SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 718, 5 July 1878, Page 4

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

The Congress of the European Powers assembled at Berlin on the 13th in.it. Lords Beaconsfield, Salisbury, and Odo Russell are the British representatives; Prince Bismarck and Von Bulow for Germany ; Prince Gortschafcoff, Connt Schonvaloff, and Prince Donbril, Russian ambassador at Berlin, for Russia ; Counts AndrassyandHaynert, for Austria ; M.M. Waddington and De St. Viiliers, for France ; and Connt Dellaney for Italy. The Turkish representatives are—Safljik Pasha, late chief of the Ministry, first plenipotentiary : and Cathedore Effendi, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, second plenipotentiary. The Eastern Question will be dealt with in a broad sense, with the object of reaching a common understanding and consolidating the peace of Europe. The editor of the Levant Herald, an Englishman, was ordered to quit the country, because he published a letter considered by the Turkish Government seditious, but Mr. Layard interfered, and the order was revoked. The Agenee Rnsse published an article showing how greatly the wealth and prosperity of Egypt would be increased by European occupation. The International Postal Treaty wa3 signed at Paris on June 4. The failure of Henry, Alears, and Huntley, London, is announced ; liabilities, L 400.000. The Apothecaries' Hall at Glasgow has been burned down. Michael Stilt, spinner, of Bradford, has failed; liabilities, L 22,000. Wm. Cowper, builder, Manchester, has also suspended payment; liabilities, L 65,000. The steamer Idalia, of Williams' and Guion's line of Atlantic steamers, went on the rocks, on the 31st May, near the Conningberg lightship Brandrees, on the coast of Ireland, and foundered in 22 minutes after striking. The crew and passengers were saved. Mr. Gladstone opposes any protectorate over Turkey. He says such protection could hardly end otherwise than in a total di strucfion of the Turkish power and its disappearance from th>-> earth. _*&£ The widow of Earl Russell bggP&ctmed the proposal for the burial husband'* remains in Westminster Abbey. The body will be interred in the family vault in Buckinghamshire. The Bank of England has resolved henceforth to discontinue the use of the word "minimnm" in announcing discount ; the open market rate, not that of the banks, will become the standard for money contracts. The Voltaire celebration, which was organised by men of letters, took place on the 30th ult., at the Gaiety Theatre. It was attended by about 2000 persons. Admission was by ticket, for which from SO cents, to 80 francs were charged according to location, the receipts being devoted to the poor of Paris. The proceedings were marked by no special scenes of excitement. Deputations oi the repress ntiittvew of Paris ;\nd the provinces, with banners, marched around the statue, while bands played and Andre sang the " Marseillaise." It was the original intention of the movers to erect a statue publicly in the place of Chateau Dean, but the Government forbade it. The Government also prohibited a public ceremony by the clericals in honor of Joan of Arc. While the Voltaire celebrations were proceeding, the cathedral of Notre Dame was filled by an immense congregation, consisting principally of women, to take part in the expiatory services ordered by the Cardinal Archbishop of Paris. A pulpit discourse was delivered, in which the preacher denounced Voltaire, and glorified Joan of Arc.

AMERICAN NEWS.

The New York Herald says it is quite evident that the Russians intend to equip an Atlantic fleet in American waters, war or no war. New vessels are being bought by her agents in every direction. The Queen's Birthday was generally celebrated throughout the country by the English residents. lit Montreal, Canada, the ceremonies were most imposing, and were participated in by American troops from St. Albans, Vermont. The venerable Mr. Bloodwell, from Melbourne, attracted attention in San Francisco, in connection with the Microscopical Society. The Rev. George B. Vosbnrg, of New York, is on trial fi>r poisoning his wife. A Committee of the House of Congress on Coinage agreed to report favorably on the Bill to allow the importer to use M»ri*s system of weights and measures in determining customs dues. A duel with knives was fought between two young men at Omaha recently. One wan stabbed sixteen times, but will recover. A woman attempted to separate the combatants, and had her hand cut off. The Bannock Indians have revolted. Bloodshed is feared. A monument to President Andrew Johnson has been unveiled at Nashville, Tennessee. On the night of .Time Ist, the overland train on the Central Pacific Railroad was boarded at Percy—a small station 'M3 miles east of Ogdtn—by four desperadoes, who robbed several passengers. The company intend to arm their men with rerifles. AM| 11 hag been introduced into Con-

gress prugifting f»r the carriage of tin ocean mails from America by steamships, and for a monthly service from San Fran Cisco to Sydney, via the Sandwich Islands and New Zealand. Russia has accepted the proposition tJbat the United States Government take part in the International Congress for the purpose of fixing a metallic standard. Ihe Post Route Bill provides for a sub•idised mail service between San Franeuco, China, Japan, and Australia. No amendment has been offered.