TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 821, 11 January 1878, Page 3

TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

(By Cable.) (Erom our Dunedin Exchanges.) London, December 31. A Russian semi-official note states that the British Government have intimated to the Russian Government that in the event \ji. CCTualii iuiftiug, xirttit/iitvi feeling may force England to defend her British interests in the East. It is officially stated that Russia is now willing to consider direct Turkish proposals for peace.

Mukhtar Pasha has been recalled to Stamboul. Ac attack by torpedo vessels on the Turkish fleet at Batoum failed. The Turkish commander defending Nissa has made proposals to surrender. ■The Channel fleet and the ships under repair have been put in commission, and all ordered to be ready for sea by the ICth instant.

Count Andrassy, according to the Government organ at Pesth, states that Austria was forced temporarily to join tho triple alliance, but will support England the moment she decides upon a resolute policy. January 1.

Russia has refused Lord Ldftus’s proposed mediation. If Turkey desires an armistice, she must apply direct to the Russian Com-mander-in-Chief. Gouiko’s vanguard has occupied the Balkan Passes between Tchankauuk and Sophia.

It 'is reported at Bucharest that the Turks have abandoned and burned Sophia. Midhat Pasha has left Rome for London. The Czarewitch remains in Bulgaria with Todloben, as chief of his staff. The Servians have advanced on Pristina.

Numerous meetings have been held in England regarding Earl Beacor.sli eld’s supposed war policy. The anti-war feeling predominates. ■The following message from Reuter confirms the A'rgus special :—“ The Russian Government replying to the intimation from England that the Porte was prepared for peace negotiations, declares that if the Porte desires an armistice it will-be necessary to treat direct with the Russian Commander- in-Chief. January 3. Earl Carnarvon, in addressing a deputation of Cape colonists, said that England was unprepared to bolster up Turkish interests, purely as such. England had not offered mediation as w-as supposed, hut had made actual overtures for peace. The Turks hold Sophia.

The Russians have advanced between the Tkhman defile and Sophia, thus cutting off the Turkish retreat to Adriauople. The Turks propose an armistice on the basis [of each party retaining whatever territory has been gained.

January 5. A severe engagement has taken place at Teteveu (23 miles south-west of Lovatz). The Russian loss was "CO, and the Turks retreated' With a loss of 'GOO, Baker Pasha covering the retreat. Erzcrcuni is completely' invested. The ivussie.ns will not bombard the town, owing to the majority of its inhabitants being Christians, hut will reduce it by'famine. Austiia declines to support the action of England.

There is great agitation throughout England against going to war, and numerous ex Parliamentary speeches have been made.

It is stated that the Cabinet is divided—that the Premier, the Hon. Cathome Hardy, and Lord Cairns form the war section, and that Lord Salisbury, Earl Carnarvon, MiCross, and Lord Derby are against it, while the other members are doubtful.

Frequent meetings have been held throughout England In favour cl the maintenance of British neutrality. Gonrko is successfully advancing on Sophia, and the Tinks are falling back on Ichtitimau. January G. Before replying tc the Sultan, the British Government will endeavor to ascertain the conditions on which Russia is willing to conclude peace. The Standard states that the British Government will nCt tolerate the complete overthrow of Turkey, nor allow a separate treaty of peace between Turkey and Russia.