LATE CABLE NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3023, 5 December 1882, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By Teleqbaph.] [Per s.s. Te Anau at the Bluff.] London, undated. A controversy is threatened between Franco and England concerning tho rights of the former to certain territory in Central Africa. H. M. Staa ley, acting on behalf of the King of Belgium and tho International African Association, had established stations on tho Congo river, made roads at enormous labor, and formed trading relations with the neighboring tribes, when a French officer, De Brazza, appeared upon the

scone, and eventually marched a few miles further up the river than Stanley’s station, built a f,-w huts, named them De Brazzaville ami induced the native chief named Makako to sign a treaty surrendering the territory to France. He then distributed flags in all directions, and returned to France announcing the result of his action. Meanwhile Stanley had returned also. He ridicules De Brassa’s claims, dedaring, in the first place, he was not a servant of the French Government, but of the International Association ; and secondly, that Makako was unaware of the contents of the treaty, and laughed at the idea of ceding territory for a few beads. (Special to Melbourne “ Age.”) London, Nov. 21. It is now reported that the Czar has decided to re-appoint General Ignatieff to the position of Minister of the Interior, from which he was recently dismissed. The report 'has given rise to considerable agitation as indicating the return on the part of Russia to a warlike and anti-German policy which General IgnatiefE was asserted to bo in favor of. The French Government have decided to sell the site and ruins of the Tuilleries in Paris by public auction at an early date. The officers and men of the battalions who have recently returned from Egypt were entertained yesterday at a grand banquet at Westminster Aquarium. The proceedings were very enthusiastic, and speeches were delivered of a congratulatory character. The projected visit of M. Giers to Prince Bismarck at Yarzin is accepted as evidence of peaceful intentions on the part of Russia towards Germany, and is expected to neutralise the uneasy feeling which has been aroused by the rumor that General IgnatiefE is to be re-appointed to his old position as one of the Czar’s advisers. A Government official has been arrested at Celtinge, the capital of Montenegro, charged with conspiracy against the Government. Great depression prevails in the iron trade throughout America, and the principal iron works at Chicago are about to be closed. A grand banquet has been given at Marseilles to celebrate the inauguration of a new line of steamers belonging to the Messageries Maritimes Company which are to trade regularly from December next between Marseilles and Australian ports. The speeches made were of a congratulatory character, and satisfaction was expressed at the opening up of direct commercial relations between France and the Australian colonies. A terrible disaster is reported from Guayaquil, one of the chief cities of the South American Republic of Ecuador. A large powder magazine suddenly exploded, killing ten persons and wonndjng a number of others. The expenses caused by the employment of Indian troops ini the Egyptian campaign have been accurately' calculated, and they have been found not to exceed the original estimate. The arrest of the ringleaders in the recent anarchical disturbances at Paris and Lyons has had a wholesale effect in suppressing the Socialistic agitation, which seemed likely to spread to all the large centres of population throughout France. Various organisations formed for the purpose of disseminating Socialistic doctrines have ceased their operations, and the members have dispersed.

The anti Jewish agitation is again being revived in various parts of Europe. In St. Petersburg and several districts of Hungary attempts are being made to instigate the populace to fresh acts of violence against the Jewish residents. , The authorities are taking measures for the suppression of the threatened disturbances. Hostilities have broken out between Montenegro and the Turkish province of Albania, and the former Government are now making a general call of arras with a view to invading Albanian territory with, it is said, the secret sanction of Russia. The Porte has appealed to the Great Powers ofEurope to place a check on Montenegrin aggression ; declaring that otherwise war will be declared against Montenegro, and a Turkish army be sent into Albania to protect the interests of the Sultan’s subjects there. A section of the inhabitants in Albania, despairing of receiving substantial succor from Constantinople have sent a deputation to Austria inviting that power to occupy the country. It is stated that one of the odjects of the visit of M. Giers to Germany is to consult with some of the leading German capitalists on the financial position of Russia, which is at present far from flourishing. It is stated that the existing French Ministry will shortly be reconstructed with a view of strengthening its position in Parliament and the country. Floods in the Midland Counties, which ' were rapidly subsiding, have again recurred, the low-lying districts being completely submerged, owing to a recent heavy fall of rain

Nov. 26,

It is stated that the basis of an agreement has been arrived at between Russia and Germany as to the course to be pursued by the two Powers with respect to affairs in. Egypt. The Rushan Government are stated to have pledged themselves to support Prince Bismarck in any policy which he may deem advisablo to pursue on this subject. M. Garabetta and his political following are commencing an agitation for the displacement of M. Grevy, President of the French Republic, who was elected to the office for a term of seven years in January, 1879. They disclaim any personal animosity against M. Grevy, but contend that as ‘ a matter ot principle, and with a view to probable European complications, the President of the Republic should be a military officer of experience and standing. The movement is being warmly taken up by the military party throughout France. It is believed that more friendly relations have been established between the French Government and the envoy* of Queen of Madagascar, who are still in Paris endeavoring to settle various matters in dispute between the two countries. The envoys are expected to conclude their negotiations with the French Government very shortly. They will then immediately leave for London.

Owing to the harsh treatment which the coolie emigrants have been subjected to at the French island of Eeunion, the Indian Government have prohibited the exportation of any more coolies to that island, and it will for the future be summarily stopped, as it is considered that the condition of the coolie population of Eeunion is very little removed from slavery. Nov. 27. Groat consternation has been created at Monte Carlo, in central Italy, by an explosion which occurred at one of the gambling hells in that place. The on'giu of the catastrophe is at present unknown. ( s , , The Egyptian Government are determined to inaugurate a strict system of economy of management of the public finances, and with that view have'

announced a number of measures of retrenchment.

The dissensions which have for some time past prevailed in ehe Turkish Ministry have at length culminated 'in the dismissal of Sieh Pasha, who has been succeeded by Assim Pasha. A bridge in Aberdeenshire suddenly collapsed, causing the death of five persons who were crossing at the lime.