ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1092, 29 December 1877, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

«■ Auckland, December 28. The City of New York, with the English mails, floated the health officer’s Hag on entering the harbor this afternoon, and for some time she was not communicated with. It was ascertained subsequently that the surmise that there was disease on board was incorrect, all being well. The New Zealand passengers are—Messrs Thomas Gardner, J. C. Campbell and wife, Mrs L. and Mrs M. Goffe, H. M. Baker, F. A. Barker, J. L. Chaplin, H. J. Case, Morris, Sears, C. Bundall, C. G. Hawdon, Stephen Nassit, and fifteen in steerage. The Wanaka leaves Auckland at 4 p.m. today with the Southern portion of the mail. She goes by Napier and the East Coast. Jumauu, the chief stronghold of Jowakah, in India, has been taken by the British. The loss was trifling. The expedition was an uninterrupted success. The steamer Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia to Liverpool, came into collision off Skerries Island with the British ship Oasis, The Oasis sunk, but the crew wore saved. The works at the new docks, Liverpool, have been damaged by the gales ; 2700 men have been thrown out of work for three weeks.

The King of Abyssinia has written to Gordon, accepting terms of peace offered by Egypt. A Pole has been arrested on suspicion of being about to assassinate Emperor William and Bismarck. He was recognised as a forger whom the police tracked from West Prussia. When arrested he voluntarily stated that he came to assassinate the Emperor and Bismarck, but when recognised, be confessed that the jirst statement was untrue.

Large Russian subsidies have arrived, and Servia prosecutes the war. The “Pall Mall Gazette” asserts that Germany is urging Belgium to accept a German protectorate and make her military system conform to that of Germany. She will guarantee her independence in all other respects and territorial compensation. Germany argues that in the event of another Franco-German war a military convention with Belgium would render Germany unassailable.

General Skobeloff was slightly wounded at the capture of the Rosalie Pass. He retains command.

Kars capitulated. 15,000 Russians climbed the steep rocks and rampart walls, and stormed an equal number of desperately fighting Turks. A headlong flight took place over ditches and parapets. The principal attack was made on the southern forts. General Lazareff commanded the right wing, md assaulted Hafez Pasha, the fort crowning a steep rocky height. General Count Grabbe

attacked Hafez Pasha on the centre. The left wing assaulted Port Ingles. The attack began on the centre on Saturday evening. Count Grabbe led the brigade against the Khan lie redoubt himself, and was killed at the first onset. The redoubt surrendered early in the morning. The three towers almost simultaneously maintained a stubborn resistance until the night, when all the garrison which could escape (led towards Erzeroum, but subsequently the}' were overtaken by the dragoons and Cossacks, and made prisoners. The Russian official losses were 2500. The excitement at Stamboul caused the summoning of the reserves, and the servants of the palace were armed with revolvers. There is a threatened rising in Crete. An official telegram from Mukhtar Pasha admits that the Russians compelled him to retreat from Deveboyun. He says some of the officers, who were panic stricken and abandoned several guns, will be court-raar-tialled. His dispatch concludes —“ We are now occupying the fortifications of Erzeroum, preparing means of defence.” Telegraphing a day later from Erzeroum, Mukhtar Pasha says—“ At four o’clock the Russians attacked our fortified positions at Azique. Our troops, fighting with great valor, repulsed them, and pursued them four or five miles from Erzeroum. The Russians were totally defeated ; the trenches were filled with their dead.

Early advices received from Constantinople show that before this success the situation at Erzeroum was very critical. The inhabitants demanded that the authorities should capitulate.

Detailed reports of the battle near Erzeroum show that the fighting lasted eleven hours. Two Russian columns attacked the redoubts south-east of Erzeroum, and one column succeeded in occupying a blockhouse, but was dislodged. The other column, perceiving the enormous loss of the former, retreated. The Turks pursued them as far as Deveboyun. They were driven back from there, and when the Turks rallied and drove the Russians back again to Deveboyun, The Russians lost a large quantity of arms and ammunition, but only a few prisoners. A Russian official despatch states Q-eneral Heymann advanced against Erzeroum on Thursday night, but his columns lost their way in the darkness. Three Russian battalions captured fortified positions at Azazi, and although obliged to withdraw before superior force carried off 550 prisoners. The Russians lost 320 killed and 600 wounded. At Plevna General Skobeloff has established himself in his newly captured position. A final Turkish attack was repulsed by the fire of seventy cannon. The Turks ’ost heavily. The fight in which General Skobeloff was wounded by a shell was from the rifle pits in front of the position that would turn all intervening works to Radicnevo, Intchenitza, and Gravitza. A correspondent at Constantinople telegraphs the following :—“ At the Council over which Sulieman presided the general feeling, expressed by no one more strongly than Sulieman, was in favor of an effort to put an end to the war in which enough had been done on both sides for glory, and which if continued must inflict lasting misery upon the two empires.” It was felt that sufficient reliance cannot be placed upon the declarations of Russia, and that, even while seeking to obtain an honorable peace, preparations for prolonged resistance must be vigorously carried on. Subject to this determination to prosecute the war if an honorable peace cannot be maintained, it was resolved that the time for endeavoring to end the war had arrived. The Grand Tizier informed the British Ambassador of the decision of the Council in the hope of England’s aid putting a stop to the war.

The Russian military railway from Bender to Galatz is completed. A Pera correspondent telegraphs that there is much anxiety there about a possible combined movement of Servians, Montenegrins, and Greeks. A rising is apprehended in Epirus, Thessaly, and Albania. The Greeks sent a strong note to the Porte concerning their grievances. The Porte replied. It is inclined to meet the danger half-way by sending both the Servian and Greek representatives their passports, as the note is evidently intended, to provoke an angry reply which could be used as a pretext for a rupture at a favorable opportunity. The situation is altogether very critical. An unofficial report states that the Montenegrins stormed the citadel of Spitza. This gives the Montenegrins possession of the coast from the Austrian frontier. The Turks still hold the citadel of Anflvari.

A Vienna correspondent says the Montenegrins are kept in chock by two Turkish ships in the roadstead.

The Turks violated the Austrian frontier, sacked several houses, and stole cattle. The Chicago “ Times ” special says that the terms of peace between Russia and Turkey arc the subject of much discussion, and that the attitude which Q-ermany will assume causes much anxiety. It is thought that Russia is willing to grant acceptable terms, but it is feared that Q-ermany may urge Russia to demand terms of which England would not permit the acceptance. The impression among financial men is that the settlement is full of danger for Europe. England is more alarmed at Qermany than at Russia, not knowing where to secure allies in case of a rupture with the former. In the Qreek Chamber of Deputies there was a motion for consular reports relative to outrages committed by Turkish troops in provinces bordering on Greece, and the measures taken by the Porte to prevent such crimes. Minister Tricoupis opposed the motion, and declared that the Government would do its clear duty by producing the documents at the proper time, but not now. A Vienna special says that so far from being weaker, the Csarwitch’s army now consists of eight infantry and four cavalry divisions, numbering from 80,000 to 90,000 men. Though it must cover the line from the Danube to the vicinity of Tirnova, it would not be easy for the Turks to make much impression, since the Russians by forced marches can concentrate their four divisions at any given point in a single day. Wounded Montenegrins report that on Sunday night a division moving towards Scutari found Turkish forces entrenched near Asnamalite behind three lines of breastworks extending from the hills to Bozana. An assault w r as made by 600 volunteers, who carried the first two lines ; but on attacking the third, they found themselves opposed to a much superior force. The Turks were beaten back, with a loss of between twenty and thirty killed and 100 wounded, when the attack was abandoned. This affair shows that t he statement that the right bank of the river is entirely in possession of the Montenegrins is unfounded. The locality of battle is about half way between Antivari and Scutari.

m he Turkish Ambassador at Yienna sounded Count Andrassy on the subject of mediation. The Count said mediation was inopportune, and would be disadvantageous to Turks. A London despatch states that it is said that the recent successes of Russia in Asia, and the probability that they will soon achieve a decisive victory at Plevna, have brought the Government to that state of anxiety into which they were thrown by the first raid across the Balkans.

Papers which support the Premier’s foreign policy arc daily and vehemently demanding the active int ervention of England. It is stated that the Premier informed the Russian Minister that if Adrianople were taken and Constantinople jeopardised, there may be such an outcry in England as may make war on their part inevitable. Information of this declaration was sent to the Russian headquarters, and made a strong impression there. A further ground for such apprehension is that within the last few hours orders have been issued for the immediate preparation of an army corps. General Melikoff, when summoning Mukhtar Pasha to evacuate Erzeroum, informed him of the capture of Kars, and that, if he resisted, he would be attacked by 80,000 men, with an overwhelming artillery force. Mukhtar Pasha replied ho would hold Erzeroum to the last.

A Roumanian official dispatch announces that the Roumanians captured Rohova after three days’ engagement. The Turks (led towards Lompka and Widdin, with the Roumanians in pursuit. Simultaneous with the capture of Rahova, the Roumanian division crossed the Danube opposite that town. There was heavy lighting on the Lorn,

The Turkish official dispatch claims that a strong Turkish force, when making a reconnaisance, carried the Russian position on Mochka heights at Prygos and near Javanchiftlich, destroying at the first-named place twenty casemates filled with ammunition and provisions. The Russian loss was 1400 men. A Russian attack at Kadiko was repulsed. A Russian official dispatch claims that the Turks, after a stubborn engagement, lasting from nine o’clock in the morning until six in the evening, were everywhere repulsed, but admits that the Russian outposts were temporarily driven in. Both accouhts agree that the Turks, after severe fighting, temporarily occupied and burned Prygos. The Russians state that so far fifty of their wounded were brought in. Sulieman Pasha has arrived at Rusfcchuk. London, November 28.

Mukhtar Pasha telegraphs from Erzeroum that the Russian Bagazid column is encamped between Edidckan and Karakillisa.

Everything indicates that the Russians are preparing to suspend operations, and to go into winter quarters. Snow had fallen on the mountains to a depth of three feet. Lieutenant Bullis, with a small party of scouts, crossed the Rio Grande near the mouth of the Pecos river, and was attacked by 500 Indians and compelled to retreat. His loss not stated. Colonel Young left Eort Clarke with 200 cavalry to reinforce Bullis.

A survivor from the wreck of the Huron gives the following account of the wreck : The Huron was heading her course S.S.E., the wind blowing strong from S.S.E., under after sail to steady her, and steaming along. At 1.40 the vessel struck, when all hands rushed on deck. Captain Byan and officers acted promptly, and the crew responded to all orders with alacrity. The surf was terrific. Shortly after the vessel struck a boat was lowered, but was immediately swamped. The vessel slewed broadside to the sea, which made a clear breach over her, sweeping everything from the decks, carrying the boats from their davits. Many seamen and officers were washed overboard. Several were killed by pieces of wreck. The vessel broke up fast. The surf became more and more furious, making it beyond human efforts to hold on. Signals of distress were made, but no response was received. No one knew where they were. All who did get ashore were washed there by the surf. The cause of the wreck is attributed to local attraction of the compass, and a strong current setting on the shore, which made the vessel go further south than the course indicated.

The number of American troops in Western Texas is so small that the Indians rob and plunder with impunity. Near Stockton the Indians captured a coach, killing the driver. It is reported Sitting Bull and his chiefs will return from Canadian territory.

The President, in his speech, stated that turmoil and violence had now disappeared in the South, and that the troops would now be withdrawn. He invited Congress to consider the question of protecting Samoan independence. A thousand Chinese are wanted for the sugar plantations in Peru. Working men in San Francisco are agitating against the further introduction of Chinese. There are said to bo thirty thousand Chinese laborers in San Francisco.

A fire in Chicago caused a loss equal to a million dollars. Two men were killed and several were injured.

There are fears of Indian trouble in Utah

Mr J. Case is a passenger by the City of New York, to arrange a match between Trickett and Courtney for £IOOO a side. He goes to Lyttelton first. The silver ball inserted in the Pope’s leg has relieved his pain.

The Servians assisted 8000 Russians in an attack on the Turks.

Mehemet reports a success, driving the Russians on Tirnova with a loss of 3000, The German Press considers that the three Emperors should determine the peace proposals. The cotton operatives have struck. A general strike is threatened if the proposed reductions are enforced. The Barnsley weavers have resolved that it is better to strike than allow the masters to glut the market by reduced wages. A reduction of hours is suggested as a remedy for the troubles. A London special from Rome says that the Pope received the French pilgrims. He spoke a few words wit h great difficulty. His feebleness of voice and sufferings made a melancholy impression. Mr Foster, Agent-General of New South Wales, has written to the “Times” acknowledging the efforts of the American postal department to facilitate the delivery of the San Francisco mail.

The London correspondent telegraphs to Edinburgh that the peace party in the Cabinet is stronger.

It is rumored that Earl Beaconsfield has informed the Russian Ambassador that jeopardising Constantinople might occasion such m outcry in England as would force the nation to declare war.

The American war ship Huron went ashore in a fog shortly after leaving Fort Monroe.

Shortly after the vessel struct a boat was lowered and immediately swamped. The vessel slewed broadside to the sea which made a clean breach, sweeping everything. Many seamen and officers were washed overboard and several were killed by pieces of wreck. The vessel broke up fast, the surf being furious beyond human efforts to hold on. Signals of distress were unheeded; bodies drifted ashore mutilated.

The Mexican troops co-operate with the Americans in suppressing the border expeditions.

In the engagement in Cuba between 400 insurgents and 300 Spanish regulars, the Spaniards suppressed an outbreak with the loss of twenty-two killed and fifty-three wounded. The insurgents were repulsed. Heavy floods in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, have done immense destruction to property. A railroad bridge was swept away, and travelling stopped. The rebellion in San Domingo is suppressed by severe imprisonment, executions, and banishment. COMMERCIAL. San Francisco.

Hops dull. Broom 50 cents higher. Wool in fair demand Australian imports are made at a loss. Wheat is firm at 2dol. 30 cents. Earley Idol. 60 cents to Idol. 75 cents. New York.

Wheat, Idol. 45 cents to Idol. 55 cents. Sperm, Idol. 7 cents; bleached, Idol. 35 cents ; whale, 50 cents to 60 cents j bleached, 63 cents to 72 cents.