NEWS BY THE MAIL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1070, 1 December 1877, Page 3

NEWS BY THE MAIL.

[By Telegraph.]

SUMMARY OE WAR NEWS. Auckland, November 30. The following is a summary of the eventß at the seat of war for the last month : A Russian official despatch announces that on October 9th a Turkish steamer crossed a line of torpedoes laid on the previous night at the mouth of the Danube. An explosion followed and the steamer sank, a Russian c utter hauling down her flag. The Russians are making great preparation for the winter campaign in Bulgaria. Immense stores have been accumulated at Sistova and along the railroad. The mud is frightful. The military railroad from Tratest to Simnitza is progressing rapidly. St. Petersburg advices state that 103 battalions of troops of the Line are being formed. Sixty thousand Imperial Q-uards reached Bulgaria fit for service, replacing a similar number of Russians killed or placed hors de combat. The Turks have 200,000 men in Bulgaria, equal to the Russian force, excluding the Dobrudsoha army of 30,000. English surgeons in Armenia declare that Ismail Pasha and other commanders refuse to assent to capital operations on wounded men in all cases, the plea being that it is better the men should die than live to become pensioners on the State. A similar policy is pursued in Bulgaria. In consequence, the mortality in the Turkish hospitals is fearful. The Moslems conceal the facts.

A Vienna despatch of October 24th states that Russia has ordered the mobilization of all Cossacks not on active service, amounting to ninety-one regiments. On October 18th, a fight for the possession of the second G-ravitza redoubt took place. A Russian report says that the Roumanians were repulsed in the first attack before the main redoubt. On the second attack three of the foremost battalions leaped the trenches, but were unable to carry the works. They remained one hour in the trenches, and then withdrew, with the loss of two officer and 200 men killed, and twenty officers and 700 men wounded.

The bombardment of Plevna continues, and regular siege operations have commenced. The Czarewitch retains command of the left wing of the Russian army in Bulgaria, the Imperial Guard being detailed to support Prince Charles before Plevna.

On October 24th, owing to improved weather, the Czarewitch pushed along the line of the Lom, feeling Sulieman's position. A reconnaissance in force was made on October 25th. Some heavy fighting occurred at Rustchuk and Kossara, the Russians retiring without coming to a general engagement. Prince Sergius of Leuchtensburg, nephew and aide-de-camp of the Czar, was killed in the reconnaissance. Sulieman's defence is chiefly at Rasgrad and Rustchuk. He is strongly posted between these points to keep open communication with Rustchuk, which otherwise would fail to obtain supplies. The Russian reconnaissance of October 25th is described by Sulieman Pasha in a despatch to Constantinople. Twelve battalions, with cavalry and artillery, attacked the works at Rustchuk. A Turkish eortie compelled the Russians to retire on their works at Pyrgos, with a loss of 450 killed and

wounded. Four Russian divisions attacked the Turkish line on the Lorn, near Kossemra on the right to Saleuk on [the left, and were repulsed with a loss of 800 and some prisoners. The Turks lost 160 killed and sixty wounded. A Russian official dispatch of 25th October reports a desperate engagement between Gourka's cavalry command and a detachment of Imperial Guards with the Turks on the previous day. The battle lasted ten hours, and was a complete victory for the Russians. Strong positions of the Turks between Gurnji, Dubriek, and Telercha were captured. Gourka then posted himself on the Sophia road, constructing additional entrenchments. Achmet Pasha and the chief of the staff, 3000 infantry, an entire regiment of cavalry, four cannon, and a quantity of ammunition and rifles were captured. Chefket Pasha admits that Gourka established himself at Dunbrack. cutting the telegraph lines, but claims that the attack on Teliech was repulsed. Telercha is situated west of Plevna, near the junction of the roads to Sofia and Nissa, on the Servian frontier. Gourka thus cuts off communication with Plevna on the south and west, Prince Charles completely shutting Osman in on the Qther side. J A depatch from tha head-quarters of Prince Charles gives the Turkish loss in the J battle of Gunji Dubrack, on the 24th Oct., as 4QQO killed, besides wounded and prisoners. A special despatch from Bagot, eight miles south of Plevna, stateß that an attack on Teliecha, simultaneous with the capture of Dubrack, was repulsed, with a loss of 1000 men. The Imperial Guard were engaged at Telechia for the first time. The casualties among officers have been unprecedented. Every brigade or regiment has had officers killed or wounded. 2500 officers of the first families in Russia have been put hors de Qomhat. Bagot is the Grand Duke Nicholas's headquarters. The Czar arrived there on the 27th October. The Guard behaved with great gallantry. The Russian loss at Danube was 3000 on October 28th. Teleichia is surrounded by one cavalry and two infantry brigades of the Imperial Guards, and one brigade of Cossacks. lb was bombarded two hours with seventy-two guns. The number killed and wounded was small. The Turks surrendered one Pasha, several officers, seven companies of infantry, and three cannon. The Russians occupied the post. The Roumanian divisional commander who f ailed, at the second Gravitza redoubt has been suspended. A Russian official despatch dated Bagot, November 2nd, says :—" General Kanzeff announces the capture of Dacteheidn, northeast of Orchanie, which included seven large and thirty small fortified positions. The Turks left upwards of 100 dead upon the field. Our loss was insignificant. Seized a large quantity of provisions, lor entrenchments, cartridges, and herd of cattle. Yesterday the Grand Duke Nicholas inspected the positions occupied at Gorny Dutrick,from which the Turks on the approach of the Russians on the 31st ultimo withdrew during the night to Plevna. Thus this important point has passed into our hands without fighting. The same day we advanced from Dubrido,two versts to Plevna. We are entrenching in a new positioa towards Orchanie. Our infantry occupied Lukanitzai and the cavalry pxade a further advance.

Chefkefc Pasha is returning without fighting towards Orchanie.

Mehemet Ali is at Salonica route to his new command of Herzegovina. The head-quarters are at Novi Bazar, the southern angle of Bosnia, whence operations may be commenced against Servia and Montenegro. Novi Bazar is two days' march from the terminus of the Salonica railroad.

The Prince of Montenegro is in the field, and the bombardment of Pakovitza is to be commenced immediately. A Ragusa dispatch of November 3rd states that an attack upon Sannzand and Kiobuik by the Montenegrins is imminent. Militia from Constantinople have been sent; to reinforce Mehemet Ali. It is officially announced that 12,000 men will be immediately called out on active service. The majority belong to the reserve of draft levies. 233,000 registered members of the reserve, and 8000 regular troops —all that were left in Constantinople—have been ordered to the front.

The Russians have concentrated a considerable force at Hain Boghas Pass. The passes of the Balkans will soon be all commanded by Russians. Silistria is threatened with investment. It is strongly fortified and fully armed ; com manded by Selim Pasha, a very able general. Prince Hassan, with an Egyptian and Turkish contingent, has been detailed to oppose G-eneral Zimmerman. In consequence of the violation by the Circassians of the Timok frontier of Servia, the Servian brigade left Q-radista for Saitschai. The official return of the Government gives the killed, wounded, and missing on the Russian side, from commencement of hostilities to 27th October, as 60,942 ; losses during week preceding 25th October, not including 1 jsses at Dubrick, 1852.

Heavy fighting in Armenia, which was begun prior to the departure of last mail, continued. A correspondent at Russian head-quarters at Karajal, on October 15th, gives details of a battle at Aladjad, fought on the same day. General Tahraff was previously despatched with twenty-seven infantry battalions, and forty guns, from Karajal to Mukhtar Pasha's position, behind Alajadu to Alivias Hill. Taharoffarajine turned Mukhtar's flank on 14th October. On the morning of the 15th he telegraphed from Bajadajik for assistance; Mukhtar Pasha before him with a superior force. The Grand Duke Nicholas ordered an attack onMukhtar's position in front. After a heavy cannonade the Russians left wing, with the Aladjad batteries, made a serious assault on Alivia's hill and redoubt. At noon the Caucasian Grenadiers, commanded by G-eneral Tierman, carried the field and redoubts by storm, capturing three Kvupp guns. The Edinkey regiments stormed Alajadagh, capturing the Turkish camp. The Turks retired in great disorder in three directions. The Turkish army was utterly destroyed as a fighting body. Mukhtar reported that the attack was made on four 6ides of his position, and admits he allowed himself to be surrounded. Mukhtar Pasha had 40,000 men engaged, fourteen battalions having been drawn from the garrison at Kars. The Ottoman field army lost a third of its strength in killed and wounded in the battle of the 15th. A few battalions are still available to cover Erzeroum and join the Kurds. Ismael Pasha's corps and troops from Pernek, learning of Mukhtar's defeat, hastily retreated. Avoiding General Labroff and outstripping General Fergukassoff in speed, they succeeded in joining Mukhtar at Koprikoi on October 27th. Mukhtar took up his post at Zenikoi, west of Loghanludghaft. After leaving Kars he again retreated on Koprikoi before the Russian advance, shirking high ground somewhat afterwards as the Russians advanced. On October 19th, the Russians attacked Fort Ahinz before Kars, and were repulsed. Kars was completely invested on October 31st. Mukhtar and Ismael Pasha retired to a strong position near Hassan Kaleh. Generals Haymann and Terguksoff effected a junction in front of the Turkish position.

A correspondent who was an eye witness telegraphs as follows from Erzeroum:—As the Turks were evacuating Hassan Kaleh on Tuesday night the Russians surprised their rear guard, taking two battalions prisoners. The Russian loss was The Turks now occupy a formidable position at Develiozum, the last defensive position east of Erzeroum. Twenty battalions of Turks are there posted. There'has been a running fight since the the defeat at Alajadagh. Russian corps is from Ardahan advancing by way of Olti to turn Erzeroum, while Mukhtar and Ismael are at bay at Beobozum, in front of the city of Viginkoi. November 2.

After an almost unresisted occupation of Koprikoi, on the 21st October, Ismael Pasha's guard hastily retreated to Hassan Kaleh. The Russian cavalry continued in pursuit two hours after midnight, and attacked the enemy's bivouac. After a short skirmish they entered the bivouac, cut down a hundred men and compelled the others to take flight. The pursuit was continued for six versts, when it was discontinued because of the extreme fatigue of both men and horses. At 5 o'clock in the morning our cavalry occupied Hassan Kaleh. In the meantime other cavalry arrived near Krondjuk, eighteen versts from Erzeroum. Generals Heymann and Tegukassoff's columns are concentrated near Deva Boyoum, where the enemy are encamped. Ebzeboum, November 6. A severe attack was made to-day on the Turkish position. There was fighting on the ■whole line. After a ten hours' engagement the Turkish centre was driven back, and the Turks compelled to fall back. Mukhtar was slightly wounded. The Russian forces from Ardahan entered into the Western Euphrates Valley, endangering the Turkish line of communication between Batoum and Erzeroum and Frabigona. Constantinople, November 6. Mukhtar Pasha telegraphs from Erzeroum on Monday :-" We had an engagement at Deve Boyoum, after which we returned here." London, November 7. A special, dated Constantinople, Tuesday, announced that after some resistance to the Russian advance, Mukhtar Pasha, finding his position in Deve Boyoum seriously compromised, abandoned it. He is falling back on Erzeroum and Trebizond. The Russians occupied Erzeroum. A special dated Erzeroum, Tuesday, noon, contains the following :—" Mukhtar Pasha desires to stand a siogo, but the inhabitants object, fearing the bombardment. Everybody is leaving for Bay Burt. Monday's fig lit resulted in a general rout." Constantinople, November 6. Many prominent dignitaries have been ar : rested by order of the Grand Vizier. It is said that a conspiracy on the part of the party of the old Sultan Murad has been discovered,

A correspondent with Mukhtar Pasha's head-quarters writes that the Turkish retreat upon Kars was the wildest rout. He states that the condition of Kars is almost hopeless. It has few provisions, contains 4000 sick and wounded men, and absolutely no firewood.

A correspondent at the Russian headquarters on November 4th telegraphs that General Stapmann is within cannon shot of Mukhtar's position. A dispatch dated Constantinople, November 4th, states that the Russian march by Olti upon Erzeroutn was impeded by snow storms. The Sultan, according to a Constantinople dispatch, November 4th, is likely to change the Ministry. It is thought Hadyh and Savket Pashas will form a peace Ministry. The Roumanians are grumbling at the losses in the war. There is no army reserve, nearly all the officers are killed, and the army is disorganised. After the engagement on the 19t.1i at the second frontage redoubt, the Roumanians threatened to mutiny if led again to certain death. The Roumanian Chambers are to be convened at the latest possible date, and prorogued immediately. Thus Roumania is in for war to the end. GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. A Lima despatch says that the British ship Westfield had put back on account of a mutiny, in which one man was killed. Cleopatra's needle, abandoned at sea in a gale on October 14th, was picked up and towed into Ferrol, Spain, where it was impounded for salvage. A difficulty between Japan, England, and Russia has arisen about Corea. Russia offers to sustain Japan conditional upon certain concessions.

The Japan insurrection is quelled. Sagio and other rebel chiefs are dead. Sagio was was G-eneralissimo of the Imperial forces. He quelled the rebel Daimos when Shogunite was suppressed. The Chinese authorities haye officially taken possession of the railway between Wosung and Shanghai, and have stopped all traffic. The Governor of Cape Colony was at King Williamstown at the time of the outbreak. Everything is quiet in Transvaal and the Free States.

Sir Charles Budbolt, baronet, died at Capetown on Sept. 28th, and was buried with military honors. Count Enterbeg, Prussian Minister of Justice, has resigned.

The Dutch Ministry has been defeated on the Budget, the cause being the Acheen war. A new Government has been formed. Serious riots have occurred at Sarator, in Polish-Russia. One hundred and thirty persons were killed. The Spanish Government are negotiating with bankers for a loan of 300,000,000 pesartos. The army estimates show a reduction cf 3,000,000 pesartos. It is reported that a large private Bank in Vienna has failed. Liabilities 1,500,000.

The loss by failure of the Bank of Stettin amounts to over 13,000,000 marks. The "Times" Paris correspondent slates that the formation of a new Ministry is impossible. The Deßroglie Government must meet the Chambers. The Senate will refuse a confidence vote. The Cabinet must resign after the first debate in either Chamber. McMahon is determined not to take a Cabinet from the Left. Adherence to thi9 course necessitates his resignation. A destructive gale at Buatalan, Bay of Honduras, lasted twenty-four hours, doing great damage. Advices from St. Domingo state that Puerito Plata is occupied by the revolutionists, who are besieging the fort. All the province is in revolt.

The American barque Hettie J. Hall was seized at New York, charged with carrying Coolies from India to South America in 1876.

Chuttonville, New York, is devastated by small pox. Twenty deaths occurred in a few days. Travellers are prohibited from entering the place. The highways are blocked. It is reported that Jay G-ould and Sidney Dillon have perfected arrangements for a railroad from New York to San Francisco, under one management. Enough money has been subscribed to remove an Egyptian obelisk from Alexandria to New York.

The steamer Constitution, scuttled in San Francisco when burning, has been removed to a dry dock for repairs.

Fifteen thousand cigarmakers are on strike in New York.

40,000 people attended the centennial anniversary of the surrender of General Burgoyne and the British army to the rebel General Gates. Spread-Eaglism, as usual, on revolutionary themes was indulged in. Numerous bank failures, frauds, fires, murders, and suicides are reported from all parts of the country. Edwin Adams, actor, known in Australia, is dead. Yellow fever in Fernando continues. 800 persons are daily fed by public charity. John Welch, a Philiadelphia merchant, is the new Minister to England. Congress met for a special session on the 15th October. A Bill was introduced providing for the ooinage of silver dollars of 4-12?,- grains standard fineness, as provided in Act of January 18th, 1837, and makes this dollar a legal tendert a its full value for all debts, public and private, except where otherwise provided by contract —the most important measure that the Congress has passed tor many years. All legal tender issue and very large portion of interest-bearing bonds will be payable in silver. The Bill is certain to pass the Senate, and become law. Wood's museum, Chicago, has been burned. An incendiary fire at Frederick Town, New Brunswick, October 23rd, caused 300,000d01. damages. A second incendiary fire, 30th October, destroyed the exhibition building at Frederick Town.

Large failures in the wool trade are reported. Cause, over protection. The Blackfeet Indians have ceded SCOOO squares miles of country to the Canada rahVay. Tidal waves occurred on October 23rd on the coast of California.

Labor demagogues have been arrested in San Francisco for incendiary speeches and threats to murder. The feeling against hhe Chinese and' monopolies is intense. Society on tho Pacific Slope is on the brink of a social volcano. A commotion has been caused amongst the Society of Jesuits, the General of the Ord?r having, by the Pope's command, expelld Father Civrei, who, as a sacred writer an! orator, is considered one of the brightest ornaments of the order and of the Catholic Church. His offence was maintaining thit Papal infallibility is not necessary to tie well-being of the Church. He maintained the position in the (Ecumenical Council - Father Civrei intends publishing an account of the differences between the Vatican since 1871.

The United States Commission to the Sioux Indians in Canada failed. Sitting Bull was with difficulty persuaded to meet the American Commissioners. He suspected treachery, and accused the Canadian officers of a design to surrender him. He declared he would not believe anything the Americans said. The Americans could not fight. They lied and cheated, but were women in battle. At the interview General Ferry and the commander offered to provide food and a suitable location for Sitting Bull and his people, on the condition ol their surrendering their arms and living quietly on their reservations, and that no cognizance would be taken of past offences. Sitting Bull required the Commissioners to sit in full view of armed Indians. The Canadian G-overnment informed Sitting Bull that, should he cross the boundary on the war path, British troops would follow and attack him.

General Grant received great honors in Paris.

An attempt to create disturbances in Spain resulted in the arrest of twelve Republicans, and the seizure of several compromising papers.

The Vatican Council is discussing the propriety of abolishing the right of veto on the election of the Pope, claimed by Austria, France, and Spain. It is estimated that the famine has cost the Indian Government fifteen millions. There has been a fearful hurricane on the Island of Curacoa. The loss of property is estimated at two million dollars, and there was great loss of life. In the city of Curacoa many solid structures were crushed by the waves, burying hundreds in the ruins. King John, of Abyssinia, defeated the rebel chieftains incited by the Egyptians, and killed seventeen thousand. He has invaded the Egyptian territory with an army of a hundred and twenty thousand. General Gordon has been sent by the Khedive to negotiate.

A gigantic land fraud in Texas has been discovered. Its ramifications extended throughout the country. The members of the gang include lawyers, bankers, I clergymen, and high officials. Thirty have been arrested. Twenty court-houses in various parts of Texas were burned to destroy proof of the forgeries. The frauds cover a period of fifteen years, and are said to affect the title to an immense area of territory. A fire took place at Portland, New York, a suburb of St. John's, on the 20th October, caused a loss of 300,000 dollars. There was a grand naval review and sham battle at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, on October 2nd.

Admiral de Horsey's fleet is at Havannah. A despatch dated October 30th states that a Spanish column killed amongst others the President of the Cuban Republican Chambers and the insurgent Secretary of War. A Bill restricting Chinese immigration iB before Congress. Stevens's battery, Jersey City, has been sold to a foreign government. The original cost was six million dollars.

COMMERCIAL. Philadelphia.

Wool firm, and the supply very light, and prices show an upward tendency. Californian fine and medium, 25c. to 30c.; coarse, 22c. to 26c. ; hides, 22c. to 22|c. New Yoke, November 4.

The wool market remains dull and unsatisfactory. Few manufacturers presented themselves during'the week, but their action indicates a desire to purchase only for immediate requirements. Bids were extremely low. Choice grades of spring and fall California were a light supply, but inferior qualities are ample to meet the present limited call. Fleeces are off quotation, being 44 and 47 cents for average cross and doable cross. Ohio foreign clothing continues neglected, and the same may be said of carpet stock. Sales for the week are 20,0001bs Australian at 44c, 10,0001bs Mexican at 15c, 102.0001bs spring California at 21c and 25c, 45,0001bs fall do at 16c and 22c.

November 5.

The merchandise markets show no improvement. Flour is steady and moderately active. Wheat is active, at 1 and, 1|- cents higher for spring and winter. Pork is quiet at 14dols 25c. Groceries are quiet and unchanged. Hides are dull and firm. Petroleum is dull; lower. Spirits and turpentine are steady. San Feancisco, November 7.

Flour—Superfins, sdols. and sdols. 50c; shipping extras, cargo lots, 6dols. 50c. and 7dols. The wheat market had not wakened from its dull and inactive state at the close of the week. Sales of milling have been effected at 2dols. 25c. to 2dols. 30c; shipping, 2dols. 20c. and 2dols. 25c. Barley, no change; market, quiet, but steady ; feed, Idol. 65c and Idol. 72ic; brewing, Idol. 75c. and Idol. 80c. Oats —feed, Idol. 50c. and Idol. 95c; milling, Idol. 95c. and 2dols. 15c. London, November 6. Consols, 96§ ; 4£ per cent do, 1051. Liverpool. Wheat average, 12s 7d to 12s lid. ENQ-LISH SHIPPING-. Sailed—From Gravesend for Canterbury, September 22nd, Lapi and Opawa; October 17th, Hereford. Passengers by Opawa: Messrs Turpike (2), Eobinson and Bosomworth, Messrs Craft, W. H. Whitaker, H. Newbold, H. W. C. Karslake, J. Gell, Alex. Eoss, S. McCarthy, and 260 immigrants. Arrived off Scilly—October 3rd, Margaret Galbraith; off Plymouth, October sth, Piako.