LATEST WAR NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 301, 20 December 1877, Page 2

LATEST WAR NEWS.

London, December 11. There was great slaughter at Plevna. After a heroic struggle, the Turks were compelled to surrender. The Russians took 40,000 prisoners, besides 20,000 of garrison, who were dying of cold, hunger, and wounds. It is officially stated that Russia intends prosecuting the war. An Argus special, dated December 12, says that it is stated that Germany re commends Austria to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tunis having furnished troops to the Turks, the Russian Consul has left Tunis. Mr Hayes has addressed Congress. He advises the consideration o£ the Samoa petition, and protection. Tenders are called for a Cape mail service the passage required being between 35 and 40 days. 13U00 additional Egyptian troops have been sent to a ; d the Turks. December 14. At a Cabinet Council to-day, in consequence of the fall of Plevna, it was decided that Parliament be prorogued to January 17. Early peace is considered impossible without British intervention. The Turkish Supreme Council of State has resolved to continue the war to the last extreme. December 15. The Morning Po-Z states that the Cabinet have under consideration % circular despatch from the Porte intimating ita willingness to accept the mediation of the European powers. The Queen visits Hughenden, the seat of Earl Beaconafield to-day. A Russian attack on Erzeroum appears imminent. British Consul has left taking away the Consular Archives. December 16. The Servian army has received orders to cross the frontier. The staff has gone to the capital. An Argus special, dated London, Dec. 16, says:— The Turks have evacuated Elena. Servia has declared war, aud will probably operate with the Roumanians against • Widdin. The Turks are aiding persons in conspiring against Prince Milan. The French Assembly has voted direct takes and two-twelfths of the Budget. A Turkish circular to the neutral powers said that Turkey was instigated by England, Arrived— William Davie and Waikato. The wool sales have closed with a weak and halting tone. Paris, December 14. Dufaur succeeded with difficulty in forming a Ministry :— Waddington, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Borrel, War; Leon Sayes, Finance. San Francisco, Dec. 14. The City of New York with the London mails of Nov. 15, left San Francisco for Auckland on the sth instant. The Zealandia with the November Colonial mails arrived at San Francisco on the 13th inst. London, December 15, Firewood at Plevna being exhausted, on the morning of the 10th Osman Pasha with his whole army attacked the Russian grenadiers on the left bank o£ the Vid, attempting to force his way through, he tried to return to Plevna, which, meanwhile, was occupied by by the other division of Russians, who assaulted the Turkish rear and flanks. After five hours desperate fighting, Osman Pasha, who was slightly wouuded, surrendered his sword, He was received with marked atten tiou by the Russians. The Russian staff were aware of the intended sortie three days beforehand, a spy having informed Gen. Skobeloff. The Turks made two feint attacks westward of Dubrik with great fury, nearly destroying a grenadier regiment. An epidemic iv Plevna hastened Osman's sortie. He had three weeks' provisisions and a thousand cattle, but no forage or fuel. Anjattempt to kill the Prince of Montenegro by an explosion was made at his residence. The Prince was abseut. Several attendants were killed or injured. The bulk of Melikoff's troops are detained by snow between Kars and Erzroum. Sulieman's advance against the army of the Czarovitz has been checked. The surrender of Plevna was celebrated with great rejoicings and illuminations at Bucharest and St. Petersburg. A Vienna telegram asserts that the Porte consents to the British fleet passing the Hellespont without abandoning neutrality. Austria protests. The Pope's condition is alarming, and his death has been frequently announced. The Duke of Manchester will probably succeed Lord Dufferin as Governor of Canada. The Marquis of Bute's mansion at Rothesay has been partially destroyed by fire.