LATE CABLE NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2016, 10 August 1880, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By TBAsaRAPH,] [Per s.a. Rotorua at Bluff.] LONDON, July 26. The Sultan hss greatly increased the strength of the Turkish forces in Albania, with the avowed object of overcoming the resistance of the inhabitants to the fulfilment of the stipulations of the T/eat.y of Berlin. The number of the troops is now 30,000 men, and grave doubts are entertained as to the bona fidis of the Porte in making so unusual an augmentation of the Turkish forces. In anticipation of hostilities with Turkey, the Greek Government are endeavoring to negotiate a loan on the London Exchange for the expenses of the war. The difficulties raised in reference to the ratification of the G.eek frontier remain unsettled. In answer to the mobilisation of the Greek army, the Turks have already increased their forces on the frontier and in the army corps up to the full strength. It hiS been reported that Mormon missionaries hav ■ been laboring for some time past in many German towns, and have secured large numbers of converts. Complaints havrg appeared in the press, the attention of the Government was attracted to the movement, and, in accordance with instructions from the Berlin au hori ies, the Mormon propagandists have been expelled frem Germany and the emigration of their converts strictly prohibited. July 27. Hostilities have recommenced between Montenegro and Albania. No engagement has taken place between the regular troops, but bands of armed Montenegrins have made raiding incursions into Albanio; several villages have been sacked, and bloodshed has taken place. A number of persons implicated in the Nihilist outrages in Russia having taken refuge in Boumania, the Russian Government have addressed a demand to Prince Charles for the surrender of the fugitives. Having consulted with his Ministers, Prince Churl s has returned a firm bat conciliatory reply, refusing to surrender any fugitives who have sought shelter in his territory who are charged with crimes of a political character only. July 28. Satisfactory accounts are received respecting the harvest prospects in Ireland. In the agricultural districts in the South and West the crops give promise of a splendid yield. The distress, which was so widespread among the peasantry, is gradually subsiding, and the demands for relief can be readily met from the funds administered by the central committees in Bub in. The agrarian agitation is still rife in the western counties of Ireland, and resistance to evictions for non-payment of rest in generaL This attitude has been encouraged by the speeches of the mrre extreme Home Rulers, and, in anticipation of Mr Gladstone’s Irish Tenants Compensation Bill becoming law, landlords, in many instances, are desirous of securing possession of their lands in order to avoid having to pay tenants compensation, should the measure pass both Houses of Parliament. July 29. The measures taken by the Cope Government to suppress disaffection among the Basu'os have been attended with success. The natives were in rebellion owing to the determination to enforce the disarmament of the native population. Troops were despatched to the country aud conciliatory measures adopted with the chiefs. The disturbances are subsiding and will be overcome, it is believed, without having recourse to extrema measures. The race for the Goodwood Cup, two miles and a half, was run to-day. The following was the result :—Mr C. Perkin’s c f Dresden China, 4 yrs, by Highborn—Pontuose, 1; Lord Brad ord’s b h Chippendale, 4 yte, by Rococo—Adversity, 2. Her Majesty the Queen some days ago addretsed a private communication to the Sultan urging him, in the interest of his own Empire and the general peace of Europe, to accede to the proposals of tbe Great Powers by the execution of the unfulfilled provisions of the Treaty of Berlin. The Sultan has addressed a reply to her Majesty, acknowledging in cordial terms the receipt of her note, and promising to use his influence to give effect to the wishes therein contained. J uly 30.

The remonstrances made to the Porte, concerning the non-fulfilment of the undertaking of the cession of territory to Montenegro, are likely to lead to a satisfactory settlement upon the basis of the proposals laid down by the Great Powers. The Sultan has expressed his desire to comply with the demands put forward. The preparations by the Powers for a naval demonstration to be held for the purpose of impressing upon the Porte the desirability of arriving at a settlement of the Montenegrin difficulty are developing. The French Government, however, are vacillating, and exhibiting a disposition to withdraw from the contemplated movement. July 31. Dr. Tanner, member of the medical profession in New Voik, who has undertaken the experiment of fasting forty days, continues to abstain from food of any description. His abstinence has now extended over a period of thirty four days, and all precaution* against deception are taken. Though weakened and emaciated, he persists in his purpose, but doubts are entertained of his surviving the ordeal. August Mr Lrpld. Griffin, political agent at Cabul, has hid an interview with Abdul Rahman, the new Ameer, and consulted with him concerning the future government of the country. Abdul Rahman ■ xpreaaed himself as desirous of meeting, cs far as lay in his power, the views of the British authorities and his demeanour throughout was of a very friendly character. The result of the interview is regarded as highly satisfactory. July 27. It is announced that naval demonstrations by the fleets of the European Powers will be made simultaneously off Antivari and Salonica. The Afghans generally welcome Abdul Rahman as Ameer. Lord Listowel and the Eirl of Zetland have resigned the appointments of Lorda-in-Waiticg to the Que-n, in consequence of their disagreeing with the Irish Bill adopted by the Government. A Royal Commission, with the Earl of Derby as president, has been appointed to inquire into the management of city companies. The Jockey Club has decided, after investiganion, that the Duke of Westminster’s Bend Or, (he winner of the Derby of 1880, was not changed as a yearling with Tadcaster as alleged, and has overruled the objection raised. Much excitement has been caused at Wimbledon by charges of collusion between the markers and those engaged in firing in the match. An official inquiry has been instituted. July 28. The death is announced of Vice-Admiral Rowley Lambert, 0.8., who was formerly commodote on the Australian station. The number of Russians entering the Bulgarian service is increasing greatly. July 30The Earl of Granville, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has confirmed the report that Her Majesty bad written to the Sultan of Turkey, urging him to yield to the wishes of the Great Powers and give effect to the decisions of the Berlin Conference. July 31. The Chinese Plenipotentiary has arrived at St. Petersburg to re-open the fluid j a Treaty. August 2. The Powers are still divided as to the best means of insuring the carrying out of the terms of the Berlin Conference in regard to the rectification of the Greek frontier. THE AFGHAN WAS. [Special to Melbourne “Age.”] LONDON, July 28. The startling intelligence has been received from India that a terrible disaster has befallen a British column in Candahar. Several days ago a brigade, under the command of Brigadier General G. R. S. Burrows, a well known officer of the Bombay Native Army, was sent forward to intercept the advance of Ayoub Khau, Governor of Herat. Ayoub Kb an had left Herat some weeks since at the head of several thoussnd men for the purpose of attacking the newly formed Province" of Candahar, and was advancing by th regular route via Girikh. General Burrows look up a position at Girikh, a fortified post commanding the ordinary passage and the summer ferd of the Helmund River, a distance of about 70 miles from Oanda-

har. Ayoub’s forces arrived in the vicinity of Girikh last week. His army greatly outnumbered the tro’ps under the command of General Burrows, who made preparations to act on the defensive until the arrival of reinforcements from Oandahar. On the night of tho 25th a sudden attack was made by Ayoub upon General Burrows’ position. Ihe forces of the enemy were overwhelming, and a desperate defence was made by the British and Native troops, but a disastrous defeat was indicted upon the brigade, which was practically annihilated. Nearly the whole or tne British troops were slaughtered, including most of the officers. The stragglers fled from the field, and, arriving in email numbers, brought the intelligence of the catastrophe to Oandahar. They reported that a determined resistance had been made, and that a small body of the troops wore retiring in good order, taking with them four guns. Immediately upon receipt ot the news, MajorGeneral J. M. Primrose, 0.5.1., who exercises the supreme command in Oandahar, took measures to protect the retreat of fugitives, and to secure the four guns which it is believed will be saved. After his victory Ayoub Khan resumed his march upon Oandahar, which ho threatened to attack. General Primrose, fearing his ability, with the_ force at his command, to meet the enemy in the field, retired to the citadel, which he placed in a strong state of defence, and where ho now awaits relief. Urgent messages were despatched to Major-General H. Phayre, 0.8., who was in command of the whole line of communication between the frontier and Oandahar, having his head-quarters at Quettah. General Phayre at once started for tho relief of General Primrose with all the troops available, and additional reinforcements are being hurried forward from Bombay. The Commander-in-Chief has given directions for the strengthening of the Bombay army by further reinforcements from the Bengal army, with tho view of placing an overwhelming body of troops in the country, in order to promptly suppress any disturbances. The intelligence has created intense excitement, both in India and England. It is feared that this disaster may encourage a general rising amongst the Afghans. Later. Further intelligence has been received coning the late disaster which has befallen the British troops in the Oandahar province. General Burrows was accompanied by the Native Governor. Shere Ali Khan. The attack upon the British was a surprise, and in the darkness the utmost confusion arose. The troops behaved bravely, but the numbers of the enemy were so overwhelming that some of the Native troops gave way, and caused a panic. Tho fugitives fled towards Oandahar, but the British, under tho immediate command of General Burrows, retreated steadily and in good order, taking with them some of their guns. On tho receipt of the news in Oandahar, Gsceral Primrose despatched some troops Jco their asais'ance, retiring with the main body of his forces to the citadel, which is situated about two miles north of the city, occupying a very strong position. General Burrows and Shere Ali have since arrived in safety, with the remnant of the brigade, and measures have been taken for making n determined stand at Oandahar. General Pharye is arranging to advance at the head of a considerable body of troops from Quettah to the assistance of General Primrose, and precautions have been taken to secure the safety of communications with India. The Khan of Kheiafc, tho territory in which Quettah is situated, and who is one of the subsidised allies of the Indian Empire, has tendered to General Pharye all the aid in his power, placing at his disposal the troops at his command. Reinforcements are being rapidly pushed forward from Bombay, the railway, which now extends for some distance beyond the frontier, being found to be of great service. July 30. General Primrose and the force under his command, are strengthening the defences of the citadel of Oandahar, and intelligence has been received from him that Oandahar is amply supplied with provisions and munitions of war, and that he is confident of his ability to maintain his ground against the enemy until tho arrival of the relief forces. Great stress is laid upon the importance of maintaining intact the line of communication. General Phayre has strengthened the principal posts held by the British, and is now completing arrangements for the formation of a force strong enough to cope with the enemy. The march will be commenced at the earliest possible moment, and the General expects to be able to relieve the British forces at Oandahar within three weeks. July 31. The further particulars received concerning the disaster to General Barrows’ force in Oandahar show that tho loss sustained was very heavy. The forces under his command despatched to intercept Ayoub Khan numbered about 3000 men, including one regiment of British infantry. The remainder of the brigade was native infantry, with some squadrons of cavalry and a battery of horse artillery. General Burrows was accompanied by Shere Ali, the native ruler of the province, with a body of Afghan troop?, but upon the approach of Ayoub a number of these deserted. In resisting the attack the slaughter was very great, but in the retreat upon Oandahar the Afghan cavalry caused fearful havoc amongst the fugitives, who were cut down in hundreds. Of the total force under General Burrows’ command, it has been ascertained that 2000 were killed, the greater proportion of the loss being sustained in the retreat. The arrangements by General Phayre for tho organisation of the force to relieve General Primrose are being rapidly completed. General Phnyro is advancing at the head of a considerable army by forced marches. The cire e£ maintaining the line of communication has devolved upon General Sandeman. The advance of General Phayre has not met with any formidable opposition, though several skirmishes have taken place with small bodies of hostile Natives. Every precaution is taken to prevent surprises or ambuscades, the hills in the vicinity of the line of march being cleared before the advance of the main body. The success of Ayoub Khan has attracted large numbers to his standard, and apprehensions are entertained that he may bring a sufficient force into the field to retard the advance of tho relieving forces. The entire province of Oandahar is disquieted, and the spirit of disaffection to tho British is extending. Tho intelligence of the disaster caused much excitement at Oabul, but prompt measures were taken by Sir Donald Stewart to prevent any dangerous manifestations among the tribes whose disaffection is most apparent, and it is believed that these efforts will prevent any attempt at a general rising. The Viceroy has received a telegram from Sir Donald Stewart, stating that Oabul is quiet. The effect of the British defeat up on Abdul Bahman Khan is regarded with some anxiety, but the now Ameer has not, up to the present, committed himself to any line of action hostile to tho British.

August 2. Much anxiety is expressed concerning the safety of the British force posted at Kelat-i-Ohiljee, on the road between Oanhahar and Ghuznee. The force comprises two companies of the 661 h Foot, some squadrons of Native Horae, and a portion of a battery of Royal Artillery. Their fate is considered very precarious, as some considerable time must elapse before they can be relieved either from Candahar or by way of Ghuznee. Intelligence hue been received from General Primrose, which states that he is confident of his ability to hold his own against Ayoub’s army. The citadel has been grta'ly strengthened, and will serve as the centre of his position on which _to retire in case of need. He is of opinion, however, that, with the force at his command, he will be able to defend Oandahar itself against the attacks of (he enemy until the arrival of General Phayro with reinforcements. The Indian Press demand that Sir Garnet Wolsoley, who has already been nominated to succeed Sir Frank Haines as Commander in Chief in India should be at once sent for to deal with the crisis which has now arisen. The opinion is expressed that the situation in Afghanistan is most serious, and requires the greatest display of promptitude and firmness. Representations have been made to the Imperial Government to comply with this request, and it is considered probable that Sir Garnet Woleeley will be appointed im mediately to the supreme command of the military operations in Afghanistan. f Special to the Melbourne “ Argus.”] LONDON, July 29. The troops under the command of BrigadierGeneral G. B. |S. Burrows were as follows; Europeans—E Battery, B Brigade of Boyal Horse Artillery, and six companies of the 66th (Berkshire) Foot, under the command of Lieut.-Oolonel Galbraith. The native force consisted of the 3rd Bombay Cavalry and the Ist and 30th E.’giments of Native Infantry. The blunder which has brought about this

disaster arose from over confidence on thi pirt of the British Generals, and the bar! information supplied to General PrimroK, Too few troops were sent to reinforce Q> neral Burrows after the desertion of the Walit Infantry. General Burrows should have retired on Oandahar, and not have risksd ar. encounter, with the largely superior force ot the enemy. The telegraph wires have beer, out between Oandahar and Bhoji-k. July 30 The continental journals regard the dis aatorjlhe Britisharmshavesustainedin Afghanistan as certain to tie Mr Gladstone’s hands in connection with the Turkish question. July 31.

Lieutenant-General Primrose, who is shui up in the citadel of C mdahar, has three months’ supplies and 3000 troops under his command. General Burrows, as well as thi southern forts of Kelat-i-Ghiljes, and the posts north of Khotan, are in danger. General Pharye has not yet reached Ohaman. Ho is assembling a force of 3000 men in the Pisheen valley, and will advance in a fortnight. Th< Governor of Boml®/ has promised a furth p force of 8000 men. It is behoved that n Ayoub Khan is unsuccessful at Oandahar he will advance on Ghuznee, which is tho centre of the national party. 1( is expected that General Sir F. 8. Robert?, with 8000 men, will proceed southwards from Oabul if everything at the capital remains quiet, leaving 12,000 men under the command of General Sir Donald Stewart. There are now 17,000 men on the route by the Khyber Pass and 8000 in the Kurran Valley. August 2 The Marquis of Ripon, Viceroy of India, states that tho details of the great disaster near Oandahar, derived from native sources, indicate that General Burrows was deceived by false information and decoyed into an ambuscade. Ayoub Khan’s losses are said to have been severe. When last seen ho was camping on the battle field, and he seems to vaccillate as to his further course.