TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 823, 25 January 1878, Page 2

TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

(By Cable.) (From our Dunedin Exchanges.) London, January 14. Constantinople telegrams state that thero is great excitement in the Levant. The Mahommedan population of Constantinople manifest great irritation against England. The Russians have completely invested Erzeroiim. January 15th. The Grand Duke Nicholas has notified that he is ready to receive Turkish delecates to arrange an armistice, but professes ignorance of peace conditions as a whole. Server Mainyek, invested with full powers to treat for an armistice, has left Constantinople for Kezanlik. The British troops homeward hound by the Jumna and outward hound hy the Euphrates have been detained at Malta. January 16th. The Tanjnre left Galle on the 12th. The Siam arrived from Australia on the 15th. Advices from Constantinople state that a groat battle was fought on the 14th near Phillipopolis. and that fighting recommenced on the following morning. Thn inhabitants have been ordered to leave that city, and also Tchipian. Austria and England have informed Russia and Turkey that, whilst admitting an armistice, they refuse to recognise aaoparato treaty for peace without their assent. Frequent meetings continue to be held in London in favor of neutrality. January 18th. Lord Bcaconsfield in a recent speech said that if British interests were threatened England would not hesitate to defend them. Lord Salisbury declaimed against war until the Russians approach the localities defined as affecting British interests. Ee denied that differences exist in the Cabinet between himself and Sir Stafford Northcoto, and said that the British Government intended taking no action at present whilu th»y were ignorant of the Russian proposals for peace. This is approved by the Gladstone party. January 10th. The Russian loss in capturing the Chipka Pass amounted to 5464 men. The Russian forces have occupied Phillipopolia and are marching on Adrianoplo. The suspension of hostilities throughout Bulgaria has been agreed to. The Turks appointed two Cnvoj v s, who met Nicholas at Kezanlik, to arrange an armistice. Ho said he could not treat until the evacuation of Adrianoplo, which tho envoys ordered. Tho Turks offered to evacuate Widdin, and also Erzeroura, where provisions are short. Eski Jumna and Osman Bazar are evacuated, and in the hands of the Russians. It is stated that Sulieman was defeated near Philipopolis, and his array is trying to gain Salonica. Baker surrendered with 13,000. Tho Turkish licet bombarded Eupatoria. January 17th. The British Parliament was opened to-dav bv Royal Commission. The Queen's speech alluded to the proposals for mediation, and the subsequent appeal to the British Government, which agreed to enquire of tho Emperor of Russia if ho was prepared to entertain proposals for peace. Through the offices of England, it is trusted that this will lead to a pacific solution. Hitherto neither of tho belligerents had infringed the conditions of British neutrality, and while that was respected, tho Sieutral attitude of England would remain unchanged, but if hostilities were prolonged some unexpected occurrence may oblige England to adopt measures of precaution. As these would require adequate preparation, it was trusted to the liberality of Parliament to supply tho necessary means. January 18th. The House of Lords agreed without a division to the address in reply to the Queen’s speech. In the House of Commons the debate on the address was adjourned, the Irish members demanding that the subject of Home Rule should be taken into consideration.