LATE CABLEGRAMS.

Evening Star, Issue 7280, 3 August 1887, Page 4

LATE CABLEGRAMS.

The following have appeared in tho Melbourne papers:— There have been signs of late that the alliance between the Liberal-Unionists and the Conservatives has been strained. The Unionists are alarmed at the decreasing Conservative vote and the Liberal victories at recent elections, and have resolved to conciliate the electors by posing aa the tenantß friends. Lor Salisbury, speaking at a meeting of his party at the Carlton Club, said that a general election must follow on the loss of the Unionist vote, and it was imperative, therefore, to defer to the Unionist wishes, although many of their proposals would offend Tory principles. Lord Salishury intimated that the Government would propose a reduction of judicial rents in Ireland by from 15 to 20 per cent, per annum. Major Sanderson, member for North Armagh, opposed the proposal, protesting that the Unionist support cost over much. The general body of Conservative members, however, supported the Government. It is believed that a crisis was narrowly averted, and that its recurrence is possible at any moment. A deputation of twenty-six trades unions waited on the Premier yeßterday to urge the abolition of all bounties by legitimate means consistent with the. principles of Freetrade. Lord Salisbury, in reply, Baid that the question was one of the deepest moment, and introduced important issues. Workmen naturally were indignant at the conspiracy which was closing the Home markets against themselves. There was a choice of courses in the matter, either expostulation or retaliation. A conference on the subject has been arranged with the Governments of France and' Germany, and it would therefore be unwise to enter into details of the question at the present juncture; but ho assured the deputation that the English Government would act with dignity and effect.