CABLE NEWS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 7977, 1 February 1897, Page 4

CABLE NEWS.

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE QUEEN'S RECORD REIGN,

TEANSVAAL A?FAIRS.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF

COMMONS

BIG MILITARY LOAN.

[PKB PBBSS ABuOOIATIOH.—-OOFSBiaHT ] London, January 29.

The convention of Irish landlords sitting at Dublin carried a motion asking the Government to pay early attention to the question raised in the House of Commons on the financial relations between Great Britain and Ireland.

The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain states that the Government have invited the Premiers of the various colonies to visit London as guests of the country, to assist in the celebrations attendant on the Queen's record reign. It is desired to have a detachment of military from each colony present on the occasion. Canada, Cape Colony, and Natal have accepted the invitation, and the replies from these colonies are considered extremely gratifying as justifying their loyalty by a desire to assist the unique function.

In the House of Commons, the Eight Hon. J. Chamberlain moved the reappointment of a Parliamentary committee to enquire into the Transvaal raid. Sir John Lubbock and Mr McLean spoke in opposition to the motion, on the grounds that it would not serve any good purpose and would revive angry feeling. The debate was adjourned. In reply to a question, Mr Chamberlain said the Imperial Government and colonial Ministries had under discussion the report of the Pacific Cable Commission. He was unable to fix a date when the report would be laid on the table of the House. January 80. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain, in supporting the motion for the re-appointment of the Transvaal Raid Committee, said the present situation caused anxiety, aud disturbing rumors reached him every day. The recent legislation passed in the Transvaal had not improved the situation. Reports showed that it was inadequate to meet the case, and peace would be insecure until the grievances of the uitlanders were redressed. The committee must enquire into the uitlanders' grievances. The House adopted the motion and the committee was re-appointed.

In the House of Commons the Hon. W. Brodrick, Parliamentary Secretary for War Office, announced that tbe Government proposed to float a loan of £5,408,000, with a currency of ;>0 years, the money to he utilised in urgent military services. It was intended to spend £1,120,000 in fortifying Bear Haven and Lough Swilly, on the coast of Ireland, Faiinouth, and the Scilly Islands ; £2,1)00,000 upon barracks and large camps ; £1,149,000 upon strengthening the defensive positions round London. A portion of the loan will also be expended on stores and riile ranges and the purchase of (!0 square miles in the vicinity of Stonehenge for military purposes.