BRITISH AND FOREIGN

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIII, Issue 3613, 24 March 1880, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN

London, March 11. Sir Stafford Northcote has delivered an address, in which he emphatically proclaims the resolve of the Imperial Government to strengthen the Colonial Empire. The Marquis of Hartington has delivered an address, in which he traverses the entire Government policy. He denies, as Earl Beaconsfield hints at, the existence of a party who desire to enfeeble the Colonies by a policy of decomposition. If the Colonies are now more willing to undertake the burthens of Empire, it is due to the guidance of Liberal statesmen. The Colonies have learnt entire dependence upon Imperial assistance for protection and defence, and this he contends is not compatible with their dignity or freedom. Mr Gladstone, in an address delivered last night, made an embittered indictment against every branch of the Government policy. The Government in the coming elections expect a majority of 20 or 30.

The rumors of the collapse of the grain ring are false. Lady Charlotte Bacon is dead. March 13. Mr Gladstone has made ;i speech in the House of Commons, in support of the resolution by Professor Fawcett, affirming that it is unjust to throw upon India the expenses of the Afghan war. March 15. A meeting, attended by over 20,000 persons, has been held in Dublin, at which resolutions were passed and speeches made, denouncing landlords and demanding reduction of rents. The Persian Commission has arrived at Herat, with a view of laying the basis of permanent occupation by Persia. The Commission has been welcomed by the Afghans. March 19. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain ia 1,810,000 quarters. New Zealand Five Per Cent. Loan 304£. The House of Commons had adjourned until Wednesday nex, when a dissolution will take place. Information has been received of the seizure of two Italian vessels by an Austrian man-of-war. The former were conveying arms and ammunition to the Afghans, and the Austrian commander, upon receiving information of their mission, seizsd the Italian vessels as smugglers. March 20. The Oxford and Cambridge boat race, which was to have taken place to-day, could not be rowed owing to the heavy fog on the river. The contest will come off on Monday. The Homeward mails via Suez were delivered in London yesterday. Consols have advanced £th, and are now quoted at 98£. Adelaide wheat, 59s ; New Zealand wheat, 47s 9d. Market quiet. Australian tallow— best beef, 35s to 363; best mutton, 375. March 22. The Morning Post, in a leading article ia to-day's issue on the subject of the general election and the change of Ministry in Victoria, congratulates the Colony on the result of the former, and hailß the advent of Mr Service as a prelude to the return of prosperity in Victoria. Parnell has reached Queenstown, Ireland, from America. The University boat race was rowed to day, and war won by the Oxford crew. New land regulations have been gazetted. Calcutta, March 22. Latest news from Afghanistan states that the chief at Ghuznee has offered to submit to the British commander, and are willing to negotiate for peace. Washington, March 20. The committee which was appointed by Congress to enquire into the question of Chinese immigration, isaueil its report. The complete exclusion of Chinese from the United States is strongly recommended by the Committee.