New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-01-04
TOPICS OF LEADING INTEREST.


TOPICS OF LEADING INTEREST.
THE AFGHAN AND TURKISH PERPLExrrIEs-THE
CENTRAL sToCK-THE ELECTRIC LIGHT-LITER-
AIRY AND ART NOTES.
[Br CABLE TO THE TRIBUNEl
LONDON. Saturday Jan. g. 1880.
Lord Beaconsfeld arrived here this morning to
attend a Cabinet Council in the afternoon, which,
it Is understood, called to consider the Turkish
and Afghan questions,
TROUBLE AHEAD.
The relief arising from General Roberts unex-
pected victory leaves the political complications
untouched. Every Government speaker denies
that annexation is intended. but nobody offers
solution of the problem how British prestige can
be maintained without permanent military control
over Afghanistan involving powerful army ana
vast expense wholly chargeable on the British
Treasury.
SIR AUSTEN LAYARD REBUKED.
The Anglo-Turksh difficulty has been half stifed,
half compromised in the usual fashion. 1t is re-
ported that Sir Austen Layard, the British Ambas-
sador at Constantinople, has been rcbnked by Lord
Salisbury for presenting an ultimatum on
mere missionary question, involving no Brl-
tish subject nor interest. The stereoyped promise
to satisfy all demands has been made by Musurus
Pacha the Turkish Ambassador here, and Lord
Salisbury makes the usual pretence to believe 1t.
The public considers the incident further proof of
the diminishing influence Of England with the
Porte.
THE GOVERNMENTS PRESTIGE LOWERED.
The effect on home politics is distinctly damaging
to the Ministers who still pose as protectors OF
Turkey. The incident irritates their Turcophlle
supporters, and amuses their opponents.
LAYARD DISGUISED.
The auasi-amicable relations reestablshed yester-
day after the long interview of Sir Austen Layard
with the Sultan owing partly to percmptory
instructions TO Sir Austen Layard, and partly to the
friendyinteryention Powers. The diplomatic
victory remains with the Porte Private advIces
say that Sir Austen Layard is disguised and dis
couraged There are fresh reports Of the probable
appo,utment of Sir Drummond Wolff as his sue
cessor.
THE GREEK CLAIM.
Meantime the Tur o-Greek question is again
threatening to cause trouble kilograms from Con-
stantinople report that the mediation of the Powers
will he again declined The Plenpotentiaries have
abandoned negotiations awaiting further instruc
tons
MR. PARNEIL's MISSION.
Most of the London papers publish special dis
matches respecting Mr.. Parnell's arrival in New
York, describing the enthusiasm as extremely
moderate. Editorial satisfaction is expressed at
the American good sense.
THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.
The Duchess of Marlboroughs Irish relief fund
makes slow progress. The Rothchilds have sub
scrbed $500 S242O) the Barlngs f2O0 CS96S);
the Coutts goo $685. the Irish Society f150
CS72G); the Right Hon. William f. Forster ESQ
tS2l2) There are few contributions from conspcu-
ous persons. The total amount hitherto reported is
Is, 900 ($3S, ,720). American subscriptions for the
relief OF the Irish poor would be welcome but gifts
for political purposes are purely mischievous
WARNING FROM MR.. sPURGEoN.
The Rev. Charles II. spurgeon writes from Men
tone that the Nation should listen to Mr. Gladstone
as call to m; ks righteousness and peace
their guide instead of clustering; he declares that
England is wantonly trampling Afghanstan under
foot and warns Engishmen that under such tutors
as The Times they are becoming nation of demons.
The whole letter IS All impassioned appeal to the
Christian sentiment of the country.
EDISON CAUSES SCARE.
A circumstantial account of Edison's new cleo
tic lamp, sent by cable. produced fresh excite
ment. Gas shares fell, some cases 10
per cent, but have since mostly recovered.
The British public thinks Edison wolf
too often. Comparatively few timid holders sold
out; all their shares were eagerly bought mp.
Scientific opinion incredulous Electricians say
that Edison has completely abandoned bis
original line Of experiment. the failure of
which was predicted at the beginning. No tessi-
mony of ordinary non-scientifc observers will con-
vince people here moreover, those induced to in
vest in Edson's automatic telegraph some time ago
complain of Edisons bad faith in having obtained
money for that purpose. and then turning his at
tention to other subjects wholly negecting the tele
graph project.
A NEW FRENCH INVENTION.
IL is reported that a new French invention for
the production of electric light will shortly be
made public. 1t is alleged that remarkable re-
suits have been attained.
TIE CENTRAL STOCK.
In answer TO inquiries respecting the probable re-
suit Of placing the New-York Central and Hudson
River Railroad stock on the London market, emf
nent business men say that the whole amount will
doubtless readily be taken. A leading broker re-
mark that anything Julius S. Morgan g. Co. bring