CABLEGRAMS

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 407, 23 January 1890, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS

London, January 20. Sir Charles Dilke’e book “ Prob'ems of Great Britain ” has been published. It says that Mr Deakin, at present Colonial Secretary of Victoria, will at an early date be Premier of Victoria, and probably of Australia when federation comes. The writer regards Sir Henry Parkes as a prodigy, and believes that Mr Dibbs, leader of the Opposition in New South Wales, will ultimately advocate the separation of that colony from the mother country. Sir Charles eulogises Chief Justice Higinbotham, and believes be would ba chosen Governor of Victoria if an elective system were in force.

The despatches which have passed between the English and Portuguese Governments have been published. They show that the ultimatum forwarded by England was due to the discovery that Major Pinto’s successor was continuing the policy of aggression within the British sphere in Africa, despite the contrary assurances of the Portuguese Government.

The Portuguese Government are pressing to have their disputed claims to Zambesia settled by arbitration. It is considered doubtful whether the officials of Zambesia will fuffil the conditions of the ultimatum, and it is believed Portugal only yielded to England’s demands so as to gain time to appeal to the great power’. Obituary : Alexander Craig Sellar, M P. for

Patrick, and C. R. M. Talbot, M.P. for Glamargan. The latter was the oldest member in the House of Commons. Sir William Jervois, at a meeting of the United Service Institute, said it was essential for the defence of the colonies that they should federate ; otherwise, in time of war, a foreign enemy might compel the weaker colony to concede ica territory. He said the naval method ought to be regards us the primary Hub of defence,