LATEST INTELLIGENCE. THE IRISH COERCION BILL.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 23, 29 January 1881, Page 2

LATEST INTELLIGENCE. THE IRISH COERCION BILL.

DEBATE ON THE SECOND BEADING. SPEECH BY JOHN BRIGHT. THE RUSSIANS IN CENTRAL ASIA. RUMORED DISCONTINUANCE OF THE WAR. FRENCH BOUNTIES TO SHIPPERS. SHIPMENT OF BUTTER AND MEAT TO ENGLAND. LARGE PROFITS ON THE PROTOS VENTURE. London, 28fch January. In the House of Commons last evening, the debate on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill, giving the Viceroy power, until October, 1882, to arrest and detain all persons guilty or suspected of treasonable conduct, and to limit the sale and possession of arms, was commenced. Several members spoke during the evening, but the chief speaker -was the Right Hon. John Bright, the President of the Board of Trade, who addressed the House in strong terms of justification of the action of the Government in proposing coercive measures for the repression of the prevailing disorder in Ireland. The debate now stands adjourned to next sitting. It is currently stated in Russian and other political circles that in view of the success of General SkobelofE's expedition against the Tekke Turcomans, and the retreat of the latter from Geok Tepe, the Russian Government is now averse to continuing the campaign, and that further hostilities will not be prooeeded with. The butter brought by the steamer Protos has realised one shilling per pound, the total return showing a large profit. From the fresh meat, after payment of all charges, there is a profit of fully .£lOOO. Pabis, 27th January. At to-day's sitting of the French Senate a Bill giving the Government power to grant bounties to French shippers, was finally discussed and agreed to. Capetown, 28th January. News has been received to-day from the Transvaal that the rivers having fallen, the force under General Colley has been able to continue its advance in the Transvaal. The bodies of Boers which were sighted a few days ago were again seen ahead of the line of march, and were apparently preparing to oppose the advance of the colonial troops. Sir George Colley at once ordered the artillery to open fire, and the infantry followed up to attack, but the enemy declined an engagement, and retired in haste.