CURIOUS SPORTING DISPUTE. DERBY "CHANGELINGS "

THE PANAMA CANAL. THE CAPITAL SUBSCRIBED. THE TURKISH WAR PREPARATIONS. ENGLAND AND THE PORTE. SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS THREATENED. [SPECIAL TO ARGUS.] London, 9th July.

The Pall Mall Gazette expresses an opinion that it ie almost impossible that reform can be effected in "Victoria without serious complications, which may possibly involve the interference of England. The Daily News states that it is reported that Turkey is willing to cede the Island of Crete to Greece, instead of territory on the mainland, which was apportioned by the Berlin Conference. There is a prospect of the Afghan difficulty proving quite insoluble, and several London papers advocate the annexation by England of Cabul. 10th July. The Times, in a leading article to-day, expresses an opinion that Mr. Service's reform scheme would have obviated past dead-locks, ' and that the bill meets all objections to the existing constitution. It also Bays that although Sir J. O'Shannassy and some corner members of the Assembly combined to reject the bill they would equally oppose any scheme brought forward by the- Opposition. The duty of the electors is to choose between Mr. Service's reasonable and well-considered measure and Mr. Berry's extravagant scheme. The Times hints that the Crown might object to sanction the introduction of the plebiscite required by a few thousand casual selectors. Commenting further upon the political situation in Victoria, the Times strongly condemns the paralysing influence exerted by a small self-seeking faction. General Skobeloff has reached Artchman, and established magazines at Barm preparatory to commencing a campaign southwards in the autumn. The Russian forces are small, and there has been no fighting yet between Russia and China. The Chinese have arrested a Russian traveller, M. Pregeolsky, who was proceeding to join the expedition against China. Much excitement has been caused in turf circles in consequence of the statement that the Dnke of Westminster's colt Ben dOr, which won the Derby this year, was changed as a yearling with Tadcaater, belonging to the same owner. It seems that the stud-book has been badly kept. The Jockey Club declines to decide on the question as to the Derby stakes, which are claimed by MrBrewer, the owner of Robert the Devil, which ran second, and it is expected that Tattersall's will decide that bets on the Derby are not affected by this dispute. Trade is rallying, especially in the heavy branches, such as iron. 13fch July. The necessary capital for the construction of a ship canal through the Isthmus of Panama according to the schemes of M. De Lesseps has been subscribed in France. The American portion of the capital has also been subscribed. H. De Lesseps estimates that the canal will be completed in six years. The census will be taken of Great Britain on the night of the 3rd of April, 1881. There will be no " religious column " in the forms supplied for the purpose. The Daily News states that owing to the probable defective harvest, Russia is considering the question of prohibiting the export of wheat.