CABLEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 537, 21 January 1878, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST WAR NEWS,

reuter's telegrams, per press agency.] London, January 14.

Constantinople telegrams announce that there is great excitement in the Levant. The Mahommedan population of Constantinople manifest irritation against England.

The Russians have completely invested Erzeroum.

The Grand Duke Nicholas has notified his readiness to receive delegates to arrange an armistice, but professes ignorance of the peace conditions of' Russia as a whole.

January 15.

The British troops homeward bound per Jumna, and those outward per Euphrates, have been detained at Malta. Server Mainijek, who has been invested with full powers to treat for an armistice, has started for Kezanlik.

January 16,

The Tanjore left Galle on the 12th, and the Siani arrived from Australia on the 15th.

Advices from Constantinople state that a great battle was fought on the 14th, near Phillipopolis. The fighting recommenced the following morning. The inhabitants have been ordered to leave the city, as also Tephan. The Kaffir prospects are more cheering. A large quantity of wool has been declared for sale by auction, to take place on February 19. Austria and England have informed Russia and Turkey that, whilst admitting an armistice, they refuse to recognise a separate treaty for peace with their assent, which may be contrary to the treaty of Paris.

Frequent meetings continue to be held in London in favour of neutrality. January 18.

Earl Beaconsfield, in a recent speech, said that if British interests were threatened he would not hesitate to defend them.

Lord Salisbury has declared against war until the Russians approach the localities deiined as affecting British interests. He denies that cliff r.-nei'S exist in the Cabinet between himself and Sir Stafford Northcote,

The British Government intend talcing no action at present while ignorant of the Russian proposals for peace. This is approved of by Mr. Gladstone and his party. January 19. The Russian loss in capturing the Schipka Pass amounted to 5464 men. The Russian forces have occupied Phillipopolis, and are marching on Adrianople. The suspension of hostilities throughout Bulgaria lias been agreed to. Meetings throughout the country for many days have urged a policy of neutrality on the Government, and the Queen's speech being in conformity to the generally manifested opinion has had a very tranrpiilising effect.

DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS. (KEUTEIt'S SPECIAL. PEG PRESS AGENCY.) Sydney, Jannaiy 18. Arrived—Lusitania. Mr. Robertson, at Mud.ee, yesternight-, said he was opposed to the remission of interest on free selectors' balances, and also to the stoppage of auction sales of land. He considered the squatters' rents should be increased. Melbourne. January 19. Mr. Lalor, Commissioner of Customs, at Ararat, yesternight, diverted the issue from the payment of members to the question —Whether sixteen of the Council should rule.