LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3714, 11 June 1883, Page 3

LONDON.

May 27. During the recent engagement at Hanoi 11 French soldiers Avero killed and 20 wounded. A body of troops luiA'c been despatched from Saigon to the aesistance of the French.

Later reports from Hanoi state that General Riviere the officer in charge of the French force, had prepared an ambuscade for the enemy, and suddenly made a sortie at tho head of 400 men, but the opposing force Avas too strong, and the French were compelled to retire with great loss. Twentysix of their men avci'o killed, and 51 more wounded in the engagement. General Beaulein will take charge of the French troops at Hanoi, and General Done will assume tho position of supremo commandant at Saigon. Germany has announced that she appiwes of tho policy adopted by Franco and encourages her to proceed. Lavaug Chang- has been appointed commander of the South China troops now stationed at Shanghai. Kergaradie, the officer in chargo of the Anuamcse troops at Saigon, has made every preparation for war, and is uoav aAvaiting instructions from the authorities.

The utmost excitement prevails among the Chinese, and 9,000 troops are now massing at Tonquin preparatory to marching on the French forces. General Riviere, avlio it appears was ono of tho slain at the engagement at Hanoi, was killed by a bayonet Avhich passed completely through his body. Further reinforcements of 1200 French troops have been despatched to Hanoi from Saigon. Korgradie, the commander of tho Annamese troops at Saigon has been ordered to keep his forces in readiness, but to take no decisive steps until the receipt of further instructions. Tho French Government has resolved to AvithdniAV 15,000 men from Tunis, so that they may be ready for immediate service at Tonquin if required. May 20. This morning's Post states that it has been definitely decided by the Government to annex New Guinea aud constitute it a Crown colony. May 31. Tho Standard this morning contains an article upon the annexation of New Guinea. It refers to Lord Derby's refusal Lo ralify the action of Queensland, and urges the

British Government to annex the southeastern portion of the island. Last night the House of Commons voted Baron Alcestor .£25,000 and General Lord AVolseley £30,000 in recognition of tho brilliant services rendered by them during the Egyptian war.

The determination of the Egyptian authorities to introduce manhood suffrage into that country has caused a feeling of great dissatisfaction amongst many sections of the people. Tho peasantry declares that the system is not what they desire, and that they will not avail themselves of it.

The wheat crops throughout India and Russia are looking well, and there is every prospect of a bountiful harvest. The manifesto issued by the Czar immediately after his coronation has caused great indignation at St. Petersburg, as it makes no reference to any intended social reforms. Secret indignation meetings have been held, and the utmost excitement prevails. Several riots havo taken place, and the police have made over one hundred arrests. Four ironclads which were ordered some time ago by the Chinese Government have now been completed by a German shipbuilding firm at Kieb, a town in the province of Schleswig-Holstein. They left for China yesterday. Tho Duke of Connaught, who has been appointed commander of the troops stationed at Moerut, Bengal Presidency, will assume ! office in November. The decisions of the New South Wales Government inscribes their loan has caused considerable discussion in the financial circles of London. The present time is goncrally recognised as opportune for inscription. The Government have to entrust the negotiations connected with the proposed renewals of diplomatic relations between England and Mexico to Mr Frederick St. John, British Minister at the Republic of Central America. The Porte has opened negotiation with Russia with the view of establishing with that country an alliance against England. The ground upon which the proposition is based is that the English Government, in their recent action regarding Egypt, has entered upon a policy of aggression which necessitates a check from the other Powers interested. It is reported that General Riviere, the French commander, and fifteen of his soldiers who -were taken prisoners by the Annamese at Hanoi, were brutally tortured by impalement beforo they were put to death. The report has, however, not been officially confirmed. The Times, discussing the situation in Armenia in an article yesterday morning, announced that the Russian Government laid claim to the uncontrolled disposition of Armenian affairs. During tho recent bombardment of Majura, Madagascar, by tho French, considerable destruction of English and American property took place. The vigorous attack mado by the French has compelled tho Hovas to retire into the interior. French gunboats are hourly expected at Lamatere, a seaport town on the east coast, and a large native [force is being massed at that place to prevent tho landing of troops. The Malageso havo despatched an embassy to London with tho view of inducing tho English Government to intercede with France on behalf of Madagascar.

Au article this morning in the Daily News urges that, in view of the victory obtained by Victoria over the Hon. Ivo Bligh's English eleven, a, team from that colony should visit England during tho present season. An important demonstration was made in London yesterday in commemoration of the anniversary of Garibaldi's death. Several meetings of representative Italian citizens Avere held, and the utmost enthusiasm preA - ailod. June 4. Bismarck, avlio recently threatened to abolish tho German Reichstag unless certain reforms on behalf of the Socialists Avere adopted, has now consented to modify the extent of his demands, and a compromise will probably be effected. In consequence of tho recent riots which have taken place between the Turks and Christians at Erzeroum, the principal city of Armenia, the German Government have formally demanded from the Porte the ap - pointment of a Christian Governor for the toAvn. Mr Murphy, avlio assisted in conducting the Crown prosecution in the cases of the Phoenix Park murderers, hasbeen appointed a Judge of the Queen's Bench Division. A free soil league is being formed in the United States. Ricciotti Garibaldi, who Avas a candidate for the representation of Rome in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, has been defeated. Dr. Croke, tho Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cashcl, is ignoring the injunctions of the Pope in connection with the suppression of outrages. June 5. The Standard this morning publishes an article upon tho Governors of the Australian colonies, and expresses the opinion that the Duke of Albany, avlio Avas recently reported to haA-e received the offer of the position of Governor-General of Canada, is eminently suited for the Governorship of Victoria, and recommends that he be appointed as successor to the Marquis of Normanby. In spite of the threats which have been made against him by Irish agitators, James Carey, the principal informer of the Phceuix Park prosecutions, has announced his intention of offering- himself as a candidate for a seat in the Corporation of Dublin, from AA'hich office he Avas recently expelled. In vieAV of the agitation which the municipal contest might give rise to, the Government insists upon Carey leaving tho British Isles as soon as may be convenient to the authorities.

The Standard this morning discussing the existing relations between the Vatican and the Roman Catholic clergy, states that the Pope has forwarded an official summons to the Roman Catholic Archbishops of America commanding them to Avuit upon His Holiness in connection Avith the recent policy of the Irish agitators. Encouraged by the success Avhich attended his coronation in Moscow, tho Czar had made preparations for a triumphal entry into St. Petersburg. Later events have, however, induced the Czar to forego his original intention. The Turkish Government have resolved to increase the alloAvanco originally fixed for Arabi and his companions, Avho Avere transported to Ceylon. Considerable excitement Avas created at Gloucester yesterday by tho discovery of the dead bodies of seven infants under circumstances which aroused suspicons that Avilful murder had been committed. A woman who appears to haA'o acted as nurse for some children has been arrested on the charge of murder.

Fifty persons accused and convicted of Avitchcraft have been burnt to death on tho Gold Coast of Africa.

[Special to Press Association.]