GENERAL SUMMARY.

Southland Times, Issue 1629, 6 September 1872, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

Six war ships had been appointed to the Australian station, besides vessels for the New Zealand coast. Similar precautionary measures would be taken I with regard to the Fiji Islands, and the laborers of Fiji placed on the same footing as those of Queensland. The cooperation of foreign Governments would be invited. The Times says that the recent debate on the annexation of Fiji will be accepted as a proof that the current of English public opinion no longer sets towards disintegration. The Standard denounces the cowardly suggestion that one Australian colony should annex Fiji. The Spectator ridicules Mr Gladstone's demand fora plebiscite, and urges immediate annexation in the interests of the natives and the cause of civilisation. The public mind was greatly relieved by the removal of the indirect claims from the American case. The arbitrators explained that the British demand for adjournment was not likely to lead to good results, but after considering the indirect claims they unanimously decided them to be contrary to the accepted principles of international law as the foundation for compensation or damages between nations. The President of the United States accepted this judgment as the determination of an important principle of public law. The British agent requested the arbitrators to adopt a protocol of the decision, excluding the impugned claims from consideration, and then laid a final summary of the British argument before the tribunal. The Court adjourned to July 15tb, when arbitration will proceed as if the consequential claims bad never been raised.. The American people take the decision with great calmness, as an English triumph. Oxford has been severely beaten by Cambridge in a cricket match. England was successful in the contest for the international challenge trophy at Edinburgh. Experiments have been made off Portland to test the power of ships to resist heavy shots. Two 600-pounders were fired at the Glatton at the distance of 100 yards. One shot remained embedded in the armor turret, and the second rebounded to the deck. The result is eminently favorable for turret ships. An extradition treaty has been concluded with Germany, and a copyright treaty between England and Germany is under consideration. The violent attacks made on Mr Justice Keouh are arousing strong indignation throughout Ireland. His life is endangered. The Lords have yielded to the pressure of public opinion in dealing with their principal amendment to the Ballot Bill. The Commons refusing the optional secrecy of voting, the Lords abandoned it by a majority of 19. Scrutiny, however, is provided for, and the bill will be terminable in 1880. Parliament has voted £4,000 to defray the costs of Governor Eyre's trial, notwithstanding the opposition of the Radicals. The reported loss of the James Service is in correct.