The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 7

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1879. ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL, VIA TORRES STRAITS, AT COOKTOWNj ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL, VIA. SAN FRANCISCO. deal with the Prince Imperial simply as a spectator. Colonel Harrison was also to blame for the part that he took in sending out the reconnaisance on the 1st of Juno and the services of the court-martial are only jeopardised by the fact that Colonel Harrison, an implicated person, was pormitted to sit upon it Liko everything olso connected with the Zulu war, not only tho Prince's death, but tho very inquiry into the circumstances that caused it, has been a bungle and a discredit to the military authorities at the Capo.

Before I dismiss political subjects, I will refer to two sre, which have concerned the business of Parlia- more, ment. One was the debate, on the night when tho last mail left England, on the quostion of agricultural depression. A finer discussion has rarely boen heard in the House of Commons. Mr. Chaplin proposed a Royal commission to inquire into the cause of agricul tural distress, and the Government decided to grant it, The debate was not of a party character, excepting that the lorios were disposed to seek remedies in a system of protection or reciprocity, and evidently looked to the commission to furnish a justification for imposing restrictions on foreign produce for the benefit of the farmer.

On the other hand, the Liberals sought to make the inquiry a means for securing an alteration of the land laws. The speeches of Lord Hartington and of Mr. Bright in this debate have been read with very great interest The other subject to which 1 would allude relates to a Parliamentary committee which has been sitting on the question of wine duties. The finding of that committee may have some interest in your colony. Ihis is its chief point "The settlement which your committee beliove would be satisfactory is the imposition of a shilling duty per gallon on wine up to a fixed limit of strength higher than 23 degrees (the present limit of the shilling duty to be fixed by the Executive, with a charge for every degree in excess of this limit that shall bear approximate relation to the duty per degree paid by spirits.

Your committee, therefore, recommend a duty of a shilling, with a limit to be determined by the Executive, as a duty sound in principle, and not in conflict with the fiscal interests of this country," So strong was the testimony laid before the committee as to the alcoholio test of 1860 being erroneous, that an early legislation on the lines of the recommendations by this committee may be counted upon with considerable certainty. I will leave you to deal with the bearings of this report upon the interests of your own colony. The season is coming to a olose, but never have there been so few weddings among the upper ten as this year. The fluctuations of trade, the depressions of commerce, and the agricultural distress influenced the matrimonial market in the aristocratic region of Bel-gravia as much as want of employment affects the Whitsuntide weddings of the manufacturing districts. The continuance of bad weather has also tended to depress what is familiarly known as the season." There has, however, been one jollification of a remarkably extravagant character.

Owing to thepresenco of the Comedie Franoaise, and the fact that this company has been lionised by everybody who could lay hands upon them, an effort has been made to benefit the principal French charity in London. A few days ago a fancy bazaar was held in the Albert Hall, which was probably more remarkable for all the more singular incidents of such gatherings than most people have ever witnessed. All the leaders of fashion and society took part in it The majority of those who assisted at the stalls were dressed in the most outre styles of i iasmou. wm noi venture into ine regions or mil linery, but if a sober-minded colonist had looked into the Albert nail he would have fancied that, instead of a bazaar, he was present at a bal masque. What was equally remarkable of this business was the prominence given to it by the Timet newspaper.

Even the great Jenkins, of the Morning Post, could not have recorded more trivialities. We were told in all the glories of big type how much was given by the mem' bers of the Royal i amuy, who honoured the bazaar with their presence, for every little artiole they pur- cnasea. mere were aiso a good many 'Arrys who had hoped for the opportunity that such an occasion would give of looking behind the ourtain of fashionable society. But 'Arry paid for his temerity. Half-a-crown for a cigar was an ordinary figure ten shillings if it could be obtained and many a soft voung man.

who allowed the lair lingers of the skirmishers who were not attached to the stalla to place a rose in his button V-l- 1 .1 i a. uuie, iiuu iu par us. ior me nonour. unange was nmy giveu against a sovereign, ana heard in one case of a two-and-eightpenny purchase being similarly settled by Sarah Bernhardt declining to give change out or a nve-pouna note, Sarah Bernhardt has not yet settled her difficulties with the Comedie Francaise. M.

Perrin, the chief of the company, will have to bring the subject of Sarahs retirement before his colleagues when they return to Paris. That unfortunate man has had a very unpleasant time of it in London, and he declares that never again shall the wuw- a 4 uiO iu vgariBso oaran being the chief cause of his trouble, but the company aumm weu auuru pan witn ner. one may, how ever, aery them and leave them, for the 80,000 which she is said to have been offered for the American tour is a great temptation. During their visit the company have given forty-two representations, and the average receipts have been 472, or a total of 19.805. ine company were guaranteed 240 for each reoresen.

tation, so that there was a decided balance in favour of the management of the Gaisty Theatre, to whose enterprise the public are indebted for the visit The ven ture is ofuoiaUy stated to have realised a clear profit of The Wimbledon Rifle Meeting was opened on Mon. day. The number of entries for all the oomnetitionii is larger than ever, and the publio interest in the con tests shows no abatement The long run of wet weather has rendered the Common soft in some parts, and the men encamped on the ground do not find themselves so comfortable as could be desired. The weather continues dull, but not much rain has fallen since the opening. Alarskmen prefer an overcast sk7, as the troublesome mirage is not then present) and a more reliable sight is obtained.

they are rigLt in this preference is amply proved by the magnificent scores that have been mads. indeed, so far as the meeting has (rono, tho shootimr ia by far the best on record. Only a few of the minr competitions have yet been decided: hut. of eouno the firing at the shorter of the ranges for the Queen's prize and other loading awards has been going for- waru. ijora isoaconsnoia has declined to receive Tin rcople iributo, the golden wreath, promoted by Mr Tracer Turnerelli, and paid for by the pennies of Conservative working men.

Everybody commends the Pre mier ror refusing to have anything to do with this gentleman, who was evidontly hoping to ingratiato himlf with the Prime Minister for the sake of the loaves aid fishes. But what is Mr. T. T. to do with the wreatl The latest story is that he will go from town to tovn for the purposo of exhibi'i lg it, and lecturing on Lord Beaconsfield's ingratitude.

The Radicals of Rochrfsln offered to buy the tribute at double its cost, in order to preserve it as a sample of Conservative folly. Another suggestion is that it should bo sent to Madame Tna- saud's and placed upon the brow of Lord Boaconsfleli's elligy, which occupies a prominent place in that avhili. tion, not far from the Chamber of Horrors. Seriously, Mr. Tracy Turnerelli is in a difficulty.

Tho wreath isin his bands, Lord Beaconsfield declines to receive it. and it is just possible that he may have to go to the Coirt of Chancery in order to relieve himsolf of his solf-im-posed trust. Prince Jerome Napoloon, who is the legal heir ia flin Napoleonio Protondcrship, was present at tho funoralof tho Prince Imperial. He did not however, tto to the Empress. She sent for him, but he doclincd to call upon hor, and took away his two sons to Pmi immediately the funeral was over.

M. Paul do Cassagnao continues his endeavours to mike Prince Victor, tho son of Prince Jerome, who vas named in the Prinoo Imperial's will, the future leador of the party. It is evident that th between the Napoleonio set, headod by tho Empress Eugenie and Prince Napoleon, is not vet healed. Pi in Jerome maintains a singular reticence. It was thought he would have made a declaration of his views after tne runerai, out he has failed to do so.

and thn Mm continues to be split up into two faotions. Though Jerome is a Republican, ha is undoubtedly the legal heir to the Napoleonio mantle. The House of Commons has furnished a ninaiilflu scandal. A committee has been sitting on the proposed new London Bridge Bill. The bill is opposed oy many wharfinger, whose interests mM oe aueotea.

Should the brides ha "iiu.o us wluuUDHu. I of of tho debaters on the Army Bill. The Obstructives denounced this as espionage. They challenged tho Speaker's right to take this course, and in the end moved what was practically a vote of censure on Mr. Speaker.

A very angry debata ensued, and a resolution confidence in the Speaker was ultimately carried, the minority consisting of some score of the Irish brigade and about six English members. This division, however, hardly explains the real state of feeling on the subject. The majority of tho House felt it their duty to rally round the Speaker. The justification of the right hon. gentleman was satisfactory to tho extent that it was right for him to obtain evidenco which might assist the House in case he should be required to furnish recommendations for improving the course of business but it is undeniable that there is a very prevalent feeling that before the Speaker adopted the unusual course of noting every member's name who spoke, and the time he occupied in speaking, he ought to have communicated his intention to the House.

In one respect the whole business was very unfortunate, because it enabled the Obstructives to occupy another day or two, to the delay of public business. An announcement has been made in the course of-the past week that several bills brought in by the Go vernment will have to be abandoned. This has been long foreseen. In fact, there seems to be no prospect of any jother measures of importance being earned than the Array Bill and the Banking Bill. The Criminal Code Bill, the Patent Bill, the County Boards Bill, the Irish Grand Jury Bill, and the Conservancy Bill were among the slaughtered innocents of Monday last, Yesterday Mr.

Parnell talked out the Bankruptcy Bill, and that, too, may be counted as dead and the Valuation Bill has very little chance of becom ing law. The Irish University Bill is already through the Lords and if the Commons decide to introduce clauses which will establish bursardhips, fellowships, and scholarships even apart from payment by results or if the Government will agree to the granting of money to the same amount that is granted to the London University, there is yet a chance of this mea sure being passed. A large section of the Irish party considers that the Government proposal is perfectly fair and useful so far as it goes. What the Irish party really desire is a money subvention on a large scale, but this they are not likely to get So long, however, as the surplus of the Irish Church Fund continues unappropriated, so long will the Catholics agitate to obtain a part of it Since I last wrote, tho remains of the Prince Imperial have arrived in this country, and been interred at Chiselhurst, by the side of Napoleon III The funeral was in many respects remarkable. I need not trouble you in this column with details they will be supplied by the English newspapers, but there were some aspects of this event which should not escape observation.

I allude to the oharacter of the funeral as the sympathy of the English peopl with the Imperial cause. Ever since news reached us of the Prince's death there has been a remarkable outburst of sympathy with the Empress Eugenie. Every body of note has left his or her card at the Empress lodge. The Queen and all the members of the Royal family in London have expressld their sympathy in person, and on the day of the funeral, the signs of publio condolence were naturally more marked than ever. The Queen went to Chisholhurst, and watched the funeral procession go by.

The pallbearers included the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Connaught, Prince Leopold, and the Duke of Cambridge. The funeral cortege was a mile long. It included a regiment of Lancers, many batteries of Artillery, and an almost endless number of mili tary and political leaders. The French people were at first disposed to regard this demonstration as a sign of sympathy on the part of our ruling class with the Imperialist cause. I think, however, there are now symptoms that the irritation that this event first created among the Republican party is dying away.

It would be exceedingly unfortunate if the intentions or the feelings of this country were misunderstood by our neighbours. Imperialism has not gained a single recruit in England in the last ten years. Its ohief sourco of strength and its principal attraction to this country lay in the commercial policy of the late Emperor. His ambitious designs and his military aspirations were perfectly understood by our rulers. If any one will read the life of the late Prince Consort, or the life of Palmerston, or the life of any modern statesman, he cannot fail to perceive that while England was fully alive to the advantages of friendship with Franoe, and of free trade between that country and our own, there was no deep-seated confidence in the founder of modern Imperialism.

On the other hand the moderation of the French Bepublio, and the tendencies or living statesmen, especi. ally since the death of M. Theirs, to stand by England in the cause or. rree trade, now that rree trade is being 1 1 1 f. 3 3 1 assauea in ianaaa ana in uennany, commends the Republican cause to a very general apprecia tion.

It would be exceedingly unfortunate if at the present moment any circumstance, no matter from whatever cause, created the slightest feeling of discord between the two countries. The strain whioh has sud denly arisen between the relations of Russia and Ger many springs from the suspicions of Germany that a close rapprochement is developing between trance and Russia. It is unfortunately too true that English and Russian interests are in very many respects inoom patible. The nearer, therefore, that France approaches Russia, the farther will she separate herself from us. A difficulty has sprung up which may test the mutual relations of the European Powers towards each other in a very trying manner.

Russia claims. under the Berlin settlement, entire possession of the Kilia mouth of the Danube. The Powers maintain that the entire stream and all its branches are within the entire jurisdiction of the European commission, which has for many years regulated the navigation of the river, bo Iar, we have heard but little of this sub ject From what I know of the feeling in our own Foreign Office, I shall be greatly surprised if the next few weeks do not produce a good deal of interesting matter with respect to this question. The Government will doubtless endeavour to hush it up, and to put a smooth front upon this as they are doing upon all other subjocts of foreign interest. They tell us, for instance, that Russia is carrying out faithfully and honestly all the arrangements of the Berlin Treaty.

This is a simple and positive untruth, and the deception is perfectly well known to every man in the country who takes any interest in roreien affairs, The Liberals are well aware of it but the Liberals cannot find fault, because thoy would seem to throw discredit on the character of their friends, the Russians. The object of the Government in putting a gloss upon all their foreign policy is simply to prepare the way for a general election. Whether that election will be in October or in November, as some peoplo think, or whether it will take place early next year upon the new register, entiroly depends on King Cetowayo. We are waiting anxiously for the next news from Zululand. It may come away home even boforo the closing of this letter, and may prove of enormous influence, and have very important consequences to the future of tho Government.

Sir Garnet Wolseley is believed to have gone out with instructions to wind up the campaign as quickly as possible. Even before he took command Lord Chelmsford had shown a gleam of energy in ordering a general advanoe. Negotiations had also been opened for a peace, though not under hopeful circumstances. The next news may show that tho whole affairs connocted with Zululand have taken an entirely new turn, whether for peace or whether for active war remains to be seon by the mail which we are now awaitinar. In connection with Zulu affairs, I may mention that the court-martial on Captain Carey has concluded its labours.

Their report and recommendations were forwarded to Lord Chelmsford for approval, and, as Lord Cholmsford has sent the document home to tho War Office, togothor with Captain Carey, under arrest, thero an impression that the Commander of the brces and the court-martial are divergent in their opinions. It is commonly believed, though I only state this as a rumour, that the court-martial found Captain Carey cuilty of cowardice in tha face of the enemy, and proposed that he should be sentenced to be shot. If Lord Chelmsford has really refused to ondorse such a finding, it is the first action he has committed which will receive the publio approval of this country. There is no disposition here to make Captain Carey the scapegoat Every oircum- stance that nas been brought to light by the committee of investigation, and by the court-martial which followed it, clearly shows, that while Captain Carey was not blameless, the original error lay with Lord Chelmsford in departing from jnsirucuona gent by the of Cambridge to the breach is widening between the moneyed brethren and tho church leaders', New York, August 2. The lessees and managers of Madison Square Garden have completed arrangements by cable to-day, for a contest for tho Astley belt.

The walk will tako place the Inst week in September. Weston, Blower Brown, Rowell fad Sir John Astley have sig-nilied by cablo to-day their accen'anco of the terms offered. O'Learv has been communicated" with and his acceptance is expected. Panchot, tho Buffalo mail-carrier, will also tako Sart, and Enuis, of Chicago, cabled his deposit of 500 ollars to-day, to tho Sporting Life of London, where all deposits of contestiuits under tho Astley rules must be mado. A Yuma Indian, of Los Angeles, is the dark horse" in the race, apd is backed by ccrtaia Son Francisco snorting men.

Ho is tuid to have made 150 miles in 24 hours. Chicaoo. August 2. Tho seventy-five hour walking match closed at 11 o'clock to-night. Doblor completed 255 miles, Guyon ISO, and Rydor Wo miles.

Los Anoeles, August 1. The body of Major Gilmore was found last night in tho harbour at Wilmington, with a bullet-hole through his head. St. Petersburg, August 1. A naval review was held on Wednesday at Cronstadt, in which the United States steamer Enterprise took part.

A grand dinner was given on Thursday by tho Russian officers to the officers and sailors of the Enterprise. Mr. Barker, financial agent of the Russian Government at Philadelphia, has been decorated with the second rank of the Order of St. Stanislas, for his services in connection with tho purchase of vessels in America for tho Russian navy during tho last year. London, August 1 A telegram states that cholera is raging among me troops returning to India from Afghanis tan.

The Tenth Hussars lost 40 men in one day, and the seventeenth root lUa men. Versailles, August 1. The Chamber of Deputies to. day, discussing the estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adopted an amendment suppressing the pension of 8000 francs paid to the Due Decazes. 'Iwo amendments.

one in favour of dolaying the conversion of 5 percent, rentes six months, and the other in favour ot their immediate conversion, were rejected. The Government opposed the reduction of stipends to bishops, and was defeated by a vote of 184 to 133 in the Chamber of Deputies. Waddington, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in tho Chamber of Deputies, yesterday said the policy of the Government in regard to Egypt was based on the exertion of equal influence by Franco and England, and on thoir agreement not to seek any territorial establishment. There never has been any doubt, he said, as to the intentions of the English Government, which has been always conformable to those of France. London, August 1.

Six members of the London Athletic Club and six other amateurs have given notice of their willingness to go to America. By the exertions of Commander Cheyenne, in London, an Arctic Committee has been established. The projected expedition for the discovery of the North Pole will, in all probability, leave England in the spring of 1880, and will co-operate with those sent out by Sweden, Holland, America, Austria, and Denmark. THE YELLOW FEVER. Memphis, August 2.

Six new cases were reported to tho Board of Health this morning. Two deaths occurred since last night. Benjamin Adams, whose death wus recorded, had the fever lost year, which explodes the theory of immunity from a second attack. Colin Cameron has quietly collected all arms and ammunition from gun-stores, and placed the same in the arsenal at tha station houM. Itte last passenger tram on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad left last night.

No mails were received bv that route this morning. The fever will be declared epidemic to-night. Eight more cases were reported to the Bo ird of Health this afternoon, and five additional deaths occurred. Tne total number of deaths, according to tho Board of Health, for the week ending to-night, is 44 from yellow fuvcr, 26 other causes, 18. New York, August 2.

Curtis N. Chapman, second mate, and Neil C. Darnstedt, seaman, on board tho brig Salisbury, which touches at Havana, were admitted to the Quarantine Hospital to-day, sick with yellow fever. Three large buildings on Hoffman Island are ready for patients, should the disease increase. Little Rock, August 2.

In response to a despatch from Dr. Barney, of the Desarc Board of Health, informing him that Captain Charles Postal came to White River with the steamer Trader, landing four miles below, nnd discharged freight in violation of Quarantine, President Southall, of the Little Rock Board responds Call your people together and enforce tho shot-gun quarantine, if the necessities of the case deaiand it, and I think it does." It was the purpose of the President of the Board to declare the fever epidemic, as the number of deaths from the disease exceed those from all other causes combined but as the death-rate for the week shows a material decrease from the previous week, he withheld his declaration for tho present. Last week, the total number of deaths were F'rom yellow fever. 34 other causes, 37. Physicians aro sanguine that tho maximum death-rate has been reached, and that a decrease in the number of tho deaths can reasonably be expected.

A drenching ram fell this afternoon. FOR THE NORTH POLE. The North Pole is to bo taken (says the ft a California) there need be no doubt about that. Not only has the Jeannetto and her gallant officers and crew gone away towards tne norm in searcn oi, pcrnaps, tne unnnuable, but the inquiring minds of Europe, and the various nations thereof, are considerably stirred up with the ambition of ascertaining what are the mysteries of the far north, from which the inhabited world has been shut out through all the rolling centuries since the earth, perhaps, changed her poles. An Arctic Committee has been formed in London, and 49 others throughout the country, for the purpose of adding in getting up an expedition for the discovery of the North Pole, and, of course, for deciphering any and all other mysteries connected with the furthest six or seven degrees of latitude not yet invaded by man.

The purpose is to organize an expedition to be in readiness to leave England in the spnng of next year. It is proposed that this expedition shall go with a purpose to act on the broad principles of science and scientific discovery, so far as to act in harmony with and in aid of the other expeditions which are or may be engaged in the same enterprise: namely, thoso sent out by Sweden, Holland, America, Austria, and Denmark. This proposition is better than the isolated idea heretofore prevailing, in accordance with which each one has been for itself almost exclusively, as if all civilized nations had not an equal interest in solving the questions involved. Better still would it be if the different nations, through their scientific men and geographical societies, could unite, and bring their Governments also into the plan, and so send out a properly tlttod-out expedition, and so, by uniting all in the purpose, effect, probably, a result that may never be achieved by isolated efforts. Heavy Sentences on Housebreakers.

At the Preston Sessions there were no fower than eighteen housebreakers before the Court (savs tho Manchester Guardian). In one case, John William Whalley, 21, William T. Hall, 17, and James Shaw, 27, were charged with entering the shop of Mr. John Neville, general dealer, at Blackburn, on the 15th of January, and stealing a timepiece, 141 studs, 25 sleeve-links, 85 oombs, and a large number of other articles, and Whalloy and Hall were also charged with stealing 30 yards of woollen cloth, the property of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company; and with breaking into the house of Thomas Flannery, at Blackburn, on the 5th of February, and stealing 2 2s. lOd.

and several articles of wearing apparel and Whalley was further charged with breaking into tho house of Mary Halstoad, at Blackburn, on the 16th of February, and stealing two lustres, a writing-desk, other articles, and 1 and also with breaking into tho honse of William Pickering, at Blackburn, on the 14th of April, and stealing a large quantity of provisions. Whalloy, who has borne a bad character for a long time, was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude; Shaw to 14 months' imprisonment; and Hall to 12 months' imprisonment. Hugh Jones, 22, for breaking into the house of Isabella Garner, at Preston, on the 27th of Acril. and atealinir lr quantity of wearing apparel 'was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude and seven years' police supervision Livesev, 16, Benjamin Rawcliffe, 28, Thomas Fish, 32, and William Smith, 21, were charged with breaking into the house of Illincrworth nnd TVnfc Baxter, at Accrington, on the 19th Anril. and stealing Am A wearing apparel; and Livesey and Fish wore also charged Vl ntialinn A in ncHiupioo, on ue same aay, tnree hens and a cock, the property of Joseph Kitchen.

In passing sentence on these crisoneni. tha ChAirmnn fMr Q.C.) said this kind of offence, burglarv. very prevalent, nnd it was time it were put stop to. Fish was sentenced to fifteen months' imprisonment and four years supervision, and the other three prisoners to twelve months' imprisonment and three years' supervision each. Other burglars were sentenced to seven years' penal servitude, and to terms of imnrisnnmont months to four months.

School Board Prosecutions. An inmienf. was held at Liverpool, on una 25, concerning tho death of man named Williams, who was alleged to have committed suicide through the pressure put upon him by the School Board. It was stated that the deceased, who had recently been out of work thirteen wmln. urna children.

Ho had boen throe timoa summoned for not sond-ing his children to sohool, and on the last occasion tho umgioiiuiu iuiu mm ne suouid stay at home to see that they went to school. He aocc.rdingly did so on Monday, and on going to his work at dinner time found that his place had boen filled no. He returned homo and aWH i. was found hanging dead in hia bedroom. The jury returned a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane, and recommended that tho School Board should be more careful in proceedings against parent.

The coroner agreed with tho rerammondation, and said the magistrate should a iuiuosbiuw ior nim to perform. lie added that it waa a father duty to provide food for his children before seeing that thoy went to school. i- to l5e mllUon. thousands, and tent, demand-big MacnWen and Cameron's Thev are a treasure eomj as and a bUiVto men 'the Wsvertey out, the HlndoS oa 1-7 station throughout tha CAMERON, 28 to 88, Blali wuna. oa ana la rw.r air-street, Kdinburiru ipiilhii.s named Grisseli, of Curzon-street, Mayfair, and a solicitor named Staniland Ward, wero mixed up in some transactions which amounted to a breach of the privileges of Parliament.

Ward was Grissell's solicitor, and had taken part in making known that Mr. Grisseli was prepared, on the wharfingers paving him 2000, to influence tho division of the committeo in favour of the wharfingers. The attention of Parliament was called to this matter, and a committee was appointed to inquire into it. Tho result of that inquiry has led i to a report which charges Zlr. ard and JSlr.

urissea with breach of privilege and with perjury, and tho story to-day is that these two worthies have disappeared, ihoir conduct is to be taken into consideration by the House next Monday, and if the Sergeant-at-arms can lay hands on them they will most likely bo imprisoned Grisseli is believed to have been rather fool than knave, His examination by the committee tended to show that he was tool in the hands of Ward, and that his only reason for supposing that he could influence the com mittce was the fact that he had had business relations in times past with Lord Henry Lennox, tho chairman of the bridge committee. Lord Lennox is not only known to be a needy man, but he was for several years a guinea pig of tho notorious Baron Grant. It has not been revealed that Lord Lennox and Grisseli had had any negotiations respecting this committee, but we infer that Grisseli, knowing Lord Lennox to be open to reason," had imagined that if the wharfingers supplied him with money he could then approach Lord Lennox and control his vote. The world knows that in consequence of Lord Lennox's connection with Baron Grant he had to resign the position he held in the present Ministry. The Government made a mistake in permitting such a man to act as chairman of a committee dealing with city business.

Lord Lennox protests his innocence in this affair, but no one believes that the truth has yet been fully told. In fact, the Privilege Committee assert that the two leading witnesses have committed perjury. From our American files to hand we extract the following latest telegraphic news Nanov (France), August 3. An enormous crowd was Present to-day at the unveiling of the statue of ex-President 'hiers. De Marcere, Minister of the Interior, declares, in a speech, that the Government was resolved to remain true to the noble ideas of Thiers, namely, a conservative republic, guarding the national traditions and the just influence of France in Europe and in the whole world.

Jules Simon dwelt upon the firmness of Thiers, in resisting even the Republican party, when his liberal conservative convictions were touched. Simon conclnded by saying France is saved. She possesses forever a Republican Government, and liberty to think, teach, and write. She has issued from a combat. It is necessary for her either to vanquish her enemies or to reassure them that the definite form of the revolution of 1870 is a conservative liberal republic such as M.

Thiers created." Martel, President of the Senate, also spoke. The speech of Simon is interesting as justifying his resistance to Jules Ferry's educational policy, by pointing to the example of Thiers. Simon had been accused by the Gambetrists of intending to make a bid for the Premier ship at the Nancy demonstration. St. Petersburg, August 3.

The Cohi says The permanent occupation of Merv would necessitate simultaneous operations from Turkestan and the Caucasus, and as no special preparations aro being made on the Amu-Daria, it appears that Russia does not intend to complete the subjection of the Tekkes. It is necessary, in view of the Knglish success in Afghnnistan, to form a base on the Persian border, in cose England should wish to tako Horat." New Vork, August 4. The Ilernld prints an interview with Colonel M. G. Barnet on tho subiect of the outrage bv tne bpamsn nutuontios in Uuba.

He says ho was seized without warrant on the streets of Matanzas, subjected with out hearing to an abominable imprisonment, confined with malefactors and coolies, taken out into a wood apparently to De snot down, ana finally released by the secretary ot the Captain-General, with the important advice that, being an American, the best thing for him to io would be to get nome as quickly as possible. New York, August 3. A despatch from Berlin savs Telegrams received in this city from Stockholm announce that tho steamer Vega, with the Arctic explorer Nor-dcnskjold on board, has been freed from ice, and has safely passed Bearing traits, Constantinople, August 3. Contracts for the supply 1 i 4l.T.. t- 1 1 Tl '1 Tl oi uuai uie jDrmsu irouciaus now in cesiaa ay, menuon the Mediterranean ports, Galipoli, and ports in the Sea of ir i i i luarmuru as pusmuiu places 01 ueuvery.

London, August 3. A correspondent of the Timet at Constantinople savs it is senu-olncially declared that tne movements of the British fleet in Besika Bay have no political signincancc. London, August 3. A despatch from Cape Town, July 15th, via Maderia, says that General Crealock's cavalry have burned Ondihi and Mugwende, on the eastorn line of the British advance. Dalcutmanzl, Cetewayo's brother, and several other important chiefs, have surrendered to Lord Chelmsford.

Tho movement of troops retiring from the neighbourhood of Ulundi was expected to be retarded by heavy rains and increasing transportation difficulties, which would prevent any advances this season even if snch a movement was necessary, Ekowe is to be reoccupied. The Naval Brigade has been reembarked for England. The volunteers originally raised for the campaign against seooenne nave Deen ordered into positions between ort Weder and Derby, to the north of Zululand, so as to cut off Cetewayo's retreat northward and prevent raids by Zulus in the neighbourhood of the Intombis and Assegai Puff Adder, an important chief on the northern border of Cape Colony, has been captured. The Colonial Ministers have informed the Aasemblv that they consider the present an inopportune time for giving effect to the recommendations of the home Government in favour of confederation, but thov would take steps to carry them out as soon as peace is restored. The action of the Cape Government is generally approved.

Cetewayo is said to bo in Ingome Forest. London, August 3. Sir Garnet Wolselcy's despatch to the War Office is as follows I propose to form a brigade of artillery and engineers and a squadron of cavalry for tho Transvaal. I am reducing expenditures. I have given permission uora to return to r-npiana.

1 am disbanding some of the expensive irregular cavalry. London, August 3. The Obterver announces that in France in shares in Lesseps' Panama Canal scheme are at two francs discount, and remarks that there is not likely to 1 i ue iwy ueiuanu ior inem in ingianu. Glasgow, lAugust 3. The enthusiasm over the Rev.

Dr. Talmage continues unabated. During tho past three wAoks he has lectured nightly to thousands, and on Sundays he has preached to tons of thousands. In St Andrew's Mall, to -day. he nreached to six thousand wnrshimwra in iuib city.

London. August 3. A despatch to tha Time, fmm Dublin, says that a bitter fend has arisen among tho Horns Tl 1, 1 it-uium, owing to rameii. oi jueatn. aDusinsr nf 1 in a speech at Limerick.

London. August 3. A corresDondont at Rom rfnnrt that Roncetti will start from Munich on tho 8th instant, to succeea luazcua as rami JNunclo. Ho wi tn ho th bearer ol the new plan of settlement with Germany, FESTH. August 2.

The Emnoror of Anntria hn nvonfml the resignation of Count Zichy, one of the Hungarian Secretaries of State, accus4 of corruption in connection with the conferment of decorations. Versailles, August'2. The Senate and Assembly are prorogued, and will re-assemble in Paris on the 25th novemDer or tne 1st of December. The President of the Tariff Committee stated that the turiff might be discussed and voted on before the end of the year. Mombors of the Ministry.

Scnntiirn and DnnntteR. Jiilna Ktmnn iiul mDn- others, have left for Nancy, to participate in the unveiling Berlin, August 2. It is said that Russia ban alroadv issued or is about to issue a note to the Powers, claiming the credit of fulfilling her engagements under the Treaty of Berlin, and arguing that pressure should be used to obtain me nuniment ol other parts of the treaty. HBRLIN. August 2.

The new law relative to the aflminl. stration of Alsace-Lorraine into force on the 1st of October. Hantiw i i. ft Augum 4. iu view oi tne success or tne Socmlists in Breslau.

the Government is cjmniHi.rino- tho practicability of making the Anti-Sociulist law more vigorous. Leadors of he Liberals are discussing a pro-gramne to unite various sections. Vienna. August 2. Thn 'Anntrlnn n.nm..

Mil Kmporor aprove of the scheme for connecting Austria and the Swiss ruilways by a tunnel through Mount Arlberg. Romb, August 2. The Italian Minister of the Interior enioins Prefects to watch unceasinirlv nil of demonstrations of disorder, and prevent any domonstra- wvua vi iug irrauuuut pony, Athens, August 2. In conseauence of thrmtonina. movements of the Turks, a lurge number of now rifles have boon distributed among the Greek troops, and six new batteries of artillery completely equipped.

London, August 2. -Gilbert Raymond, who absconded from America and was arrested here, has been released, tho Amorican parties refusing to proceed with the prosocutions. Raymond is dying of consumption, London, August 2. Warwickshire minors declare that the award of the umDire in tho disnntn Wiunon thi.n.nin. mo uMtDters uieuus starvation, London, August 2.

It is bolioved that Speakor Brand, the House of Commons, will resign at the end of the present session, and probably bo succeeded by Ridloy Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. Berlin, August, 2. Hor Von Lucius, tho new Minister Agriculture, has been re-elected to the Reichstag from Erfurt. He has started for London. Romb, August 2.

Quarantine is imposed on vessels from the United States, because of the yellow fevor. Salt Lakb. Auorust 2. nhn Tavln vjln.a the heirs of Bngham Young's estate by riling indemnifying bonds, thus releasing him from the contempt proceedings. Cannon.

Bngham Young, and Alhurt i Wterestiflg ipg flfi a Bt Telegraph. (from our own correspondent.) COOKTOWN, Sunday. The E. and A. Mail Company's steamship Normanby (s.) arrived here at 11 o'clock on Saturday night.

She left Singapore on Auguet 10th and reached Thursday Island on. the 28th. Light winds and fine weather pre-i vailed generally throughout the passage. Passengers. For Sydney Mrs.

Lind, Messrs. Lind, Cox, Pagenow, Dr. Vaudray, and three in the steerage. For Melbourne Messrs. Walter Reynolds and Sydney Logan, and some in the steerage.

The Normanby's cargo is not large, and in eludes 21 cases of pearlshell for Sydney. The Normanby passed the steamer Bowen on August 22, off Kamba Island, and the Corea (s.) off Cape Sidmouth on August 29. H. M. S.

Beagle is still at Thursday Island. The weather there is very unsettled, and not much 6hell is being obtained. (REUTiitt'S TELEGIIAM9.) COOKTOWN, Sunday. The E. and A.

Company's Royal Mail steamship Normanby arrived here from Singapore last night, bringing English mails, via Brindisi, to July 18. She left for Sydney early this morning. GENERAL SUMMARY LOXDO-V, July 18. In the House of Commons last night on the, order of the day for the consideration of tha Army Discipline Bill as amended, tho Marquis of Hartington moved an amendment to the effect that no bill would be satisfactory to the House which provided for the retention of corporal punishment for military offences. Colonel Stanley regarded the amendment as an abstract proposition which he thought vague, and might be satisfactory to the followers of tho noblo lord, but to those who had to deal practically with the matter it would only appear intended to be fatal to the measure.

The Government wore1 bound to adhere to the proposal they had made. Mr. Gladstone urged the House to pursue tho' policy of raising the character of the army by raising; the conditions of tho service. Towards tho conclusion of the debate, Sir W. Hareourt defended the previous Government from tho taunt that they had not dealt with the question as to whether it was possible to retain this punishment against tho weight of opinion both in the House and in the country.

Sir Stafford Northcote said that, if the debate had not beeu actuated by party motives, it was difficult to know to what tho change of opinion could bo attributed. Lord Hartington's amendment was finally rejected by 289 against 183 votes. Colonl Stanley, replying to a question, said that Sir Garnet Wolseley had received no military instructions, except verbally, that he should bring the war to a conclusion as soon as possible and secure an honourable peace. bir btallord JVorthcote announced that the Govern ment intended to propose a vote of thanks to tha officers and men of tho English and native troops engaged in the Afghan war. The Select Committee of the Houso of Common appointed to inquire into an alleged breach of privilege contained in the statement of Charles E.

Grisseli, of 37, Curzon-street, Mayfair, that he could control tha decision of the committee ol the House upon the Tower High-level Bridge Bill, have presented their report, which declares that tha statements made by Mr. Ward and Mr. Grisseli in their defence are false. The committee aro unanimously of opinion that Grisseli is guilty of a breach of tho privileges of tho Houso, and that Ward was cognisant of Grissell's proceedings, and therefore is likewise guilty of breach of privilege. Tho House of Commons will consider tho report of the committeo on Julv 22.

The roport of the Select Committee of the Tlouse of Commons on the Wine Duties states that the committee is of opinion that in any alteration of wine duties the alcoholic test should be maintained. The settlement which they believe would be satisfactory is the imposition of a one shilling duty per gallon on wine up to a fixed limit of strength higher than 25 degrees, to be fixed by the Executive, with a charge for every d' gree in excess of this limit, that shall bear an approximate re lation to the duty per degree paid by spirits. In consideration of possible fiscal results of reduced duties, tho committee have not overlooked tho possibility of wines of high strength displacing the use of spirita to some extent, and thereby affecting that important branch of revenue. Tho committee are unable to satisfy themsolves that thoro is evidence as to tho use of wine and spirits interfering with each other, or that the former has really displaced the latter. Increased heat in America is causing destructive storms and tornadoes, and great mortality by sunstroke.

A great exodus has taken place from Moinphis, in conse. quence of yellow fever. Merchants are removing their business to other cities. Yesterday Signor Cairoli presented his new Cabinet to the Italian Chamber, lie said it would devote itself exclusively to questions of Homo interest. Italy needed a period of peace and industry.

The Foreign policy of the Government would be in con-formity with that principle. He acknowledged th difficulties of the situation, but expressed a hope thai tho Ministry would succeed in overcoming thorn. A riot has occurred among the miners in Uppei Pilsia, owing to the reduction of wages. The house ol the Government official was destroyed. Tho military were called out, many persons injured, and sixty arrests made.

The State of Virginia, steamer, while on her way to Glasgow, ran ashore on Sable Island. Among the passengers four ladies and five children were lost. Tier Majesty the Queen, accompanied by Princess Beatrice, yesterday, paid a visit of condolence to tha Empress Eugenic at Chislehurst, Ten Turkish battalions, with 5000 caissons of was. material have been sent to Volo. Khairredin Pasha, the Grand Vizier, has informed the Sultan that he-will resign unless his programme is adopted.

The Marquis of Hartington has decided to contest the representation of North-east Lancashire at tho next election. EASTERN NEWS. HONGKONG, August 12. A British subject, of Chinese descent, living at Shanghai has been granted a registration ticket. The report of the Chinese Government sanctions the projected trans-Paciflo cable.

The Saghalien Fishing Association will commence operations immediately. The province of lie has been restored by Russia to China. The above messages were detained, owing to an Inter. ruption on the teleirranh linn Wnmnn R-4nn. i tOWn.

nuimUUK- An Old "Wheck. An Ystadt Tl A wartn nan states that a diving cutter engaged in surveying thehottom of the sea at Sandhammar. Swadrni. fUhrrf middle of June a large anchor and three oaken casks, con-l lm(La Pwd? resomblin? Potosh. To the anchor wai attached a laree homnon cabin.

mA I marked Collingwood, N. Shields. Boih anchor and casks showed signs of age, and were supposed to be from 80 to 100 years old. At the place where they wero found there appeared to be hundreds of similar caaks, in fact a whole bottom cargo, but no attempt to recover them would be made until the nature and value of the contents had been ascertained. For this purpose samples have been sent to iTofotsor Blomstrand, in Lund, for examination.

I'OMroRTiHo. "Hya thorough Xttni th," ntural which govern the operation, oi by 4 PPlitlono! tlifi fine mopcrtios of woll-Mlocted cocoa. Mr. Eppt has provided our breakfast table with a dolicately-tlavoured beTeruire which may save ut many heavy doctor's bilk. It 1 by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built od until strong enouuh rn.l.t Jfi ubtl maladies ar floating around ub ready to attack vhet.

TIF thM ta a nr. The Pacific Mail Company's steamship City of Sydney, with the English and American mails via San Francisco, arrived in Port Jackson shortly before Sunday midnight, some hours in advance of her contract time. Her dates are London, July 17 San Francisco, August 4 Auckland, August 27. ENGLISH AND FOEEIGN AFFAIRS. (FBOJ( OCS OWN CORRESPONDENT.) LONDON, July 17.

We are rapidly drawing to the close of a very eventful session. It opened in great quietude, and with no promise of many subjects of much interest. It has, however, been marked by incidents which are happily rare in the history of the Legislature by uproar and disquietude which would be more becoming of a hot headed young State which had not reached the ripened stages of experience that have hitherto made the House of Commons a pattern and an example for every other representative assembly in the world. The causes for this condition of things are not far to seek. the farst place, Parliament has reached that mon bund condition which usually developes after a session of five or six years duration.

Next, we have had an Opposition so much divided on all the main issues ol political controversy that the young spirit who compose the extreme left have not only slipped beyond the control of their recognised leaders on the front bench, but most instances they have rejoiced in their rebellion. But there is another and a more sen' out cause than any of these. A small section of the Irish party in Parliament have made it their daily duty to obstruct the business of the House. It is the raison d'etre of the Horn Bute party that the In perial Parliament has too much to do as a justification for the setting np ot an Irish Assembly in St. Stephen's Green.

The extreme men of that party, like Parnell, Callan, Biggar, O'Donnell, O'Connor, Power, and O'Gorman avail themselves of every opportunity to show that legislation on a large scale is impossible, he modus operandi of these gentlemen is exceedingly idroit. Parliament has made for its conduct of busi ness rules and regulations of a very elastic character. Those regulations cannot be overthrown without aestroying Parliamentary liberties. The opportunities afforded by those regulations for obstruction are almost illimitable. A small group of members like those can bring in bills of their own and discuss them.

They can join in debates on measures, and can oppose every bill laid on the table of the House, thereby causing divisions and protracting discussions. They can move amendments by the score, discuss estimates, and worry the Government by questions on every subject under the sun. Parliament cannot introduce any new rule for restraining the conduct of any par ticular member or members without placing the whole House under the same regulations. Any one who has watched the proceedings of the House of Commons during the past three months must have clearly seen how the members, whose names I have above given have abused the rules and privileges of debate in the manner just described. There are two reasons why no important attempt has been made to stop them.

One has arisen from the fact that this is regarded as the last session, and that it would be better to defer any new regulations till after the general election. Another cause for hesitation has lain in the unfortunate circumstance that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as leader of the House, has made so many faux pat, and has shown such lack of tact and discrimination as to afford a justification to the obstructives for the course they have pursued. Nor can it be questioned that the Liberal leaders have not failed to take advantage of the tactics of the obstructionists, know of my own knowledge of both 'the Home Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer having made private appeals to prominent men on the Liberal side to assist in maintaining tho dignity of the House. This has been their argument i A question of this character should be settled outside party differ. ences.

The whole House, and not a section, should deal with it, and it would be useless for the Govern ment to take any action unless they had an assurance beforehand that not only the leaders but the vast majority ol the Liberal party would support them. But, unfortunately, the heat that was engendered by the Eastern and the Afghan dobates has left a permanent rancour between the two great sections of the House. A few days ago the Chancellor of the Exchequer had Mr. O'Donnell well nigh in his grasp, and a little support from the front Opposition bench would have led to the hon. member's suspen eion or expulsion.

But just at the critical moment Sir William Hareourt challenged the action1 of Sir Stafford Northcote, the partizan element was once more imported into the debate, and the Chan cellor of the Exchequer was compelled to let the offender go. Again, even Lord Hartington has not maintained his accustomed discretion. Up to within the last two or three days, especially since the Govern ment reduced the maximum number of lashes in the Army Bill from fifty to twenty-five, the noble lord has invariably sided with her Majesty's Ministers. A week since he openly deserted tho obstructives, and the little band of Liberals who had joined them, and gave one of the latter, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, a severe castigation for pursuing an obstructive policy; For several days all the talk of the clubs was about the quarrel between the Liberal leaders and the head of the Birmingham Political school.

The Liberal party were so much moved by this incident that they cheered Lord Hartington to the eono wnen oe rose to address the House on the day after the quarrel Nor was this all. They also got up on invitation to the noble Lord to a grand banquet, to be given at tho close of the session, as a proof of their adhesion to bis leadership. But what has happened uhce then Last night, Lord Hartington gave notice of a resolution, which is being discussed to-day, which opens up the whole question of flogging de novo. He even proposes to declare that no Act of Parliament will be satisfactory that provides for the permanent retention of corporal punishment in me army, is a justification tor all that has been done below the gangway for the last three months. If Lord Hartington had taken this attitudo in the earlier stages of the Army Bill, the measure would have been disposed of long since.

In truth, no one who has watched the progress of this measure can have failed to see that the only section of the House of Commons who knew their own minds for twenty-four consecutive hours were the Obstructives. Half a dozen times the Government have nailed their colours to the mast, and torn them down again. The front bench Liborals have not discouraged, in fact they have sometimes stimulated, the action of the men below the gangway, but now at the last moment they openly join hands with them, and endeavour to commit the whole of the Liberal rank and file to the expression of an opinion that there shall not be flogging in the British army. This question of the lash has rapidly assumed an importance that was never expected. The use of the cat was objected to in the first instance by humanitarians like Mr.

Uopwood, Sir Wilfred Lawson, and a few other well-known Radicals. The Irishmen joined in the crusado for tho simple reason that the question affordod on opportunity tor obstruction. Publio opinion on the subject has not undergone any marked change or dovelopment. There was an impression, undoubtedly, that the cat was used with too great frequency, and that the sentimental considerations in regard to that instrument had somewhat affectod the recruiting market But how stands the caso in those armies in which the cat is not in operation The men are simply shot down like dogs, and, in time of war, for the most trivial" offences. The treatment of the French soldier in this respect is barbarous, and in the case of the German it is absolutely worse.

German officers cuff and kick their mon in a way that would exasperate many an Englishman to revenge. I believe that if England were canvassed to-morrow there would be an undoubted expression of opinion as to the necessity of retaining the cat in a limited degree, and for a certain class of offences. One of the most eventful incidents of the past fortnight arose out of this question of obstruction. The Speaker sent one of his committee clerks into a side lllerj ofjho JELaiiaaJto take notes of the debates sad nonea frame." aeil Service Qatttte. Sold only in paeketa-tXQ-Jt rtt- i.