CABLE MESSAGES.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 236, 14 July 1877, Page 2

CABLE MESSAGES.

[Per Press Agency.] LATEST WAR NEWS. SINGAPORE. July 10. The nows of the Russian defeat at Bicla is not confirmed. According to Russian Despatches, their forces occupied Biela on the sth July. A Turkish Despatch states that Mukhlar Pasha has effected the restoration of communication with Kars. BOMBAY. July 10. Russian unofficial despatches .assert that the Russian retreat in Armenia was caused by having underrated the strength of ihe Turkish forces by which they were likely to bo opposed, and tie Russian columns wore quite inadequate to the contemplated operations. With regard to the crossing of the Danube by the Russians, it is believed that Abdul Kerim, the Turkish Cum-mander-in-Chief, is occupying a defensive posit ion. The following undated cablegram was received in Wellington yesterday, the 13th instant : It is generally reported that an alliance has been concluded between Servia and Roumania. It is scmi-oilicially stated at St. Petersburg!! that the alliance does not affect relations between Austria and Russia. BRISBANE. July 11. The following news has been received p"f mail;— General Malakoff reports Russian captore of Ardahan and immense quantities of artillery, stores, and twenty-live Krupp gnus. A huge number uf Turks were taken prisonous. The admirable fire of the artillery speedily made a breach in the walls. The Turks fled when the assault took place, leaving great numbers dead. A court martial bad been held on the Turkish commander for not offering a bettor resistance. There was an encounter between a British gunboat, and Spanish smugglers at Gamp Bay.' The smugglers surrendered.