EUROPEAN' CABLEGRAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 5994, 2 February 1881, Page 5

EUROPEAN' CABLEGRAMS.

[PER THE S.S. AUSTRALIA]

London, January 25. In the House of Commons to-day, a stirring debate took place on the Irish Peace Bill, and a violent scene ensued. Mr. O'Donnell, a Home Ruler of the Parnell section, in the course of a violent speech, stigmatised Mr. Gladstone as a traitor to his country. The remark gave rise to a scene of great disorder and confusion, and the Speaker, finding it impossible to restore order, adjourned the House.

Great satisfaction is expressed at Geneva in connection with the Melbourne International Exhibition. The authorities there have ordered a full report of the results of the Exhibition.

There are rumours afloat that Mr. Gladstone's health is exceedingly precarious, but no definite announcement to this effect has been made. It is reported that after the violent scene in the House of Commons today, Mr. Gladstone was much distressed, and sent for his physician. It is known that his medical adviser is in attendance upon the Premier, and that he has strongly advised him to retire from the House of Commons and accept a seat in the House of Lords. Friends of Mr. Gladstone fear the heavy strain imposed upon the Premier by the Irish difficulty and other cares of State is too much for one of his advanced years, and they accordingly are pressing on him the advisability of taking more rest. They recommend that Mr. Gladstone should take a peei'age, with the title of Earl of Liverpool, and still retain the leadership of the Liberal party. Those who recommend this course have pointed out to Mr. Gladstone that the world of letters would be a gainer by the time he would be able to devote to literature, and that his domestic affairs would be promoted by the leisure he would be in a position to enjoy. They also assure the right hon. gentleman that his speeches have given universal satisfaction, and they therefore enjoin him to accept well-earned repose. It is considered improbable that Mr. Gladstone will follow the advice of his friends. London, January 24. The evidence in the trial of Mr. Parnell and the other members of the Irish Land League has closed, and counsel on both sides have addressed the Court. Judge Fitzgerald is now summing up. The summing up is impartial, and his Honor complimented and congratulated the Crown Prosecutor upon the ability he had displayed in placing the case before the Court. Counsel for the defence, in addressing the jury, contended that the principal agitators now in Ireland were returned American loiterers, and it was this class who were responsible for the outrages that were being committed, and not such persons as leaders of the Land League, who, he contended, had acted within the law, and in a perfectly constitutional manner. He also refuted the analogy sought to be instituted between the Land League and the trades unionism. A strong interest has been re-awakened in the case since the commencement of the Judge's summing up. Cooktown, January 26. The steamer Meath, which arrived tonight from Hongkong, via Singapore, brings news to January 4. It is reported that the Dutch garrison and officials were murdered by the Achcnese at Lepas Padji. The French Government at Saigon are increasing the export duty on rice from 10 to 15 cents per picul, French colonies and ships are exempt. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Manila on the 26th. The Spanish Government is increasing the number of men-of-war stationed in Philippine waters, owing to the increase of the Japanese navy. A great fire at Singapore caused much loss. A large quantity of cartridges was seized at Macassar. The cases were supposed to

cpntain hatchets and large quantities ot cbffee beans, exported from Java to Holland* ' ; At Acheen great damage hasbeen done by heavy rains and floods. Several persons •were drowned. The damages are ascertained at half a-million guilders.