LATEST CABLE NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5098, 26 July 1877, Page 2

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

(REUTER'S SPECIAL JO PRESS AGE NO VJ [The following telegramllwas received at the New Zealand Times office at five minutes past three o’clock this morning]:— London, July 23. Lord Derby and Sir Stafford Northcote, in recent speeches regarding the condition of Europe, stated the desirability of supplementing the Mediterranean garrisons by 3000 men and this statement is the sole foundation for the reports circulated respecting the despatch of British forces in the direction of the seat of war. London, July 23. Thirty-five thousand Russians are south of the Balkans, and there is great excitement in Constantinople, where the Russians’ approach is deemed probable. A rising in Greece is expected, to acquire Epirus, Macedonia, and Thessaly as Greek provinces. The Turks having withdrawn from Montenegro, the Montenegrins are reassuming the offensive. The Turkish Cabinet, presided over by the Sultan, have decided, should the Russians take Adrianople, to unfurl the Prophet’s standard. This has caused general consternation. Some British troops are being sent ostensibly to Malta ; but their rumored destination is Gallipoli. The English Press approves of the despatch of a British force to the Mediterranean. Although only now sent to Gibraltar, it is expected they will eventually go to Gallipoli. The Russians, after severe fighting, with heavy losses, have taken and occupy Shibka Pass. They are now marching upon Silistria and Bazardjik, and besieging Rustchuk. There has been desperate fighting at Petersburg, Virginia. The Regulars have been despatched to restore order. The militia defeated the rioters, and hold the town with arms and cannon. The sheriff was killed.