The Portland daily press., 1881-05-14

duces this result, but one of concern that na-
ton which seemed TO have entered upon a bet
ter path should allow itself to be turned by
fancied commercial interests into a course not
in accordance with the best traditions of pub
lie law.
Fighting at Natal
NEWCASTLE, NATAL, May ia battle has
taken place near Lichtenburg between the
Caffre chiefs Montesia and Mocaba. The latter,
who is a friend of the Beers, and who was de-
feated with heavy loss, says his adversary was
assisted by sixty Europeans. 1t is reported
the Beers are preparing to assist Mocaba. 1t
is arranged that British officer shall 20 to
warn both parties to abstain from further hos
tilities:
The Irish Land Bill.
LONDON May BIN the House of Com
mons last night debate on the Land Bill was
again adjourned. The principal feature of tho
debate was a speech by William Shaw advocat-
inc a suspension Of cvictions, and hoping that
all Irish members would ante TO prevent the
destruction of the bill.
The French Tariff.
Mr. Forster. at a meeting at Bradford, last
night said he hoped the French would not
persist in so large a departure from free trade
as they appeared to contemplate, but, if they
did, he would prefer to have no treaty at all.
The Monetary Conference.
The Telegraph's Paris correspondent under
the Monetary Confere nee will adjourn fer
some time TO consider the arguments which
have been put forward. Although the queS-
ton of double or single standard most GER
tainly will not be settled, certain practical sug-
gestions have been made for arriving at a COM
promise.
The Parliamentary Oath Bill Postponed
LONDON, Nav BIN the Commons this
| evening Gladstone stated that in consequence
of the opposition to the parliamentary oath
| bill the governme ut intended to postpone con-
| sheraton of the course they shall take oD it
| until the land bill has been substantially dis
| posedsof.
| Another Nihilist Assassin Under Arrest.
ST. PETERSBURG, May 13.-The Nihilist ar
rested here recently charged with complicty
in the murder of the Gar and with planning
| the Little Garden street mine is naval officer.
He was also an accomplish Of the Nihlists
| who caused the explosion at the Winter Palace
| in February, 1880, and is charged with having
| stolen from the government magazines a
quantity OF dynamite.
Is the Gar Pretending Reform?
The recent manifesto of the Gar seems to
| Justify the scepticism which has prevailed in
| regard to predicted reforms. In q constita-
tional sense the change of form lately intro
| duced in the routine of tho committee of
ministers is an i'm oortant step favorable to the
diminution of intrigue, and capable of uniting
the ministers otherwise working independents
| ly and irresponsibly, but it does net establish
| anything for moment comparable with a
cabinet as understood in England. The at
tention of the government is turned to econo-
mical reform and to the pressing necessities of
an empire chiefly composed of peasant
farmers, the majority of whom are reduced to
a state of poverty and misery requiring ina
mediate relief. All talk of constitutional re-
form is generally pronounced absurd and mis-
leading.
Archbishop Croke's Letter to Parnen.
DUBLIN, May 13.-The Most Rev. DIR. Croie
archbishop of Armagh, has written to Mr..
Parnell. lie says: "You are the chosen and
trusted leader, not alone of the Irish paria
mentary party, but of the Irish people, and 7
recognize you fully and faithfully as such
You state that your absiention from voting
cannot influence the second reading OF tlit
land bill. Its final acceptance or rejection
cannot, therefore, arise until after it has beef
discussed in committee. Why take a stel
which, while it can do no good, may split tht
party and create the division you depiore?"
Quiet Restored at Kieff.
ST.. PETERSBURG, May ,3-The Golos states
that quiet is restored AT Kieif. The people
who suffered most are mechanics, small trad
ers and retired soldiers. There are 1900 dest
tute families at the barracks. Disturbances
also occurred at Bogarki and Varlkoff. The
mob threw stones at a train bearing Jewsl
refugees and the engineer declined to proceed
fearing the train would be upset. At Ostrof
during the last four days 800 railway workmer
have been rendered homeless and are starving
owing to the incompeteDcy and disorganiza
ton of the railway authorities.