LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3084, 16 May 1881, Page 3

LONDON.

May 13. It has transpired that the treaty which was signed yesterday by the Bey of Tunis and the commander of the French forces in that country will virtually annul tbe autonomy of the Tunisian State, and reduce the Bey to the position ot a va_sal of France. By the terms of the treaty the Bey has agreed to place the complete control of the finauces of his kingdom in the hands of commissioners appointed by the French Government, and to accept the dictation of France with regard to his foreign policy and relations. Tbe right of despatching troops to any part of the Tunisian territory is also secured to France by compact. At the wool sale to-day 7800 bales were catalogued. The tone of the market was quieter but steady. Course crossbreada are now about Id lower than at last sales. The sales close on the Bth July.

In the House of Commons to-day the Premier was questioned as to his intention regarding the bill be had introduced providing that persons who were permitted to affirm in a court of law should be authorised to make an affirmation in Parliament. In reply Mr Gladstone said he had decided that the consideration of the measure should be deferred until the Irish Land Bill had been passed by the House. May 14. At the wool sale to-day 9900 bales were offered, making a total of 41,700 catalogued since the opening. The tone of the bidding was animated. Tbe news of the treaty signed between France and the Bey of Tunis has caused considerable astonishment throughout Europe. Several further arrests have been made in Ireland under the Coercion Act.