LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4576, 4 September 1883, Page 2

LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

(Via the BitTFF.)

(Peb Pbess Association.)

(Age SfEchUiS.)

London, August 22.

A deputation consisting of the AgentsGeneral of the various Australian Colonies; waited yesterday upon Sir Evelyn Ashley for the purpose of aeain urging upon the Government the importance of taking immediate action in reference to the proposal to annex New Guinea and New Hebrides. The deputation said they desired a distinct statement as to what course it was intended to adopt. Sir E, Ashley, in replying, stated that the Government were not prepared to carry out the, annexation scheme at present; they felt disinclined to extend their colonial possessions in the direction indicated, and referred to the increased number of cruisers now stationed in the South Pacific for the protection of the Colonies. *

The House of Commons last night discussed the amendments which had been made to the English and Scotch Tenants Compensation Bill by. the House of Lords, and the whole of the amendments were ultimately rejected. Sales of Victorian hops hare besn effected in the London market the price realised being £10 15s per cwt. A small quantity has been reshipped. Intelligence from Annam shows that severe fighting has recently taken place there between the French forces and native troops. The French having secured the town of Baidgong without much difficulty, despatched a force of 1530 men in pursuit of the enemy, who had retreated from t c vicinity to the of Anamter; ther, however, rallied pttd a desperate encounter ensued, the French troops being ultimately repulsed with considerable loss. General Bonnet, commander of the French, was compelled to retire on Hanoi, whither he was closely pursued by the Anamites. Bonnet complains that the French troops now at Anam are quite inadequate to cope with the enemy. Lord Derby has refused to grant an order for the release of Cresswell, who is confined in the Parraxnatta Jjunatic, Asylum,* and who is alleged to be Arthur -Orton of Tichborne celebrity.

The new shares recently issued in London by the Commercial Bank of Australasia have been fully subscribed.

The action of the French at Anam has engendered a feeling of hostility in the minds of the Chinese against all Europeans, and serious disturbances have consequently taken place at Canton. Affairs in thatcity wear such a grave aspect that, the Imperial Government has despatched an English man-of-war to Hong Kong for the protection of the European residents. The relations between Germany and France are daily becoming more critical. The French are now mobilising their army corps on their eastern frontier. The trial of the Rev. Mr Shaw, agent of the London Missionary Society, before a French court martial at Tamatave, has been concluded ; the accused was charged with holding communication with the Hovas contrary to martial law proclaimed at Tamatave by Admiral Pierre. The Court found the prisoner not guilty, and he was discharged. x The English and Scotch Tenants Compensation Bill has been again discussed in the House of Lords, and the amendments previously made by that Chamber have been rejected in the House ( of Commons after a considerable discussion. The House of Lords resolved not to insist upon the amendments to the bill, and it' was passed without alteration. ■ August 27. .

Mr Ashmead Bartlett, member for Eye, has determined to take the opinion of the House of Commons with regard to a suggestion recently made by the Standard, to the effect that in place of Federation the colonies should adopt a commercial union similar to the German Zollverein; he has accordingly given notice of his intention to move that it is desirable to establish a.Commercial Union in the Colonies, as a preliminary step towards ultimate federation of the Empire. Cetewajrvthe ;Zulu chief, repudiates the idea that he is in any way under British rule.

It is how estimated that the yield of wheat in England for'the present year will be B*ooo,ooo quarters; the yield for Ireland is estimated at 5,f100,000 qrs.

August* 28.

The feeling of hostility entertained by the Chinese against Franco is becoming more marked. China is dow encouraging guerilla warfare against French troops at Tonquin ; the heavy floods which have recently taken place at Baniov prevent the French from carrying on any further operations at that Port. Negotiations which were entered into between the parties immediately after the bombard' rnent of Hue, the Anaroite capital, have resulted in the submission of Phudac, King of Anam, his capitulation however, is not endorsed by his followers, who have broken out in open rebellion against his authority^