SPECIAL EUROPEAN TELEGRAMS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1087, 22 December 1877, Page 3

SPECIAL EUROPEAN TELEGRAMS.

o The following telegrams, regarding the war and general affairs, were transmitted by the London correspondent of the “Melbourne Argus ” prior to the 7th instant, and, with a few possible exceptions, have not previous to the arrival of the Ringarooma been published in New Zealand : THE CAMPAIGN IN BULGARIA. London, November 14. The Turks are extending their batteries at the Schipka Pass. General Zimmerman’s advanced guard is near Silistria, and skirmishes have taken place between the outposts. November 26. Etropol was captured on Saturday, 24th, the Russian garrison retreating in disorder. Rahova was stormed by the Roumanians on Wednesday, 21st, after three days’ fighting. The residents joyfully welcomed the victors. The Turks were pursued in the direction of Widdin. A series of assaults took place last week by the Turks on the Russian line at Pyrgos, to prevent a detachment of troops from proceeding to assist at the siege of Plevna and to oppose Mehemet All’s succouring army. Severe fighting has taken place on the Lower Lorn. Pyrgos was stormed by the Turks after an obstinate resistance. Stores were burnt and magazines exploded. The Turks then retired, and matters have since been quiet. The Roumanians arc advancing towards Widdin. They have captured Orcibar and Palanka, Orchanie is seriously menaced by the recent Russian successes on the Sophia road, and its evacuation is reported. Reouf Pasha has been appointed to the command of the reserve army of Adrianople. Renewed fighting has taken place on the Lower Lorn, and in an obstinate attack on Monday the Turks were repulsed after six hours’ conflict, near Metchka, with great loss. The Grand Duke Vladimir, who commanded, has been decorated. November 29. During the fighting at Rasova the Turks made a sortie, and claim to have captured three redoubts and three cannon. THE DEFENCE OF CONSTANTINOPLE. London, November 26. _ One hundred and fifty thousand civic guards, Mussulman and Christian, have been enrolled for the defence of Constantinople. INVESTMENT OP ERZEROUM. London, November 26. Erzeroum is invested by the Russians, and the authorities have retired to Erzingan. The Russians have intercepted communications with Trebizonde. A summons to surrender Erzeroum has been refused by Ahmed Mukhtar Pasha. THE PALL OF KARS. London, November 19. After twelve hours’ fighting on Saturday night (November 17th), the city of Kars, with nine forts, the citadel, and redoubts, was captured by the Russians, with 300 cannon, stores, ammunition, flags and cash. The Turkish loss was 500 killed and wounded and 10,000 prisoner’s. The Russian loss numbered 2700. Finding further resistance useless, on Sunday morning, 18th, forty battalions lied to*

wards Erzeroum, but were pursued by the Russian dragoons, and brought back. All peaceful citizens were spared. Loris Melikoff directed the assault, and the Grand Duke Michael was present. The Russian attacking force numbered 15,000 men. November 21. At a council of war held at Kars, General Philippoff advocated a march of the army westward to Scutari. General Loris Melikoff started on Monday (19th) to take command of the forces round Erzeroum, BRITISH INTERESTS. London, November 21. The outcry has been revived that British interests are endangered by the Russian successes in Asia. PUBLIC KEELING AT STAMBOUL. London, November 14. There is great excitement at Stamboul, and an outbreak of popular anger is feared against the supposed authors of the military disasters. THE HEALTH OP THE POPE. London, November 14. Cardinals Simeoni and Paeca henceforth transact business and sign for the Pope. November 26. The Pope has suspended all audiences. The Cardinals are discussing a Regency. THE CRISIS IN FRANCE. Paris, November 14. The French Assembly has carried a resolution to prevent business being obstructed. The penalties are loss of pay, expulsion, and imprisonment. November 17. Twenty-seven members of the Right and Centre of the Senate having informed the Marshal-President MacMahon that they could not support the Ministry and would refuse to dissolve again, the Ministry resigned. November 26. A vote of want of confidence in the new French Ministry was carried on Saturday, the 24th, by 323 against 208. The passing of the Budget is resisted. MR GLADSTONE. London, November 14. Mr Gladstone has been elected Lord Rector of the Glasgow University. RUSSIAN CONSTITUTIONAL PLANS. London, November 21. Prince Gortschakoff has laid before the Emperor formal proposals for the introduction of a constitution for the Turkish provinces, on the regime of the Russian aristocratic pattern, with a Diet elected by classes. GALES AND SHIPWRECKS. London, November 26. Further gales have taken place, and numerous shipwrecks are reported. The American steamer Huron has been lost at North Carolina, with 100 lives. A RUSSIAN LOAN. London, November 26. The Russian loan is a partial failure. £5,000,000 only has been subscribed in France, Holland, and Germany. THE TURKISH MINISTRY. London, November 29. There is a serious dissension in the Turkish Ministry, and Mahmoud is expected to retire. THE CORN MARKET. London, November 17. The corn market has declined Is to Is 6d per quarter. Home deliveries are moderate. Foreign arrivals are very large. There is no Adelaide wheat on the market. New Zealand wheat is selling at 38s to 555, according to quality.