BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 854, 30 August 1878, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

—o—(By Cable.) (Prom our Dunedin Exchanges.) London, August 20. There is great depression at Vienna in consequence of the difficulties encountered by the Austrian troops in their advance into Bosnia ; and there is immense excitement at Pesth at the losses sustained by the Hungarian troops. In reply to the statement of the Porte that she is unable to stop the insurgents, Austria has announced that further bloodshed would lead to the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by right of conquest. The great Powers have addressed a simultaneous remonstrance to the Porto in consequence of hor refusal to cede Crete to Greece.

The Russian papers urge that neutral troops should occupy Thessaly. H M. S. Emerald has sailed from Plymouth to Australia. St. Petersburg!!, August 19. A brother of Count Sehouvaloff succeeds Prince Mezontzow as chief of the police. London, August 20.

Mr Foster, the Sydney Agent-General, was not present at the’ former interview with the Government re Mail Service. He, accompanied by Sir Julius Vogel, has now seen Sir M. Hick-Beach, who appeared favourably disposed. He stated the matter was undecided, and he thought the late intimation should be reconsidered.

Tho wool sales open this afternoon. The number of bales in time for sale amounts to 312,383, of which 15,000 were despatched to Yorkshire and the Continent. First day’s catalogue comprised 7349 bales, of which a largo proportion was Queensland wool. The attendance of Homo and Foreign buyers was large. Prices show a slight advance. Bidding commenced with great spirit. August 21. Captain Sir George Nares has been appointed to the command of tho discovery ship Alert. Her operations this time will be in the South Pacific. The Austrians have gained further successes in Bosnia, and have occupied another town.

Constantinople, August 21. It is seini-offieially stated that a despatch has been addressed to Muslims Pasha, commanding Batnum, to refuse to surrender the fortresses there to the Russians. The German, British, and French ambassadors at Constantinople, in decisive language, have urged the Porte to an unreserved execution of the terms of the Berlin Treaty. London, August 22. Tho Home Secretary at Liverpool said after the hopeful forecast of the solution of the Fasteru difficulties, it was tho duty of the Government to reduce tho expenditure to a groat extent. St. Petersburg n, August 22. Russian troops will occupy Batoum on 27 th of August. Sydney, August 23. In reply to a deputation tho Colonial Secretary said the Government were indisposed to take action for the restraint of Chinese immigration to the Colony, as being hound by the policy' of Great Britain. When the influx of Chinese assumed perilous proportions the Government would be prepared to act. London, August 21. Tho British Government have resolved to prevent a Russian alliance with the Affghans, even at the cost of seizing Kandahar, and possibly 7 Herat, for stratagetic purposes. The British Government will unofficially 7 support exploring for railway routes in Asia Minor, but declines to make any 7 guarantee therefor. «

The large Republican majority in the elections for the French Councils-General assures a Republican victory at the senatorial elections. Kew OniE.vjfs, August 23. Yellow fever is raging throughout all Louisiana. Viejtxa, August 23. The announcement of a convention between Austria and Turkey was premature. The Austrian Press advocates the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. CossTAXTixorLE, August 23 The Russians attacked Mussulman insurgents in the Rhodhope mountains. The result was indecisive. The Austrians have now 18.000 troops in Bosnia, and ara making demonstrations against Scrvia and Montenegro. It is officially announced that 7,000,000 people have died from famine in China.

The Russian advance in the direction of Afghanistan has boon stopped, owing to the British protests and the serious disastors that have been experienced l*y the loft column of the expeditionary force. London", August 2-J.

The Morning Post urges the Government to annex Herat and Kandahar, in Afghanistan, should, tire Ameer of that country refuse to receive the mission sent by the Indian Government to Cabul.

A Turkish army corps has been sent to the Montenegrin frontier. Owing to the Turks refusing to evacuate Podgoritra in conformity with the Berlin Treaty, the Montenegrins are besieging it. The Consuls of the Great Powers at Constantinople are trying to arrange matters. It is rumoured on the Stock Exchange today|that the Karl of Dafforin is to he British Commissioner in Asia Minor. It is persistently reported that Marshal MacMahon resigns the. Presidency in the autumn. Tiio strength of the Austrian forces in the province of Bosnia is ISO, 000 and not 18,0(10, as previously telegraphed. Their present loss is 1300 men. Some heavy failures are announced, including Jas. Virtue and Co., Balder, Dester, and Co., and Tinsley Bros., all in the publishing trade.

The wool sales arn progressing favorably, prices bring well sustained at opening rates. In tbo home trade there is fair competition. Foreign buyers are operating cautiously.