TELEGRAPHIC.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 193, 22 March 1878, Page 5

TELEGRAPHIC.

«•> (Reuters Special.) London, March 15. The Chancellor of the Exchequer in replying, to a question put to him said that the negotiations for a European Congress were being continued. The British Government required, before agreeing to enter the Conference, that all the peace negotiations should be submitted to the consideration of the Congress. He added that the decision of the majority of the Great Powers taking part in it Avould not necessarily be considered binding. England would maintain her own views. March 16. Doubts exist as to whether the Congress will now meet at all. March 17. Warlike preparations in England continue. The situation is considered to be I menacing. The British ironclad squadron at Gallipoli has been reinforced. March 18. In the House of Commons to-day, Sir , Stafford Northcote in replying to a ques- : tion. said he thought the Government were ■ quite justified in their vigilance in retain- •' ing the Mediterranean fleet in the vicinity i of Constantinople. ... y r > . •■' March 19. At a meeting of the Colonial Liistitute

Sir J. Vogei read a paper on " New Zealand and the South Seas in relation to the Empire." The principal speakers, were Sir James Fergusson, Mr Correns, and Mr Casey. In a faction riot at Toronto 150 persons were injured. St. Petersburg, March 13. It is semi-officially stated here that Russia refuses to accept the demands of England regarding the treaty of peace with Turkey being submitted to the consideration of the proposed Congress. March 18. The ratification of the treaty of peace has been exchanged between Russia and Turkey. Athens, March 15. The official journal announces that Russia has refused to accept the proposal to admit Greece to the Conference. Constantinople, March 17. The Russians have occupied a plateau commanding the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus. The Russian troops near Bulair have also been reinforced. March 18. The Russians have arrived at Bojukdere, on the shore of the Bosphorus. Great excitement is manifested in consequence. March 19. Reinforcements of 25,000 Russian troops from Tirnova have arrived at Ichalaldchi. Vienna, March 18. It is reported here that serious negotiations are proceeding between the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the British Ambassador at this city, respecting an alliance between Austria and England. (Argus Special.) London, undated. A disastrous fire has occurred at Dunville's Distillery, Belfast. The loss is estimated at LBO,OOO. Great distress exists at Shumla, where there are large numbers of fugitives. It is reported that Russia has assented to the admission of Greece to the Congress at Berlin. The "Victorian crisis has been mentioned iri both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and papers promised on Tuesday. Lord Carnai*von and Sir Michael Hicks-Reach replied to questions on the subject — the for-mer stating that he hoped Governor Bowen would conform to the law in its widest sense, and regard Imperial not less than local obligations. London, March 14 to 16. Sir Stafford Northcote says that England will not enter the Congress until the full terms of ' the treaty of peace are made known. The London Press strongly condemns the revolutionary excesses of the Berry Ministry. The Governor's attitude is not approved of, and the prompt intervention of the Colonial Office is suggested. The victualling shed at Woolwich collapsed, burying 170 of the workmen. Numbers of the men received dangerous injuries, but no deaths have yet resulted. The San Francisco mail that left Aucklann on Feb. 5 has been delivered. The Cape 4-| per cent, loan of a million was subscribed three times over, at an average of 99£.