ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1213, 23 January 1878, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[JIT TELEGRAPH.] [i’ER PRESS AGENCY.] Auckland, January 22. The 5.9. Zealandia arrived this afternoon, with the San Francisco mail. The following are the principal items of late intelligence : The correspondent of the London “Daily News” at Plevna sends a terrible story of the state of things prevailing in and around the captured town. Before the recent great storm Plevna was simply a charnel house. In modern warfare there has been no parallel to it; famished dogs, of which there are always a large number in Turkish towns, feeding on the corpses of the dead and the ho lies of t hese still living who had been wounded. Savage hordes of the greedy brutes tore the putrid flesh of the dead, or crushed the bones between their teeth. The cries and groans of the wounded as they vainly struggled with the dogs were heard for miles around, and made the soul sick. Birds were to be seen picking at skulls, hopping from body to body, with their beaks and plumage besmeared with human blood, screaming with fiendish delight. The dogs fought among themselves, and birds struggled with birds for the possession of a morsel of human llesh. Nine hundred horses perished in the vicinity of Sistova during the storm. The total loss of draught animals numbers thousands. Details are slowly coming in concerning the sufferings of teh Turkish prisoners from Plevna on the ir way to Roumania. The prisoners were unaccompanied by any vehicle for the purpose of picking up those who fell by the wayside. Those were left by the guards to freeze, as they had no means of carrying them, and a halt would only increase the number of victims. Roumanian oncers, who came from Nicopolis to Plevna after the passage of these prisoners, say they drove against a number of dead bodies in the snow. No provision was made in the Bulgarian villages for the proper sustenance of the captives. When the Turks made their sortie they left thousandsof sick and wounded, and starving, unattended. These unfortunates remained in this state three clays. Hundreds died. Over a thousand corpses came from the hospitals daily. Undoubtedly many were not quite dead when buried. Those killed in battle were unburiod on the 17th. Turkish prisoners are encamped among them, also starving. The removal of the British fleet from Besika Bay to the Grulf of Smyrna was made necessary because of the serious risks to the ironclads and crews wintering at the unsheltered anchorage of Besika ; but on the other hand, the transfer to a point so near the Dardanelles signifies the alertness with which England intends to guard those important Straits.

The London correspondent of the “ Manchester Guardian ” telegraphs regarding the Government policy : —There is no idea of the acquisition of Egypt, which would be the abandonment of the policy of opposing the partition of Turkey. It is believedthat should Russia reject mediation, Lord Beaconslield will be prepared to appeal to the country on the question, declaring for the defence of British interests.

A Vienna special says negotiations have been proceeding for some time concerning neutralising the Danube. The Government up to a recent date intended immediately to introduce a series of resolutions. If approved, the Government mean to occupy Gallipoli, not as an act of hostility, but to obtain a vantage ground in the new peace negotiations.

The Servians captured at Pirot twentythree cannon, a thousand rifles, and fifty prisoners. A fresh Turkish levy of 300,000 has been ordered.

Sulieman Pasha’s arrival at Constantinople strengthened the war party. He counselled resistance to the last.

The patriarchs of the Greek and Roman Churches refused to read calls for troops to fho congregations unless the Christians were formed into separate battalions and allowed a Hag with a cross instead of a crescent.

Figures from official sources have been compiled, showing that Russia lias already captured in the campaign 704 cannon, 29 pashas, 73,000 officers and men as prisoners. GENERAL EUROPEAN NEWS. The Marquis of Normanby was mentioned as the next Governor-General of Canada, but the Duke of Manchester has been appointed. M. Lesseps has submitted a scheme in Paris for a canal across the Isthmus of Darien.

The Pope held a Consistory in the Vatican. Monsignors Morctte and Pellegrine were nominated as Cardinals, and some Bishops were appointed. The Pope delivered a short allocution, thanking the Cardinals for their solicitude concerning his health, and asking them to pray to God to Help the Church and preserve unimpaired (he mind of its head, whose body was ailing. A Paris correspondent telegraphs that the Cabinet have determined to prosecute SubPrefect Gailluo, of Die Department of Tarn, for insulting MacMahon, to whom lie wrote a letter of resignation, describing the President as a Marshal of France who is wanting in allegiance to his sworn faith.

Ultra-Republican papers demand the impeachment of the late Rochboult Ministry for an alleged intended coup (V ctat. Macmahon expressed to Dufaur, President of the Council, uneasiness lest the prosecution of prefects should he reciprocated. Dufaur assured him that if any prosecution resulted from inquiry, it would not be based on simple obedience to orders, but on deliberate personal excuses. Michael Davett, the Fenian who was sentenced to fifteen years, lias been released. Don Carlos has been expelled from France at the request of the Spanish Government. General Grant was feted at Malta. Strikes in England have caused great losses to employers and workmen. Qumbetta has visited Rome,

AMERICAN. Two oil trains collided on the Erie Railroad at Patterson, N. J. The oil caught fire, and ran down the bank among houses and barns, causing great destruction. The people, supposing the danger was over, approached the scene, when suddenly a tank of oil burst and scattered its blazing contents about. The people barely escaped, several being trodden under in the stampede. There has been an insurrection of a Mexican mob at Ephuso, near Galveston. The State troops exhausted their ammunition, and had to surrender to the insurgents, who deliberately shot them. Reinforcements arc on the march.

It is alleged that Sitting Bull is preparing for another war.

James S. Lewds has bequeathed a million dollars to the Government to help to pay off the national debt. His relations are contesting the will.

The American ship Nimbus foundered at Bear, at the mouth of the Columbia River. The crew were saved, but the cargo of wheat, valued at forty-two thousand dollars, was lost. There was a terrific storm on the Atlantic coast on the 30th December. The steamer Isaac Bell arrived at New York with three disabled schooners, and reports great disaster and loss of life outside.

Bonnett and Co., Broad street, New York, have failed for three hundred thousand dollars. The failure led to the stoppage of the Bankers and Brokers’ Association.

Tweed has offered to confess judgment. The loss of property on the Western rivers during the past year amounts to five millions three hundred and thirty thousand dollars.

The working men’s agitation regarding the Chinese still continues in San Francisco. Meetings are held daily, and a very high tone is used.

Pacific mining stock is fearfully depressed,

ENGLISH SHIPPING

Sailed from Gravesend for Lyttelton, November 15th, Wanganui; November 25th, Lurline ; December Hth, Loch Cree. The Wanganui arrived at Plymouth on November 18th, and was off Torbay on the 21st.

The Shipping Company will despatch for Canterbury on December 31st, the Malacca on January 15th, Waikato. Passengers for Lyttelton, by P, and O. s.s. Hindostan, from Southampton, November 15th, Messrs C. and N. and F, Clissold. THE CAPTURE OF PLEVNA. The “Chicago Times” correspondent at Bucharest telegraphs the following account of the capture of Plevna: — Fuller information of the capitulation of Osman’s army shows that it was Ghazie Osman who took the initiative of action, concealing his intention under cover of assaults on the Russian entrenchments to the northwest rear of Aporeto and Susarhu. He directed his main line of retreat straight to the west. Up to a certain point success crowned his efforts. The inner line of investment was broken through, and a strong redoubt, Olny Netropolje, fell into the hands of the Turks. It almost seemed as if a portion of the defenders of Plevna would bear down all opposition ; but the Russian Grenadier corps held the entrenchments with desperate valor until strong reinforcements, hurrying up from all directions, encircled Osman with a wall of fire. Even after this he fought on in hope probably that at least a portion of his command might escape, but every moment affairs grew worse, until there was nothing for it but unconditional surrender. When it is remembered that the garrison were almost starving, had been decimated by disease, and possessed but scanty ammunition, this supreme effort to cut through the Russian lines is universally acknowledged as a fitting crown to the heroic resistance offered by Osman and his splendid soldiers for nearly five months against forces greatly superior in number, well supplied with food and ammunition, and constantly receiving fresh battalions. A comparatively small portion of his forces was directed against (he Roumanian position at Opanie, but made very little of it. Perhaps this movement was intended as a feint, and perhaps it was meant to keep back the Roumanians from entering Plevna, while the rest of the Turkish forces were seeking to pierce the Russian left on the bank of the Yid to the north-west of Plevna. Whatever was (ho intention the Turkish soldiers sent against the Roumanians did very little, were quickly' surrounded and overpowered, and surrendered at once. Not so, however, witli the main force. Until Osman himself commanded it the troops went with a clash and succeeded in actually entering the Russian entrenchments, taking some important positions, driving two divisions of the Imperial Guard back into the second line of trenches. That w r as something gained, and had no Russian reinforcements been forthcoming, Osman might have accomplished his purpose to make his way to Widdin, but before him was a second line of entrenchments, which also he assailed, and was assailed, but all around Plevna were now movements and activity in the Russian camp. Fresh troops hurried up to the point of attack. Osman Pasha found himself assailed not only in front, but on both Hanks. Meantime the Roumanians had entered Plevna, and were preparing with artillery to attack the Ottoman troops in the rear. Some five or six hours’ hard fighting decided the business. Osman, unaware at | first probably that the troops sent against the j Roumanians had been so easily disposed of, turned to re-enter Plevna, but here lie was met by the opposing Roumanians. It wmuld have been madness to continue the struggle, and he at once surrendered.

A “ Western Union” despatch telegraph says the Russians had been warned that Osman intended attempting to concentrate his whole army at Vid. At seven in the morning Osman crossed the Vid by two bridges, and attacked tbe Russian position with such fury that lie captured eight cannon, and in a few minutes almost annihilated Sibersky’s Grenadier Regiment. The Turks then found themselves under the fire of a hundred cannon of the Russian second line, and were attacked by Grenadiers, who resolved to recapture the guns. The Turks were driven back after a fifteen minutes’ bayonet fight, but continued to fire from the shelter of the hanks of the Vid until 113.30, when the firing ceased on both sides, and a quarter of an hour afterwards Osman sent an envoy to treat for surrender. Osman’s wound in the leg was not serious. It is estimated that the siege of Plevna cost Russia over 50,000 men. WAR MEETING IN LONDON. London, December 31. A great anti-Russian meeting composed largely of working-men was held on Saturday in Trafalgar square. This was a pretext for

a pro-Russian gathering in another part of the sume place. Each of the crowds possessed all the elements of a mob, and the display of three Turkish flags in the first assemblage precipitated an attack by the second. More than 6000 people were present. The confusion was so great that at the Turkish meeting the speakers were not heard. The Russian flag suddenly appeared in the crowd, and a free fight, lasting an hour and five minutes, ensued, led by a sooty-faced man. who howled like the Bashi-Bazouks. The Anglo-Turks charged en masse upon the Russian party. The standard-bearer was taken and soundly thrashed, and the Muscovite (lag was destroyed. The forces of the horny-handed friends of the Czar rallied, and carried by assault, the position held by the Turkish colour bearers. Reserves pressed so closely upon the assaulting party that retreat was impossible, a serious business for the men in front. The Turkish standards were totally destroyed, and the victors glared for a few moments at the seething crowd before them, apparently anxious to know if there were any of the obnoxious flags near. The wounded were not butchered. They were only jumped upon playfully, and kicked about the face and head. The assembly soon became so overwhelmingly Turkish that the Russophils were compelled to withdraw. The police interfered three hours after the meeting was first organised, and two arrests were made. Nobody of any prominence was present. The meeting was of no political significance. Alarming statements arc current that English intervention will bo followed by sending a German fleet to Constantinople and Germrn troops to the Dardanelles, A St. Petersburg paper says that English encouragement to Turkey by convening Parliament early will compel Russia to hurry on to Constantinople, precipitating what it was intended to prevent.

Other clubs propose threatening demonstrations in favor of war.

The Paris “Le Temps,” alluding to a report that active intercourse was going on between Paris and London with a view to the establishment of an understanding on the Eastern Question, says it is perfectly certain that the French Government does not intend departing from its attitude of reserve to play an active part in Eastern affairs.

There is great distress amongst the poor in Constantinople in consequence of a rise in the price of provisions. Dilliculties are feared if bread should rise higher. A heavy snowstorm in Bulgaria and Roumania. Many wounded perished. The Czar received at St. Petersburg the wildest demonstrations. Gay vast crowds lined the roads all day, and there were long illuminations.

The Porte’s circular requesting the mediation of Europe said the new constitution guaranteed better Government than Autonomous States, which could only produce disintegration of the Empire. All the Powers declined to mediate on the impossible terms suggested. The Porte then withdrew the circular, and asked unconditionally for English mediation, which Russia declined. A Russian official despatch of December 13th reports that Sulieman with sixty battalions attacked t lie Grand Duke Yladiraar along the whole line, directing his principal efforts against the centre. Sulieman reporting tlie engagement says three thousand Russians were killed.

The Sultan, in a speech from the throne at the opening of Parliament, said Russia commenced the war, compelling Turkey to defend herself from aggression. Now Mussulmans had shown a commendable desire to assist in the defence of a constitution which guaranteed them perfect equality, and was the only safeguard of the country. The member for Northamptonshire telegraphs that the Government invited contracts in Northampton for a supply of three hundred thousand pairs of boots, the largest order since the Crimean war. The fall of Plevna caused a considerable rise in Russian stocks in London. EUROPEAN SUMMARY FROM DECEMBER 13th TO 31st. There was a stormy sitting in the Prussian Diet. Bismarck was assailed by a majority of the House on a motion to surrender the Guelph Fund, the jprivate property of (lie resigned House of Hanover, seized by the Prussian Government-in 1866.

An attempt was made to get the Pope to sit upright, but lie had to be allowed to lie down again. Russian journals contradict the statement that Germany is exerting her influence to secure an armistice.

The “ Golos” claims the complete autonomy of Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, and also demands that a portion of Armenia, including Kars, Batoum, and Ardahan be ceded to Russia; also the opening of the Durdanells exclusively for Russian war vessels. The Moscow “Demagogue” declares that the army has no enthusiasm in the present war.

The Pope has sent an autograph letter to the Queen thanking her for the freedom allowed in establishing a Roman Catholic Hierarchy in Scotland. Yon Moltke says the Russian conquests in Armenia will endanger British interests. Hen wood, the naval architect, who sued Childers, late first Lord of (he Admiralty for libel, in an allegation that the plans of the ship Captain were defective, was nonsuited. The P. & 0. Company’s annual report showed that in twelve months the steamers travelled 1,700,000 miles, and carried freight worth £3,000,000, and 17,000 passengers. Sir Julius Vogel in the “ Nineteenth Century ” advocates cheap telegraphic rates to the colonies.

General Bissett, C.B. will probably succeed Arthur Cm nvnhame at the Cape. At a general meeting of the New Zealand Mangarese Company the report showed a profit of £946 for the past year. A great split is feared amongst Ibe freemasons in consequence of the Grand Orient of Franco having excluded belief in tbe Ditty. Germany refuses to recognise the Jews, The British Parliamentary measures include a local government extension scheme in England, and higher education in Ireland. The Worcester and Cardiff Theatres have been burnt. The third, volume of Theodore Martin’s Life of the Prince Consort has excited a sensation, by containing strongly unfavourable opinions of Russia. Obituary of the Month—General Anderson, C. 8., lion, T. Filzwaiter Butler, Sir 11. Doskyns, Bart., Dowager Lady Greaves, General Lord Henry Percy, K.C.8., the Marchioness of Northampton, Admiral 11. Bagot, Lady Goniui, Lad}' Catherine Harcourt, H. Smirke, R.A., F.R.S., Admiral J. V. Fletcher, the lion. A. H. Falconer.

The “ Daily Telegraph” advocates] British occupation of Gallipoli and Batoum.

An Ottoman Defence Loan, of five millions, has been started. A growing section of the Liberal members of Parliament advocate the restoration of the Greek Empire, with Byzantium as a its head quarters, and the expulsion of the Turks from tturope with an Asiatic capital at Bagdad. At a demonstration at Manchester on Indian affairs, Mr Bright made a strong speech against the Indian Government. The Shah of Persia proposes to visit the Paris Exhibition,

Captain McMeckan is greatly benefitted from electric galvanism. It is rumored that Messrs Anderson, Anderson and Co. have bought four of the Pacific mail steamers for £270,000. Severe hurricanes have visited the British coast,,and twenty-live vessels went ashore near Margate. The jetty was washed away. 1 lie Colonial Bank of New Zealand offers for subscription £126,000 of the Otago Harbor Board 6 per cent loan. The directors of the New Zealand Land and Agency Co. have re-issued a prospectus. They offer 50,000 shares, of which 40,000 have been applied for ; 10,000 are for in the colony.

Mr Foster draws attention to the last San I'rancisco mail being five days under time. Viscount Hinton, heir to Earl Poulett, is playing in a London theatre under the name of Cosman.

The Chinese troops are succeeding in Kashgar. They fortified two strong positions. The inhabitants lied in terror.

Lord Derby in a speech said—“ We have spoken in as strong terms ns diplomatic aisage permits of the necessity of not allowing Constantinople to pass into other hands than those that now hold it. Upon that point I can only refer you to the language we heard at the beginning of the war, from which we do not intend to depart in the slightest degree.” Lord Derby’s second point was that —“Although we need nob yet talk of intervention, still should it come to that we must not rely upon Austria.” One of the deputation had said that Austria was ready to do something, provided England encouraged her. The reply was explicit—“ I think I can lay claim for myself that I have missed no opportunity of knowing what are the ideas and feelings of the Austrian Government, and content myself witli expressing my dissent from this opinion.” The estimates for the next year have been submitted to the Federal Council of Germany. They exceed those of last year by 1,000,000 marks. The Government proposes an increase for the navy of 3,500,000 murks in the ordinary department, and 6,000,000 marks in the extrordinary department. A “ Daily News” despatch from Aldershot says the Ninth Regiment is ordered to be in readiness for immediate embarkation for Cape To wn.

At a conference of cotton operatives and employers it was determined to postpone the proposed reduction until the assertion of the operatives can be investigated that the employers’ committee are acting against the views of the majority of the individual ememployers. American despatches state that great excitement prevails at San Ebizario and in Elpaso country in consequence of the killing of four of a mob who recently killed Judge Howard and forced the surrender of the Texas Rangers. By a fire in Central City, Colorado, four persons were burnt. There is strong suspicion of incendiarism.

Troops are arriving at Rio Grande to en'orco order on the frontier.

Mr .Horace Davie, Congressman, is in San Francisco collecting material to show the evil of Chinese immigration. lie lias written to London and Australia for full information relative to the recent enactments bj Queensland and other Australian colonies.

Six teachers, three ladies, and three gentlemen have left New York engaged by the authorities at Honduras as instructors, as two national colleges will be established there. The testimony of Cornelius Yonderbilt, junr., on cross-examination has been a remarkable confession by a spendthrift, his expedients to raise money by worthless cheques, and other improper means. Instead of proving the commodore’s insanity it shows that the lat ter had abundant reasons not to leave any considerable part of his fortune to one so unworthy. The Mormons have selected 300 young elders to go on missions to California, Oregon, and all the Eastern States, instructed to preach their law defining the doctrine of polygamy throughout the land. The Endowment House is again open for polygamous marriages.

George Bigelow, a prominent Boston lawyer, [has been arrested for the embezzlement of 40,000 dollars, but was released on bail.

Holmes Gordon, of San Jose, walked 100 dies without resting.

Grave charges have been made against the New York police. The Commissioners have been dismissed.

The weight of testimony proves that the New York catastrophe was caused by uo explosion, but by the giving’, way of heavily laden doors and the overturning of kerosene lamps. Extensive harbor improvements are being carried on at San Francisco.

A double tragedy occurred at Farmville, Virginia. Colonel Barkley, an eminent lawyer, was shot at his own door by Captain Kennedy, who then shot himself; cause unknown.

Courtenay challenges any oarsman in the United Slates and Canada, the race to be rowed before the Trickett match in July. Two Mexicans, recently convicted at Backcreville as robbers and murderers, were taken from gaol by the leading citizens and hanged. GREAT FIRE AND EXPLOSION IN NEW YORK. [j'ltOM OUIt OWN COSItEPOKDKNT.] New York, December 20. An explosion immediately followed by fire occurred at an immense candy manufactory of Greenfield and Son, 63 Barclay street, which extends in the shape of an L to College place. The boiler, which was under the sidewalk of Barclay street hurst, tearing away the fiout and scattering the wreck in oil directions. A large number of girls of all :igca were employed at the time in the buildings. The walls fell in a few minutes after the explosion. Fifty-six wounded and dead were reported at Chamber street hospital at 6.55 It is est imated that tbe number of wounded is hunt r d and twenty-five. About thirty csenjolbytho college place entrance, and a small number gut out through the skylights of other buildings. Several persons jumped

from the second storey, and escaped with slight injury. The parties employed in the factory were principally young girls and boys I from eight to twenty years of age. Owing to the approach of the holidays a double force was employed. The number in the building at the time of the disaster was variously estimated at from 100 to 300. The flames spread so rapidly that it is feared many not injured by the explosion were burned to death. The greatest sacrifice of life was among young girls, many of whom were from eight to fifteen years of age..’ At the lowest calculation there must be forty or fifty bodies in the ruins. Some of the girls had their hair burned totally off their heads. The fire was one of the quickest ever seen. In less than three minutes the flames had as ascended completely to the roof. Stadtmillck said ho believed there were nearly 200 persons employed in the building at the time, tie is posit, vo (hat not more than six girls and a dozen men came out alive through the Barclay street entrance. The boiler had been in use for five years, and it is said Greenfield had been several times warned that it was unsafe. The “Tribune” says twenty-nine injured are in the hospital and twenty-one are missing. Philip Ilerlzhack, engineer in the factory, has not been seen since the explosion. His wife says that on his return from work on Monday he told her one of the tubes of the boiler of some pipe connected with engine had burst. Yesterday morning when he left home he told her he never expected to see her again. Two men who rescued two girls say they had been told by the workman in the starch-room on the second floor that the fire was caused by the upsetting of a kero sine lamp in the room. Boiler-Inspector Hortor, of the .Sanitary Squad, has reported to Superintendent Walling that he has succeeded in finding the steam boilers. They were intact, and everything connected with the steam apparatus in good order The Inspector said one of the copper tanks, filled with material for making candy, must have exploded, breaking the kcrosine lamps, with which the building was lighted, scattering the burning fluid in every direction. Total loss is 428,000 dollars ; insurance, 335,000 dollars. To-day the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends of the wounded and missing have besieged the porters’ rooms of the New York Hospital making enquiries for those whom they sought, and pleading for admission. Three of the number have been enveloped almost from head to foot in bandages, and two had their huir burned so close to the scalp that with their swollen and blackened features they resembled negroes. Henry Ward Beecher will be sued for one hundred thousand dollars for the non-fulfil-ment of a contract to write a “Life of Christ” in two volumes.

Strikes in England and Scotland during the past year have caused great losses. Amougst the shipbuilders on the Clyde the loss in wages was 1,500,000 dollars. The money paid by the Union in support of the men on strike was 780,000 dollars ; total, 2,340,000 dollars. In Fife the loss in "wages was 350,000 dollars ; at Bolton, in Lancashire, 12,000 persons are out of employment; at Manchester a protracted strike cost the workmen 150,000 dollars, and tlie employers ten times that amount. At Newcastle on Tyne a thousand miners are out of employment. The stonemasons of London are out on strike for an advance of wages. They have been receiving ninepence an hour. They now ask tenpence. A few of the masters are paying advanced rate, but (lie majority, including all the largo contrmtors, re us -to yi -ld. The masters are importing won-men from Germany, Italy, Belgium, United States. The ms sons themselves have been tireless in efforts to prevent this. They sent an agent to Germany and Belgium to counteract the movement.