BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS

Cromwell Argus, Volume XII, Issue 587, 8 February 1881, Page 6

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS

[By Cable.] (JHPM POHBDIM DAILIES.) London, January 3}. The small British garrison stationed at Lydetiburg, Jn the Transvaal, has capitulated tp the Boers. The matter favors the operations of the Boers against'the British troops, and they are taking every advantage of their opportunity." •In the I House 'of' Commons' Mr Chifder*, Secretary, for. War, in reply to, a question, said the total reinforcements that were expected to arrive Durban, Nata), by .February .for. service in the Transvaal, was 4500. He added the Boers had hot committed any outrages, and would be treated according-to-the rules of civilized warfare. In the House of Commons !,to-day a startling debate took place on the Irish Peace Bill, and a violent scehejnsued. Mr O'Donnell, one of the Home in the course of a violent speech, stigmatised Mr Gladstone as a traitor to his country. The remark- gave rise to a scene of great disorder and'confusion, and: the .Speaker finding it impossible to restore orde.r adjourned the House. 1 Great satisfaction-is expressed at Geneva in connection with the Melbourne International Exhibition. The authorities there have ordered a full report of the results of the Exhibition. Rumors are afloat that Mr Gladstone's health is exceedingly precarious, but no definite announcement has been made fo t'nif etfeelTlt; is reported that after'the violent scenflin the House of Commons Mr Gladstone was much distressed, and sent for his physician. It is known that his medical advisers are in attendance upon the Premier, „ ..„ , _ February 1. The death; of Mrs Aims MarTaTSaQi the Trisfi authoress, is announced to-day. A ladies' section of the Irish Land League is to be initiated m Dublin. News comes to hand to-day that the Fenians have caused placards to be posted throughout Ireland setting forth their rights in inf ammatory tones. The police have, however, acted promptly, and have destroyed all the placards which had been posted, and a quantity intended for further distribution. February 2. The House of Commons has been sitting for the last 24 hours on the Irish Coercion Bill. There have been continuous motions foradjournr ment by the Irish members, but all have been negatived. Sc:mdalou3 scenes have occurred and violent language has been used by the obstructors. The Speaker has f reqn ently warned there that their action was verging on wilful obstruction, which could be punished by the House. The Bight Hon. John Bright made a speech, in the course of which he characterised the conduct of the Irish members as a gross insult to the House and to the Government, and stated that the latter would shortly apply a remedy for such obstruction a3 was being pursued. The debate still preceeds. Later. At 10 a.m,, owing to the scandalous scenes which continued to occur, the Speaker put a stop to the debate. Great disturbances thereupon ensued, and did not cease- until the Irish members left the House in a body.' There being still a quorum present, the Coercion Bill was then read a first time, and the second reading ordered to be taken at noon to-day.