BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3499, 29 July 1880, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[by cable] London, July 13.

Serious disturbances have occurred amongst' the Arabs at Bagdad, and an English trading steamer that had just arrived was attacked by fanatics, and in the conflict that ensued the captain and chief officer were murdered. The Turkish soldiers encamped near the Tchalga lines for the defence of the vicinity of Constantinople are said to have mutinied, owing to the nonpayment of arrears of pay. They have presented a demand to the Sultan requiring either immediate payment or their dismissal. The Sultan, who was greatly alarmed at the outbreak, promised acquiescence in the demand of the corps. It is proposed to disband the portion of the regiment disaffected, and satisfy the demands of others by payment of the amounts due. The valuable library of Professor Tlieodor Mommsen, the well known Roman historian, at Berlin, lias been destroyed by fire. The Turkisli|(xovcrninentlias decided to oppose the carrying out of the decision of the European Powers, and is sending reinforcements to such points of her territory as arc most likely fco be attacked by hostile forces. Six transports, conveying troops, ammunition, and artillery, have been despatched to defend S.ilonica, and other important seaport cities of Turkey. Orders have also been issued for the Sola and Prciesa redoubts at the port of Gallipoli to be repaired, and the necessary works are being proceeded with. The fatal explosion at the Pisca colliery, near Newport, resulted from fire damp. There were a large number of men in the mine at the time, and it has been ascertained that over 130 perished. The interesting ceremony of presenting the Zulu war medals to the troops engaged in that campaign took place yesterday in the presence of the chief military authorities and immenso numbers of spectators. The prospects of the harvest arc unsatisfactory. The weather recently has been very unfavourable, and the heavy continuous rain that has fallen has seriously damaged the crops. The sitting of the French Chamber of Deputies has been brought to a conclusion. M. Gambetta, yesterday formally closed the session. The excitement at Paris in consequence of the explusion of the religious orders and the agitation arising from the Communistic celebration held in connection with the recent amnesty are subsiding. The authorities took precautions to prevent any outbreak. France and Italy have joined England in bringing an increase of pressure to bear upon the Sultan, in order to coerce the Porte into carrying out the stipulations of the Berlin Treaty

regarding internal reform and the cession of the disputed territory to Greece and Montenegro. It has been arranged to combine in making a naval demonstration before Constantinople, and Germany, after some hesitation, has consented to co-operate. The King of Greece, after visiting Paris and London, proceeded to Copenhagen to meet his father, the King of Denmark. The King of Sweden is also on a visit to this Court, and a conference has been held between the three monarchs. The object has not transpired, but it is surmised that it will end in some concerted action being arranged between the smaller states of Europe on matters affecting their general welfare. Intelligence has been received from Conana of the accident which happened to Prince Leopold, now on a tour through the Dominion. He was out on a fishing excursion, and accidentally injured his ankle so severely that he will be unable to prosecute his journey for some weeks. London, July 14. Eochfort, who returned to France immediately after the promulgation of the recent Communist amnesty, has established a newspaper in Paris, as an exponent of the extreme views of his party. The tone adopted is most hostile to Gambetta, whose more moderate attitude in relation to publio affairs is not favourably regarded by the Communists. A review, held at Windsor, was a great success. There were upwards of 12,000 troops present. Her Majesty, accompanied by several members of the Koyal family, was present, and expressed herself pleased with the appearance of the men. London July 19. The attendance at the Kifle Association Meeting at Wimbledon is veiy large, and shooting best yet recorded. The Daily News says the French Ambassador at Constantinoble has warned the Sultan that in the event of resistance of the decision of the Berlin Conference he will meet with the fate of the Khedive of Egypt. Up to the present time, twelve Liberals and five Conservatives have been unseated on petition.