Earl Cairns passed, with the assistance of the Government, the Settled Land Act which removed many of the restrictions in dealing with entailed estates.

The Married Women's Property Act passed, practically placing married men and married women on an equality before the law as far as regarded their private incomes, earnings, and inheritance.

1883.-Conference of the Great Powers met in London (Feb. 10) to consider various matters respecting the navigation of the Danube; ultimately Russia gained all she desired, being allowed, in conjunction with Roumania, to have the free supervision of the Kilia mouth.

Cetewayo's restoration to Zululand announced (Feb. 15).

Prince Gortschakoff died (March 11).

Dynamite outrages at the Local Government Board and Times offices (Mar. 15). The murderers of Lord F. Cavendish and Mr. Burke condemned to death (April). Messrs. Davitt, Healy, and Quinn imprisoned in Dublin Gaol from Feb. 8 to June 4 for refusing to find sureties for good behaviour.

The Government introduced a Bradlaugh Relief Bill, in the shape of a bill to permit all members, if they wished to do so, to affirm (Feb. 19). The second reading was moved (April 23), and the division taken (May 3), when the Bill was lost by 292 to 289.

The Government concluded (July 10) a provisional agreement, subject to the approval of Parliament, with M. de Lesseps, conceding to him the right to make a new canal through the Isthmus of Suez, England agreeing to lend the Company, by instalments, eight millions, at 3 per cent. interest, to carry out the work. This proposal having been received with indignation throughout the country, Mr. Gladstone announced its abandonment (July 23).

The Government passed the following measures this Session :—

The Bankruptcy Act, of which Mr. Chamberlain had charge; the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act; the Tramways Act (Ireland), to promote light railways and tramways in Ireland, and assist emigration.

The annexation of New Guinea by Queensland was cancelled, Lord Derby refusing his sanction.

The Government of India undertook to pay Abdurrahman, the Ameer of Cabul, a yearly subsidy of £120,000 (July).

The Comte de Chambord (Henry V. of France) died (Aug. 24).

At the instance of Lord Dufferin, who was sent to Cairo as England's Special Commissioner, the Dual Financial Control was abolished by a decree of the Khedive (Jan.), and Mr. Edgar Vincent appointed Financial adviser to the Egyptian Government. Lord Dufferin urged upon the Egyptian Government not to attempt to extend their dominion in the Soudan beyond the White Nile (April), in consequence of the disaffection of the Soudanese and the insurrection under "the Mahdi." The Egyptian Government persisted in sending an expedition under Hicks Pasha, a British officer, to reconquer the Soudan. Hicks Pasha made frequent applications for assistance to Sir Edward Malet, the British representative at Cairo. Of these practically no notice was taken, Lord Granville's instructions being to offer no advice on the question of the Soudan. Hicks Pasha and his whole army were annihilated by the Mahdi's forces at Kashgate (Nov. 5). An insurrection having taken place under Osman Digna in the Eastern Soudan, Captain Moncreiff was sent with a force of Egyptians to suppress it, and they were cut to pieces (Nov. 6). The Egyptian garrisons of Sinkat and Tokar were besieged, and their position became very perilous. Baker Pasha with 3,000 gendarmerie, was sent by the Egyptian Government to Suakim to deliver them (Dec.)

1884.-The Ilbert Bill introduced in the Indian Council at Lord Ripon's instiga. tion, the object being to extend the power of trying Europeans to all justices of the peace in India, whether European or native (Jan.). The Bill was received with indignation by Anglo-Indian society, and the feeling became so strong that the Bill was practically abandoned. A revised Bill passed giving Europeans the right to be tried by a jury, half of whom should not be natives (Jan.)

Mr. Bradlaugh having gone through a form of taking the oath (Feb. 11), the House, by a majority of 280 to 167, refused him leave to take the oath in the usual way. Having voted in this division, his vote was disallowed by 258 to 161, and a motion to exclude him from the precincts of the House was carried by 228 to 120. A new writ was ordered for Northampton, and Mr. Bradlaugh was re-elected for the third time.

Sir Henry Brand retired from the Speakership; Mr. A. Peel elected (Feb.). Mr. Gladstone introduced a Bill to extend household suffrage to the Counties (Feb. 28); an amendment by Lord J. Manners objecting to proceeding with the Bill till the Govern ment had produced their scheme of redistribution was defeated by 340 to 210, and the Bill read a second time (April 7). On the Bill reaching the second reading in the Lords, an amendment by Lord Cairns, declining to proceed with it until the Government had produced their redistribution scheme, was carried by 205 to 146 (July 8). Mr. Gladstone announced (July 10) that there would be an autumn session, when the Franchise Bill would be reintroduced. Lord Wemyss having moved that that House should reconsider their decision, an amendment by Lord Cadogan, that at the autumn session a Redistribution Bill, as well as a Franchise Bill, should be considered, was carried by 182 to 132. The autumn session met Oct. 23, and the Government reintroduced the Franchise Bill the following day. The bill was carried on the second reading by 372 to 232, and reached the House of Lords, and was read a first time (Nov. 13). On Nov. 17, the Government announced in both Houses that on condition that the Franchise Bill should be allowed forthwith to pass, they had agreed to bring in a Redistribution Bill, which should be first submitted to the Conservative leaders for approval; the latter course having been adopted, the Redistribution Bill was brought in by Mr. Gladstone (Dec. 1), and the Franchise Bill was read a third time in the Lords, and passed (Dec. 5).

Sir William Harcourt, on behalf of the Government, introduced a London Government Bill (April 8) which met with considerable opposition and was withdrawn (June 8). Egypt. Lord Granville wrote to the Egyptian Government that the ministers who did not adopt the policy that they recommended must cease to hold their offices (Jan. 4). They further insisted on the abandonment of the Soudan. Cherif Pasha resigned (Jan. 7) and Nubar was induced to take his place and carry out the new policy dictated from London. The British Government sent out General Gordon to settle the affairs of the Soudan (Jan. 18). He reached Khartoum accompanied by Colonel Stewart (Feb. 18), being received with enthusiasm by the people.

Baker Pasha and his forces were defeated by the rebels near Tokar (Feb. 4), Sinkat surrended to the rebels (Feb. 11), Tokar surrended (Feb. 12). A British force under General Graham was landed at Suakim (Feb. 24) and defeated Osman and army at El Teb (Feb. 29), and at Tamanieb (March 13), after which the British forces were withdrawn, and the defence of Suakim mainly left to Egyptian troops.

General Gordon (Feb. 29) urgently pleaded for the assistance of 200 British troops; his wants, however, were unheeded by the Government. On April 16, he pointed out "the indelible disgrace” of abandoning the_garrisons of Senaar, Kassala, Berber, and Dongola. Mr. Gladstone announced in the House of Commons (April 22) that General Gordon was in no imminent danger. Again on April 29 he stated that there was no military danger besetting Khartoum. The Opposition moved a vote of censure on the Government for their Soudan policy, and the great danger of General Gordon's position was vigorously pointed out by Mr. Forster; the Government escaped defeat by 303 to 275 (May 13). Influenced at last by the growing uneasiness of the public they sent out in August an expedition under Lord Wolseley to bring away General Gordon and Colonel Stewart from Khartoum; no further operations to be undertaken, and the garrisons in Darfur, &c., being abandoned to their fate. Lord Wolseley reached Korti (Dec. 16).

Colonel Stewart and Mr. Power, with some troops whom General Gordon sent to recapture Berber, were massacred (Aug. 28).

The publication of the Blue Books showing that the Colonies of Angra Pequena on the West Coast of Africa and the Cameroons district were lost to the British Empire, considerably increased the unpopularity of the Government.

1885.-EGYPT.-On reaching Korti, Lord Wolseley divided his forces, and sent a column, under Sir Herbert Stewart, across the desert towards Metemneh. They won the battle of Abu Klea (Jan. 17). Sir Herbert Stewart was mortally wounded near Metemneh (Jan. 19). Sir Charles Wilson succeeded to the command, and established a camp at Gubat, whence he started with some of his troops on two of General Gordon's steamers for Khartoum, which he reached (Jan. 28), only to find that it had fallen two days previously, and that General Gordon was dead. The news reached London (Feb. 5). Parliament met (Feb. 19), Ministers being hooted on their arrival at Westminster. They announced that it was their intention to destroy the Mahdi's power at Khartoum, and that they had directed Lord Wolseley to protect the province of Dongola. Sir S. North

cote moved (Feb. 23) a Vote of Censure on the Government for their conduct of Egyptian affairs, which was lost by 302 to 288 (Feb. 27). The Government sent a force of 9,000 men, in addition to Indian troops, and à contingent from New South Wales, to Suakim, under General Graham, to break the power of Osman Digna, and to construct a railway from Suakim to Berber, for the purpose of an autumn advance on Khartoum. About £200,000 had been spent on this railway when the Government abandoned the scheme, and gave up the proposed advance on Khartoum (April 13). A garrison was left at Suakim, and the rest of the troops withdrawn. Lord Salisbury's Government, on acceding to office, decided, with Lord Wolseley, that it was impracticable to interfere with the policy that had been partly carried out. The death of the Mahdi was reported (June 29). Lord Wolseley handed over the command to Sir F. Stephenson, and returned to England (July 6).

RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.-A joint Anglo-Russian Commission had been appointed in 1884 to demarcate the frontier line of Northern Afghanistan, Sir Peter Lumsden representing England, and General Zelenoy Russia, the Ameer to send a special envoy to watch the proceedings. The Russian Commission was continually delayed, and (Feb.) a Russian army was sent towards Herat. Mr. Gladstone announced (March 14) that England had arranged with Russia that no further advance should be made either by the Russians or Afghans pending the settlement of the boundary. The Russians nevertheless attacked and defeated the Afghans, and occupied Penjdeh (March 30). Mr. Gladstone obtained from the House of Commons (April 27) a vote of credit of £6,500,000 for 66 special preparations." He declared that the Russian attack on March 30 had been unprovoked, and under those circumstances his Government could not "close the book and say they would look into it no more." Mr. Gladstone announced (May 4) that his Government had agreed with Russia to refer to the arbitration of the Sovereign of a friendly State the interpretation of the agreement of March 10, by which, he contended, Russia had not abided; the negotiations with regard to the delimitation of the frontier to be resumed forthwith, but in London.

BUDGET.-Mr. Childers made his financial statement (April 30), which showed a deficit of about four millions. Mr. Gladstone had laid before the House a vote of credit for eleven millions (April 13), consequent on the Royal Message calling out the Reserve forces, the vote of 6 millions being included in that amount. Mr. Childers had therefore to meet a want of about fifteen millions by extra taxation. He proposed to raise the income tax to 8d. in the pound, and to augment the spirit duties by 2s. a gallon, the beer duty by 1s. a barrel, and to suspend the sinking fund. An amendment of Sir M. H. Beach, condemning the proposed increase of the spirit duties in the absence of any relief of local taxation, was carried by 264 votes to 252 (June 8), and Mr. Gladstone's Ministry forthwith resigned, and the Queen sent for Lord Salisbury.

(PRIME MINISTER-THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY, C.)

Sir S. Northcote received a Peerage as Earl of Iddesleigh, with a seat in the Cabinet. A Registration Bill was passed, enabling the General Election under the new Reform Act to take place in November. The Redistribution Bill became law (June 23).

Lord Carnarvon announced that Government would not renew the Crimes Act (July 6). Mr. Bradlaugh presented himself to be sworn, and, on Sir M. H. Beach moving the usual resolution, Mr. Hopwood moved an amendment in favour of altering the law with regard to the oath, which was defeated by 263 to 219 (July 6).

Sir M. H. Beach made his Budget statement, stating that he proposed to meet Mr. Childers' deficit by the issue of Exchequer bills (July 9).

The Government passed the following measures:

Secretary for Scotland Bill, creating a Scotch Department in London.

A Bill to improve the Housing of the Working Classes.

The Criminal Law Amendment Bill, to protect defenceless girls.

The Irish Land Purchase Bill (commonly called Lord Ashbourne's Act), to provide facilities for the sale of land to occupying tenants in Ireland.

A Royal Commission to inquire into the depression of trade was appointed (July). Revolution in Eastern Roumelia. The Governor-General was placed under arrest, and alegiance was sworn to Prince Alexander of Bulgaria (Sept. 18).

The General Election resulted in the return of 251 Ministerialists, 333 Radicals, and 86 Parnellites. In the Metropolis and large English Boroughs the Ministerialist successes

were most significant, while thirteen members of Mr. Gladstone's Government of 1880-85 failed to secure election (Nov. and Dec.).

Mr. Gladstone's intention to declare for Home Rule became apparent (Dec.).

1886. The New Parliament met (Jan. 12).

Lord Carnarvon resigned the Lord Lieutenancy of Ireland (Jan. 15).

The Government resigned, being defeated on Mr. Jesse Collings' amendment to the Address, and Mr. Gladstone was sent for by the Queen.

(PRIME MINISTER-THE RIGHT HON. W. E. GLADSTONE, L.)

Socialist riots took place in London (Feb. 8).

Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Trevelyan resigned, being unable to agree with Mr. Gladstone's Irish proposals (March 27).

Mr. W. E. Forster died (April 5).

The Government were defeated on the second reading of the Home Rule Bill, after it had been debated for twelve nights, by 341 to 311 (June 7), 93 Liberals voting against it. Mr. Gladstone forthwith announced that Parliament would be dissolved, and it was prorogued (June 21).

The General Election resulted in the return of 392 Unionists (i.e., 317 Conservatives and 75 Liberal Unionists), and 278 Home Rulers (i.e., 193 Gladstonians and 85 Parnellites). Mr. Gladstone resigned, and the Queen sent for Lord Salisbury (July). After offering to support a Unionist Ministry under Lord Hartington, if one were formed, Lord Salisbury was commissioned to form a Conservative Administration.

(PRIME MINISTER-THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY, C.)

A revolution took place in Bulgaria, and Prince Alexander was made a prisoner; was subsequently released, and, a counter revolution taking place, was received with enthusiasm by the people throughout his dominions (Aug.) He thereupon telegraphed to the Czar recognising his authority, and, receiving a haughty and insulting reply, abdicated, and finally left Sofia (Sept. 7), a Provisional Government being formed.

(For further record of the Political Events of 1886, see Parliamentary Summary, &c.)

1.-BURMAH.