CABLE MESSAGES.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 219, 16 May 1877, Page 2

CABLE MESSAGES.

TERRIFIC ENGAGEMENT.

40,000 RUSSIANS KILLED. LONDON. May 9. Thk Turks Lave commenced the bombarding of Kalafat. Roumanian batteries replying. It is reported that Germany lias increased the number of her troops in Alsace and Lorraine. Mr Gladstone’s unexpected withdrawal of the obnoxious portion of his resolution caused a scene of tumult and confusion in the British Parliament. Lord Hartington accepted the remainder. Mr Gladstone vigorously attacked the policy of the Government. Mr Wolff moved the rejection of the motion.

Mr Cross, Secretary for the Home Department, said the Czar was answerable for the rupture which had taken place. If Constantinople was not attacked, no question as to English interests would arise. The present policy of England was to protect the Suez Canal and the English interests in Egypt, and forbid any interference with the freedom of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus. May 13, (Received at Sydney after midnight on the 14th). The Roumanian Chamber has passed a resolution to authorise the securing of the independence of Roumania. Accounts of the battle of Reni are not yet confirmed. % The Russian batteries at Ibraila sank a a Turkish ironclad with two hundred men on board. Official despatches state that Russian troops have arrived at Dalin. Turkish official accounts state that a Russian army corps unsuccessfully attacked the entrenchments near Batsurn, and were repulsed with a loss of 40,000 men. The British squadron has been ordered to Port Said.