SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 959, 5 April 1872, Page 3

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

The following additional telegrams of news are from the Melbourne 'Argus:'— * Parliament opened February 6. The Queen's Speech expresses a hope that the Alabama arbitration will proceed on a basis acceptable to the English Government and nation ; mentions the San Juan arbitration commission at Washington; Ireland is free from crime, and trade is active; the revenue has increased, and measures for the administration of affairs and the improvement of Ireland are announced. Bills to deal with Scotch education, mining, licensing, and the erection of two superior courts of justice, are promised. The speech concludes with the Queen's reliance on the loyalty of the people, and the energy and wisdom of Parliament to sustain the efforts of the Crown to discharge its duties, uphold the rights of the country, and defend the honor of the empire. On the 7th Mr Disraeli severely criticised the Government. He complained of the meagre notice of the American claims, which exceed what would follow the total conquest of the country, and were preposterous. Mr Gladstone accepted the responsibility of the Treaty, and would not make concessions. No people with the spirit of Englishmen, in the last extremity of war or the lowest depths of national misfortune, would submit to the absurd American claims. Earl Granville said the Government would not sacrifice the rights of the country, but would

endeavor to obtain a satisfactory solution of the difficulty. The address was passed. The Majority of the American Press predict a compromise on the Alabama case, declaring war impossible. Mrs Steele, head nurse at the "Workhouse Infirmary, Manchester, is indicted for poisoning Mr Harris, senior surgeon, through revenge. 'the testimonial to the Baroness Burdett Coutts is likely to assume the form of statue to Sir Francis Burdett. Brigham Young has surrendered to his trial for Murdeiw The scheme for a tunnel under the English Channel is progressing ; a company is forming to execute the excavations. The Government granted a concession. Dr. Livingstone's son accompanies the expedition in search of bis father; it is three years since the last written tidings were received from him; the " New York Herald" published tidings of him through American explorers last year. The Freemasons' Tave?n was refused to Sir C. Dilke for a demonstration. Gehrgo Cruikshank claims to have originated the leading characters in Dicken's work of Oliver Twist. There has been a strong medical discussion respecting the value of alcohol, caused by the publication of a circular against its use, signed by 250 eminent doctors. A new fish torpedo has been invented, fired from guns below the water-line ; the inventor has received a reward of £15,000. The commercial treaty between England and France is the subject of much discussion. English despatches rectify the French misapprehensions of the treaty, which is binding for one year after the renunciation by the French Government ; the report of the French Commission favours the renunciation; England objects to a return to the protective system, but not to a revission of the tariffs. A tax on the merchant service has been adopted in the French Assembly. Large discoveries of gold were made at the Peace Eiver. A rush of miners from the Pacific is anticipated.