TABLE NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 4259, 21 January 1884, Page 2

TABLE NEWS.

[" Acik " Specials via tiik Bluff.]

Tho Falso Prophot's Programme,

Lo.xiioN", January 9th

The brotlior-in-law of El Mahdi, the (also prophet, has been captured hy the Egyptian troops. I lo states that El Mahdi will not oppose the Turkish Government if they take supremo control over the Soudan, but that both he and his followers arc determined to expel nil foreigners from Central Africa. Tho Agonls-Gciioi-nl and the Socrctary for War. Arrangements have been made by the Agents-General for an interview on Friday with tho Secretary of State for War. During the interview the Agonts-General will endeavour to enlist Mr Childers's cooperation in the Annexation movement, and in an effort which is being made to secure an increase of tlio number of warships on the Australian station. A French Canard. The report that a treaty of peace has been concluded between Franco and Madagascar hy which tho former secured possession of the northern portion of the island has not been confirmed, and is now regarded as very doubtful. The death is announced of Chundcr, sen., tlie well-known Jihuddist scholar ami propagandist. Baker I'asha, who was despatched to Souakin at the head of an expeditionary force, has arrived at Massowah, a town on tlio west const of tho Rod Sea, and is now holding a parley will, the King of Abyssinia, who has also marched upon the place. In view of tlie active preparations which the French are making for proceeding with tho war in Tonquin and the probability of mi attack on Canton, tho capital of Southern China, tho Chinese authorities have determined to blockade theChuo Kaing river with torpedoes, Tho proposed Treaty with Spain. The British Government have resolved lo disregard the rejection hy the Council of Spanish Minister., of tho proposed commercial treaty between Croat Britain and Spain, and to appeal to the Cortes to ratify the treaty. Tlio principal provision of the treaty is that Spanish wines of ;!0 degrees proof will be admitted into Groat Britain at the rare of Is per gallon, if England is placed by Spain on the footing of tho most favoured nation. Duty on Australian Wines. The Agents-Generals of tho Australian colonies havo received an official noto from the Chancellor of tho Exchequer with respect to representations recently made on behalf of the Australian colonies for extending tho concession granted to Spain, whose wine., tiro to bo admitted at the reduced duty of Is per gallon. This reduction is also to apply to Australian wines of 80 degrees proof. Mr Childors, however, declines to extend tho ls duty on wines of 112 degrees proof, but ho has promised to consider Mr Smith's proposal for tlio adoption of a sliding scale, and charging duty on colonial wines according to their proof.

London, January 13.—Fears arc entertained that the revolutionary force of El Mahdi, the false prophet, will overtako and massacre fugitives from Khartoum. Tho evacuation of Khartoum by the Egyptian troops is proceeding. The projected commercial treaty between Spain and Great Britain which tho Spanish Council of Ministers refused to ratify has beon submitted lo the Cortes, and favourably received.

Earl Granville, Secretary of Stato for the Foreign Department, has approved of the agreementontcred with between shipowners and Baron do Lessops as reprosontativo of tho Suoi: Canal Company,

Blockade of the Canton Kivor.

It is now officially announced that tho Canton Biver has been effectually blockaded by tho Chinese authorities with torpedoes.