British and Foreign

Southland Times, Issue 11654, 7 February 1891, Page 2

British and Foreign

LONDON, Feb. 5.

Speaking in the House of Commons in opposition to Mr Gladstone's Religious Disability Removal Bill the Right Hon. W. H. Smith pointed out that in the event of Home Rule being granted to Ireland the Viceroy would be the only link binding that country to the Throne. He argued therefore that it would not be wise to permit a, Roman Catholic to hold the office, as he would be likely to place his allegiance to the Pope before that due from him to the Queen. It \va3 considered in certain political circles that the measure was likely to pass but the motion for its second reading was defeated by 83 vptes, In view of the poor success attending the floating of the South Australian loan, io is considered certain that the placing of the Victorian loan on the market must be postponed. The Chronicle says the debt of South Australia is excessive in relation to her population. It considers that what has happened will have a salutary effect on all the colonies.

Professor Hankin, of Cambridge University, has made successful experiments in the cure of anthrax in sheep. His specific is composed of an extract from the spleen of rats with 50 per cent of glycerine added.

A syndicate is carrying on Baring Bros* business. It has been decided to take over the assets of the firm.

The National Mortgage and Agency Com? pany havo declared a dividend of five per CMt.

It is proposed to hold a conference in May in reference to the establishment of cable communication between Canada and Australia. The joint committee of the Dock Companies have decided to abandon the discharge of shipping, leaving shipowners to fight the dock labourers. To prevent a block it will be necessary to organise a lo.uling and unloading staff. Two thousand men are needed for ordinary requirements. Convocation of tho University of Oxford has Granted thy University of Adelaide full privileges under the Colonial and London University Statute. The press agree as to the high standard attained by the South Australian University. Mr Justin McCarthy promises to make public the nature of the settlement arrived at with Mr Parnell on the 12th inst. The Standard states that Mr Gladstone will shortly reveal the pledges he has given on the subject of Home Rule. The mica recently sent Home from South Australia is declared to be of excellent quality. Large plates of it are valued at from 15s to 20s per lb, and the smallest 8s per lb. LISBON, Feb. 5. A hundred of the rebels were killed during the entente at Oporto. PARIS, Feb. 5. The French Customs Committee have voted a surtax of three francs sixty centimes on bonded wools from Australia and the Cape. BERLIN, Feb. 5. A sum of LI O,OOO has been voted by the Reichstag for exploring purposes in Africa. Prince Bismarck, replying to a deputation which waited upon him, expressed the opinion that attempts were being made to destroy the social and political fabric that he had reared while in office. NEW YORK, Fkb. 5. It is reported that war between the States of Guatamala and Honduras is imminent. OTTAWA, Feb. 5. The Dominion Government favour reciprocity with the United States, but are not inclined to agree to a tariff that would prohibit trade with Britain and the rest of the world.