayoub Khan, and the complete and unconditional surrender of Ayoub himself and his adherents. As no guarauaiilee was offered for compliance with these conditions, negotiations ceased at this point. Notwithstanding the overtures which have been made by Ayoub Khan, there is every reason to believe that lie is fully prepared to resist the attack about to bo made by General Roberts. Since bis arrival in Argaudab valley, Ayoub Khan has been actively engaged throwing up entrenchments ami defensive works, and the position lie occupies is believed to bo one of considerable .strength. His main body of troops are at Rusajan, and so far from showing a disposition to retreat before encountering General Roberts, lie is partly forcing the light which is about to ensue. Madiitd, Sept. 1. News lias been received of a shocking disaster to a battalion of troops at Logarous on the Ebro. H appears that a battalion on march was crossing a bridge which spans the river when the structure gave way under the unusual weight. Hundreds of soldiers were preciptated into the river below. 'Many saved their lives by swimming, but sixty-eight wore drowned. Loxdox, Sept. 2. In accordance with an announcement made in the House of Lords by Earl Granville (Secretary of Slate for the Foreign Department) last Monday, a contingent of British and other men-of-war has to-day sailed for Ragnsa in the Adriatic Sea. It is understood that the licet arc at present without further instructions lhan that their destination is the place above named.

In the House of Commons this evening .Sir Chas. Dilko stated in reply to a 'question that the combined licet which was now on route for liagusa would be under the command of Vice-Admiral Paget, senr., and not under Admiral Hornby, as was at first expected. It was further stated that Admiral Seymour would act in combination with the foreign commanders of the contingent, with whom ho would be in frequent consultation. With regard to the question at issue, between Turkey and her neighbors. Sir Chas. Dilkesaid that these being entirely of a political nature strong hopes were entertained that coercion would not be required for their settlement.

Sepl.d. Intelligence has been received from the seat of war, in South America, from _ which it appears that (ho hostilities between Chili and Peru have at present ceased, and stronghopes arc entertained that the war will be brought to a close. Communications have been exchanged between the respective Governments, with a view to the negotiation of terms of peace, and these overtures are understood to have been well received on both sides. England and France have also tendered their good oliices for the purposes of mediations between the countries, and therefore it is considered highly probable that a satisfactory settlement will shortly be arrived at. The force under General Roberts numbers 10,000 men ; (hose under Ayoub ivlian numbered 2-5,000 three days since, but 0000 of his regulars deserted owing to the recognition of Abdul Rhannm as Ameer of Cubul. Aimub Jvlian made an attempt to negotiate with the Pritish. The Afghan forces have taken up a strong position. General Roberts’ force is in splendid condition. General Phayre had not at latest advices readied Takapul, where lie expects some lighting, and great anxiety exists as to the result. The action of the House of Lords threatens to 'bring about a crisis. It lias offended the Irish by rejecting the Compensation Rill, and annoyed the farmers by amending the 1 late Rill. It has also irritated the working - men by the rejection of certain clauses in the Employers’ Liabilities Rill. Ye.stcrdav the House of Lords rejected the Irish Registration Rill, although the Government aided in passing it through the House of Commons, and the Irish party_ are avenging this action by blocking the Appropriation Rill. The House of Lords has also refused to accept some amendments made by Hie House of Commons in the Burial Rill, thus encouraging a new agitation against the House. This serious disagreement between the Houses is delaying the rising of Parliament. The Hon. R.T. G-ohlsworlh, Colonial Secretary of Western Australia, has been appointed Governor of St. Lucia, in the Windward Groin?.