EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 68, 18 January 1879, Page 2

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

(From the latest Colonial Papers.) London - , December 5. General Roberts litis fought a battle at I'eiiwur, and has won a grand victory. All the guns of tho enemy wero captured. 't'lc loss of the enemy was enormous. The British los= amounted to 100 men. Parliament was opened to-day by commission. The Queen's speech regrets the necessity of stiniuiouiiig Parliament so early. It stales that the hostility of the Amir of Ofghauistan obliged the Governor-Gene-ral of India to send an ultimatum, which was disregarded, and an expedition was directed to cross the frontier. Estimates were being prepared, and after a suitable recess the General measures would he submitted. The Berlin Treaty was being executed. The immediate return of the Duchess of Edinburgh to England is regarded as a peaceful sign.

The libera! leaders have decided to move no amendment to the address, but to introduce a motion censuring the policy of the Government, and not referring to Supplies.

The House of Lords voted the address after a short debate. Karl Beaoonstield vindicated the object of the war. and trusted that General Robert's victory would be satisfactory. He thought the worst phrase in the depression of trade had passed, lie was confident regarding the regeneration of Asia Minor.

The [louse of Commons voted the address after a long debate. Lord Hartingden disclaimed any intention to oppose supplies. Tho Secretary of State of the Indian Department denied that a quarrel had been picked with the Amir. The only object was to secure the frontier.

Among the other matters, mentioned in the Queen's Speech at the opening of Parliament, is that a suitable redress will he demanded from the Amir at the conclusion of hostilities. In the House of Commons, tho UnderSecretary for India gave notice of a resolution that the expenses of the war wore to bo charged to tho Indian Exchequer.

Tho City of Glasgow Bunk is liquidating and paying dep isits.

December li. The address in reply was adopted in both Houses.

To-night Halifax, in the Lords, and Whitobread, in the Commons, gave notice of motion condemning the policy of ths Government is respect to Afghan. A full discussion is expected.

December 0. It is reported that Shore Ali has lied.

The West of England and South Wales District Hunk has failed. The liabilities lire unknown. The liabilities of the West of England Bank tire three and a-lialf millions. It is alleged that the olliee has stlllicicnt, but suspension is possible. A temporary revolution is reported at Kabul, causing tho Amir's flight to Turkestan. A German sailor, rescued in the Channel, reports that he is the solo survivor of the barque Sun Gran, bound front Sydney to England with wool. It collided with a Bteamer off the l.izarl.

The Priuoesi Alice is alarmingly ill.

Sir Hercules Robinson, the present Governor of New South Wales, has I .-en gazetted tiovemor of New Zealand. The Governorship of New Sooth Wales' ttill remains unsettled.

It is believed in many quarter* that the suspension of the West of England Rank will only be temporary, and that it will be able to resume business again shortly. Strong efforts are being made in this direction.

The failure of the South Wales Bank is attributed to a run on the funds. Money is tighter.|ot!ierwise the news was received quietly. December 10. In the House of Lords, Viscount Cranbrook's motion the expense of the Afghan war being chargeable to India, ,waa carried on a division of 250 to 05. * Lord Beaconsfiehl, alluding to the Afghan question, declared that any attempt at rectification of frontier would necessarily result in war. England was now on friendly terms with Russia, whose recent explanation with reference, to her mission to Kabul was considered satisfactory.

The Konso of Commons agreed to the adjournment, of the debate on Mr. Wiiitcbreads, motions for a vote of censure on the policy of the Govern incut regarding Afghanistan. The Princess Louise is very ill with diptbeiia. The Secretary of State for Indian Department, in the Lords, said, whenever called upon, India would pay the expenses of tho Afghan war. England's assistance would not be required, considering that the surplus will be £500,01)0 after paying expenses. England must be paramount at Kabul. Mr. Whitebread, in the House of Commons, removed a resolution condemning the Government. A desultory debate ensued. Roth Houses adjourned till Tuesday.

The Governorship of New South Wales is still unsettled. Hercules Robinson has been appointed to New Zealand.

Berlin, December 2. The Emperor was enthusiastically rereceiveu on his return to the capital to resume the Government. Calcutta, December ti. It is stated on good authority that the reply of the Amir was both defiant and insolent. It is improbable that the Ameer will defend Candahar. It is believed that he possesses 12 battalions of infantry and 25 regiments of cavalry with arms of modern pattern, and 2"> guns. December S. A conciliatory reply to the ultimatum of the Viceroy has been received. The Amir professes a previous written submission. It is believed to have been re-written after tho defeat at Ali .Musji.l. Bombay, December (i. Intelligence has been received of the capture of the l'iewar Pass by General Robert's force, after a second severe engagement. All the guns and ammunitions in the evening fell into the hands of the British. The Afghans su Ifered heavy loss. The victory is complete. The British loss in killed and wounded is 4 officers and 80 men.