EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 16, 19 January 1878, Page 2

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

(From the latest N.Z. Papers.) London - , December 2. The Pope is not expected to recover. Sir Stafford Nortncote, at a Conservative demonstration, repeated the assurance of continued neutrality on tho part of England, and to mediate if necessary. M. Gainbetta has demanded of tho President of tho French Republic to renounce tho right to dissolve tho Legislature. Marshal MacMahon has rejected the demand.

December 3. The condition of the Pope is changed for the worse.

The Roumanians occupied Lom Palanka and Lom.

The Turk* retreated towards Widdin. Iho I ulkish troopa arc making a desperate resistance on Ike Sophia Hoad Mehemet Ali attacked the Russians with tho Turkish left wing. The Russians retreated to Kamuti, south of Hatiliza, whore they wore defeated with great loss, and compelled to fall back. Mehemet Ali is pressing forward, and tho Russians have been obliged to retreat, The Russians have occupied the Rttlk'.m defiles of • Jii'lu and St di/.i.

Sulieuian Fas ha cajiturvd Klona, awl took prisonem and war material. The Russian loss is estimated at 3000 killed. December 8.

A Turkish force attacked the Russian General Rakowitzka, who was compelled to fall back. The Russians captured Balitza, turning the Turkish right wing. The Turks under Sulieman Pasha cadtured Tirnova, I’npkoi, and Kesrowa. Raouf Pasha is organising a camp of 50.000 troops at Adnanople. The Russian Press proposes the following peace conditions:—lndependence of Osterlitz (? Bulgaria), the cession of Batoum and Kara, and the free passage Of the Dardanelles.

December 10. The Russian loss, to the 17th, was 74.83S men.

According to an unofficial Turkish report, Plevna was amply provisioned for a siego.

Several Russian attacks were repulsed December 11.

Plevna surrendered after severe fighting. The garrison was reduced to starvation.

Osman Pasha was severely wounded at the last attempt to break through the Russian lines.

There was great slaughter at Plevna. Tiic Turks were compelled to surrender after a heroic struggle. Forty thou sand prisoners were taken, bcsider 20,000 of the garrison who were dying of cold, hunger, and wounds. It is officially stated that “Russia intends prosecuting the war. By the fall of Plevna Bulgaria and tire North Balkans are open to tire Russians. December 12. The commander of the Turkish troops at Erzeroum states that ho is able to defend the town. According to a Russian official account the Turks have abandoned, and tire Russians have occupied Chozobon, near Batouur.

On December 4, perfect communication was opened between Erzorouni mid Trobizondc.

The Russian troops arc wintering at the plains of Pessiui. The Russian advance guard is at Devenboyun. December 14. The capture of Plevna secures the Hainbogas and Silvno Passes from attack.

At a Cabitiet Council to-day, held in consequence of the fall of Plevna, it was decided that Parliament should be prorogued to v/anuary 17. An early peace is considered’impossible without British intervention.

The Tnrkish Supreme Council of State has resolved to continue to war to the last extreme. M. Dnfaur has undertaken to form a how Liberal Ministry. T!ie French Republican leaders dsavow negotiations with M. Uufaur. A serious crisis is threatening. M. Balbi was unable, to form a Ministry. M. Dufaur has succeeded with great difficulty. M. Waddington is Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Correl of War, M. Leon Say of Finance. December 15.

Thirty thousand prisoners, with fourteen thousand sick and wounded, were captured at Plevna, besides a laVgo number of guns and other material.

Osman Pasha was allowed a guard of honor before his tent, and the use of the Emperor's carriage.

The Servians have commenced hostilities against Turkey. The Italian-Ambassador in Constantinope has addressed a protest to the Porte against the stoppage of an Italian vessel in the Bosphorus. The Porte offered ample satisfaction Firewood at Plevna being exhausted, Osman Pasha with the whole army, on the morning of the 10th of December, attacked the Russian grenadiere on the left bank of the Vid, attempting to force their way through trenches and batteries. They found themselves unable to break through, and tried to return to Plevna, which, meanwhile, other Russian divisions had occupied,assaulting the Turkish rear and flank. After five hours’ desperate fighting, Osman Pasha surrendered his sword. He was slightly wounded. Ho was received with marked attention hy the Russians. The Russian Staff were aware of the intended sortie three days beforehand. A spy informed General Skobcloff. The Turks made two feint attacks to the westward of the Vid with great fury, nearly destroying a grenadier regiment. An epidemic in Plevna hastened Osman Pasha's sortie. He had three weeks’ provisions and 1000 cattle, but no forage or fuel. An attempt to kill the Prince of Montenegro, by explosion, was made at his residence. The Prince was absent. Several attendants wore killed and injured. The bulk of General Melikoff’s troops have been detained by snow between Kars and Erzeroum.

Sulicman Pashes advance against the army of the Czarcwitch has been checked. The surrender of Plevna was celebrated with groat rejoicing and illuminations at Bucharest and St. Petersburg.

The Pope’s condition is alarming, and his death is frequently announced. A Vienna telegram asserts that the Porte consents that the British fleet shall Ctho Hellespont without abandoning neutrality. Austria protests. The Duke of Manchester probably succeeds Imrd Uufleriu as Governor of Canada

Ihn of Hulc'.s mansion nt v Ims jmitiullv «lostr«»vr*l l»v nits

IVvalier 2+. The Czarewitch's army has crossed the Lom. thus cutting off communication between Kustchuk and Varna. The Czar has reached St. Petersburg. The combined Russian and Roumanian army an- approaching Widdin.

The snow impedes operations everywhere. Snow blocks the N urna and Rustehuck mil way. The cold in Armenia is the greatest felt for liny years, and the troops sorter terribly.

Eleven men and many horses nave been frozen to death close to Bucharest. General Oourko is only a day’s ride from Sophia. The Porte has declared Prince Milan deposed. The Russians subsidize Servia with a million roubles monthly. The Queen will open the coming session of Parliament in person. December 2(i The Turks are preparing to evacuate Sophia. Turkish prisoners at Plevna arc dying ; it is impossible to aid them. Signor Depretis has formed a new Italian .Ministry, himself being President and Foreign Minister. Signor C’rispi is Home Minister. The Emperor of Russia, in replying to an address, said much remained to be; done, but be hoped Russia’s mission would be duly accomplished. Seventy thousand Turks are leaving the Quadrilateral for Adriauople. The ice is drifting in the Danube. Several Russian bridges have been broken.

The Queen goes to Osborne. December 27. The Servians have captured Ak-Pa-lanka, Lcsconivatz, ami Kurchmeje, afterwards crossing the river Morava. They have commenced bombarding Nisch. The fall of Krzeroum is imminent. The Servian troops have effected a junction with the Russian army, and are now advancing towards Sophia. This news conics from St. Petersburg, and requires continuation. The early opening of the British Parliament encourages the Porte to resist.

Increased confidence is felt in Constantinople. I’he Armenians at Stambonl have refused military service. The Servian attacks on Tergovitzn has been repulsed.

Decernin'!* is. Austria has forbidden Servian operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The British fleet Ims quitted Besik a Bav for Volo.

Russian frigates have captured a Turk ish transport with 873 soldicia.

Many of the Russian cavalry havi been compelled to re-cross the Danube ■owing to the scarcity of forage in Bulgaria.

Thu body of Osman Pasha has arrived at Bucharest en route to Moscow, where it is to 1)0 interred.

Sulieman Pasha has garrisoned the Quadrilateral and concentrated the re.it of his troops at Adrianople. It is believed that the Porte is resolved to continue the war to the last extremity.

The Emperor of Russia received an enthusiastic reception at St. Petersburg. The Russians are investing Erzeroum. The American champion, Courtney, has agreed to row Trickctt. December 20.

Tho Sultan has solicited the mediation of the British Government with the Kmperor of Russia. England has consented. After two days’fighting tho Servians captured Pilot. Mukhtar Pasha has gone to Ersungian, leaving Ismail Pasha in command. Erzeroum is now nearly invested. An anti-Russian meeting has keen held in Trafalgar Square. There were riotous proceedings. The pro-Russians interfered, tearing the Turkish flag down. The “ Whitehall Review " states the Premier intends proposing to Parliament to accept the suzerainty of Egypt with tho Sultan's and Khedive’s consent.

Austria, iu reply to the Turkish note, intimates that it will only permit the Russians to conclude peace on the basis of the Treaty of Paris, and will not sanction the dismemberment of Turkey, nor allow tho Black Sea to become a Russian lake. December 80. A lender in tho “ Observer ” says that Russia lias refused to conclude a peace with Turkey, and must leave England to interfere in the war. A discussion is going on in the Oontiuential Press regarding England acquiring the suzerainty of Egypt. The German papers are favorable to the project. Public opinion in Austria has endorsed England’s policy. The Hungarian Minister, M. Tlzzn, is now visiting Berlin. The Czar has ordered the enrolment of 480,000 conscripts for 1878. The armament of the Russian fleet is vigorously pushed forward. An urgent message has been sent by tho British Ministers to their supporters abroad to return at once for tho opening of Paliamcnt. December ill. A Russian somi-olllcial note states that the British Government has intimated to tho Russian Government that in the event of certain contingencies arising, the national feeling may force England to defend British interests.

It is somi-ofticiully sUtisl that Russia is now willing to considcl- direct Turkish proposals for poavc. Jummrv 1. Miifchtnr Piishu lias birn ir e:i'll* >l (■> Stiiliibnul.

The attack by torjiedo vessels on the Turkish fleet at Mutuum failed. The last Russian bridge over the Danube has been broken. Communication between Bulgaria and Houmania is suspended in consequence. The Turkish commander defending

Nissa has made proposals to surrender. The Channel Fleet and the ships under repair have been put in commission. All are ordered to bo ready for sea by the 10th hist. Count Andrassy, according to the

Government organ at Pesth, says that Austria is forced temporarily to join the 1 Triple Alliance, but will support England the moment she decides U]k>u a resolute policy. Lord Carnarvon, in replying to a deputation, said England was determined to have a voice in the settlement ol the Eastern Question. The Russian Government, replying to an intimation from England that the ■ Porte is prepared for peace negotiations, declared that if the Porte desired an armistice, it will be necessary to treat direct with the Russian Commauder-in- • Chief. The Katlir troubles have been renewed, i and the situation is becoming alarming. The British troops have crossed the l iver, i The 09th Regiment has been ordered for . service at tho Cape. Russia has refused mediation proposed by Lord Loftus, English Ambassador at St. Petersburg. If Turkey desires an • armistice it must apply direct to the Russian Commandcr-hi-Chief. General Gourko’s vanguard has occupied the Balkan passes between Arak Kuuk

and Sophia. It is reported at Bucharest that the Turks have abandoned and burned Sophia. ' Midhat Pasha has left Romo for ’ London. ’ The Czarewitoh remains in Bulgaria, with General Todlehen as Chief of the Staff. The Servians are advancing on Huistova. 1 Numerous meetings have been held in England regarding Earl Beaconsfield’s supposed war policy. The anti-war hading predominates.