CABLE NEWS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2832, 25 February 1888, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

THEEUROPEAN SITUATION

Statement by the Government.

In the House of Commons, Mr Labouchere moved that an assurance was required from England to the effect that the reported Anglo-Italian alliance, which had not been officially contradicted, was not hostile to France, Sir James Fergussou, Under-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs, in reply, deuied that the Government has contradicted any military or naval engagement with Italy, and also ridiculed the idea that any hostility was displayed by either nation to France, He expressed the opinion that the

peace of Europe at the present time was more assured than, a year ago. He admitted .that there had been . private parleyings between England | and the other Powers. Mr Gladstone, said that the assurance given by Sir? James were satisfactory, and he was \ quite satisfied that Lord Salisbury's foreign policy' was generally sound. After discussion, Mr Labouchere withdrew his motion. Russia's Frontier Troops. It is understood that the Russian troops on the frontier will be increased by 100,000 men iu about a month. What Lord Randolph Churchill .. thinks. Referring to the European .situation Lord Randolph' Churchill, speaking at Oxford, said he feared they were on the brink of a great rupture of the peace of Europe. I New Sheep Disease. , Brisbane, February 24. A new sheep disease has appeared .in some parts of the colony. It is of a mangy character and rather virulent. It is thought the grass of the districts in which the disease has made its appearauce may be the cause of the disorder. Another Disgraceful Row. Sydney, February 23. . Another violent and disgraceful, scene took place ,in the House of Assembly to-night. Mr. G. R. Dibbs accused Mr. Garrett, Minister of Lands, whose absence has caused the Land Bill to be hung up for some days, of being blind drunk. Mr Dibbs repeated his taunt at intervals in various forms until Mr Garrett became exasperated, and seized a water bottle and attempted to strike his tormentor. A number of members seized Garrett and wrested the bottle from his grasp before any damage was done. Mr Garrett then retorted that Mr Dibb's statement was false and malicious. The Housepresented a scone of great disorder, which was ended by both sides making lame apologies. There had previously been a brisk skirmish over the White Rock mine incident, during which oaths and accusations of lying had been freely bandied about.