The Sun.
London, England, 1868-05-27 00:00:00

THE OUTRAGE IN JAPAN.

Colonel SYKES asked the Secretary of State for Fo-
reign Affairs what truth there was in the statement in
the China newspapers that our ambassador in
Japan, on a first visit of ceremony to the Mi-
kado or Emperor of Japan at Kioto, accom-
panied by a European escort, was attacked by Japanese
and twelve of the escort wounded: And, whether twelve
of the crew of a boat belonging to the French ship of war
Dupleix wore assassinated on landing on the estate of
Prince Tosa, near Osaka, and what effect those outrages
had on the relations between the British and French
Governments with that of the Emperor of Japan.
Lord STANLEY said it was quite true that Sir Harry
Parkes and his retinue wore attacked by some Japanese
fanatics on his way to pay a visit to the Mikado, and
several of the party were wounded. The Japanese autho-
rities had done, everything that could be desired in the
matter, and had gone so far as to say that, in the event of
any permanent injury resulting to any of the persons in-
jured compensation would be made them. (Hear.) Nothing
had taken place which would affect the goo•i relations
which now existed between this country and Japan. With
respect to the murder of some of the crew of the French
vessel named, that had also been amicably arranged. The
Mikado was anxious, he believed, to cultivate the relations
of friendly nations, and had expressed his willingness to
adopt all the treaties entered into with the Tycoon.
(Hear, hoar.)
MAILS TO THE CAPE.

Mr. CANDLISH asked the Secretary to tip) Treasury
if any contract had been effected with the Union Steam
Shipping Company for the conveyance of au intermediate
monthly mail between England and the Cape of Good
Hcpe.
Mr. BOOTH said a contract had been entered into with
the Union Steam Shipping Company for the conveyance
of an intermediate monthly mail between this country and
the Cape. After the contract had been completed another
offer was made, but that was not nearly as favourable as
that entered into with the Union Company.
THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Mr. SANDFORD asked tho First Lord of the Trea-
sury whether her Majesty's Government intended to bring
forward any measure, and, if any, what measure, for the
purpose of shortening the period which, under the exist-
ing law, must intervene before a general election can
take place under the provisions of the Reform Act passed
in the late session of Parliament?
Mr. DISRAELI said the subject was under the con-
sideration of Government, but the difficulties in the way
were greater than was at first supposed. Ho, however,
trusted that the difficulties would be surmounted, and in a
few days he would be able to make a communication to
the house.

Mr. GLADSTONE asked when it was likely the views
of the Government would be made on the subject to

the house. Ha thought that if a select committee was
appointed to look into the matter it would facilitate the
business. _ _ .

AUSTRALIA.

Sir R. PALMER asked the Under Secretary of State for
the Colonies Whether ke TV:A*I lay upon the tgbl9 9t tb.9

house the despatches from the Governor of Victoria
brought by the last mail.

Mr. ADDERLE Y said tho despatches would be laid on
the table in the cows° of the week.

THE WHITSUNTIDE HOLIDAYS.

In answer to an Hos. MEMBER,
_ _

Mr. DISRAELI said ho proposed to move that the
house at its rising on Friday adjourn over until the fol-
lowing Thursday.

ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE.-THE
ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.

Mr. DISRAELI, in moving that the house at its rising
adjourn until Thursday, said that it would be recollected
that ho had placed a notice on the paper to move a vote of
thanks to Sir Robert Napier on Friday next, he at the
time supposing that certain despatches had been lost.

However, within the last 48 hours information had been
received which led hi'u to believe that those despatches
were iu existence, and would soon b 3 in the hands of the
Government, and, under such cirouinstanc3s, fooling it
would be well that all th 3 inform La:in possibb should be
in the hands of memb .r. 5, lie shoul t taoroforo postpone
moving the vote of thanks until after the Whitsuntida
holidays. (Hear, bear.)
The mo ion was then agreed to.