SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3154, 28 March 1879, Page 3

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

(Peb s.s. Heeo.)

(Pee Feess Agency.)

General Summary.

The progress of the plague has received attention by the English Government. The Lords of the Council have announced that they will zealously guard the approach of vessels from Russian Ports, although they believe no need of alarm exists. Intei'course with Russia is virtually prohibited by Germany, Austria, and Koumania in -consequence of the plague, while Italy and Turkey adopt very stringent quarantine regulations. The latest accounts state that the plague has increased in Russia since the thaw set in, and there is a general disposition to epidemic in the interior. A strong belief, in fact, previous that the Spring will witness a serious revival in intensity of this dregful malady, and that it will take considerable farther strides westward. Although the epidemic in Thessaly has been ascertained not to be the plague there has been a large mortality in that province from malignant typhuj. The idea of an immediate advance on Herat, if ever contemplated, has been abandoned, and the troops under Generals Stewart and Biddulph have had to return from l£helat Ghelmi and Girst towards Kandahar. The reason for this retrogade movement is not officially stated, but it is generally regarded as a sign that the war is over. General Roberts in the Rusram Valley, and General Browne in the Khyber Pass and Jellalabad, appear to be devoting their attention to improving and securing their communication. The Afghan winter has fairly set in, and the troops are suffering considerable hardships, but maintain capital spirits. The mortality among the camp in the Kandahar column is very great. Accounts continue to be received of dissensions among the chief men at Cabul, and of desertions from Yakoob Khan's army. The rumors current that Ameer Shere Ali had died had reference to the Ameer of Bokhara. Sir Reid Temple has returned to Bombay after an absence of two and a half months. He was engaged in a scheme for on an efficient footing the supply and transport agencies for Quettah and Kandahar forces. Macpherson, the Standard's correspondent, lsas been dismissed from General Roberts' camp for adding to a telegram after its counter-signature by the General. Other accounts, state that his dismissal was owing to adverse criticism of General Roberts' tactics at Piewar. Kotu? Walie Dah^med has arrived at Jellalabad, and has been received with considerable state. It is believed that important negotiations are proceeding between him and the British.' The onward movement from Kallabad is expected soon. Isolated attacks by fanatics still continue, but nothing serious. The Home Government have thanked India fov the offer of a contingent for the Cape, which is not at present required. Eighty-six persons connected with the Burmese royal family have been assassinated by order of the present King. The British Government sent a strong remonstrance. General Grant arrived at Bombay on the 14th instant, and was the guest of the governor. He has since proceeded throughout India. A letter from Yakoob Khan, dated Cabul 20th, has been received at Jellalabad containing overtures for the renewal of friendly relations with the British. A further letter states that, since the dispatch of the former letter, news has been received at Cabul of the death of his father. Yakoob sent this information on account of friendship, as his father was an old friend of the British. General Biddulph's rear guard was attacked by 2000 Alizai duramies, but they were repulsed, losing 1500 men ; our loss was five killed, including one major, and eleven were wounded. Lord Chelmsford's despatch reporting his defeat by {he Zulus, stated : " I have to report a very disastrous engagement on January 22nd between the Zulus and a portion of the army under my command at Rooke's .Drift, which, during sixty-two hours, had been attacked by between 3000 and 4000 Zulus. Amongst the fallen are Lieutenant Chard, R.E., senior officer, and Captain Broomhead, and 370 bodies lay close around the post. The loss of the Zulus is reckoned at 1000 here alone, but at the camp, where the disaster occurred, the loss of the enemy is computed at over 2000. The session of Parliament re»opened to-day without a speech from the Throne. The attendance of the Lords was very numerous but despite such a full brilliant aspect of the house, there was a gloom cast over the proceeding frjom beginning to end caused by «the neWjjj^om South Africa ; " cv.cry allusion to tEe subject by speakers during the debate appeared to make a painful impression. Lord Beaconsfield rose and reviewed the present position of our African troops and announced the measures which it was the intention of the Government to introduce during the session. The noble Lord then in unaffecting touching terms alluded to the sad event in South Africa, which he described as a great military disaster. He carried with him the sympathy and approval of both sides of the House when he paid a feeling tribute to the heroism-of our troops,, dead and living, who had to encounter that disaster. The noble Lord summed up his review of external affairs by an emphatic declaration that the object for which we had undertaken, hostilities in Afghanistan has been completely accomplished. We were now in possession of three great highways between Afghanistan and India, and this would make our Indian Empire invulnerable. He said the Government have recognised the difficulties that'had arisen from Shere Ali's disappearance, but do not think they will prove insuperable obstacles to a settlement. He then made one other important announcement on the subject: There is, he states, a general of opinion amongst Indian authorities that India ought to bear, and can bear ultimately, all the expenses of the present hostilities. The speeches of the Opposition leaders Sn both Houses were of a very moderate character, and fully shared the sorrow expressed by the Government at the military disaster, although reserving for future discussion the question of the, origin of the war. Exception was also taken to the favorable picture drawn by the Govern-

nient reapfctinj* the results of tlie Treaty of Berlin, the still unsatisfied Greek claims being particularly adverted to. It was evident also that the question of Turkey's non-execution of reforms guaranteed by the Anglo-Turkish convention will hereafter form a subject of sharp criticism hy the Opposition.