ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH & AMERICAN MAILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5356, 16 January 1879, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH & AMERICAN MAILS.

London, December 5, 1878. The Standard's Vienna correspondent declares Schouvaloff's special object of visiting there was to try to persuade the Austrian Government to agree to a joint occupation of Constantinople. Austria insisted on consulting England first. The Count's mission failed. Large reinforcements have recently joi led the Russian army of occupation in Turkey. The Berlin papers declare it is the intention of Russia to retain ahold on Turkey by keeping the district of Bourgas and Adrianople occupied until the Sultan signs tho proposed definitive treaty of peace. Returning from Livadia, the Czar reached Moscow en Monday, where he experienced an enthusiastic reception. Negotiations between Austria ami Turkey respecting Bosnia are virtually completed. It is arranged that the Suit.in retains* sovereign lights, and that tho Austrians retire when permanent order is established and the expenses of occupation recouped. It is reported in diplomatic circles that negotiations were proceeding for the conclusion of a fresh convention between England and Turkey. At the request of the Porte, French and English officials are to undertake the reform of the Turkish Custom-houses. An Imperial decree authorises the Porte to take steps to raue a loan of twenty millions Turkish pounds. The English Government have been asked to guarantee it. The Emperor of Germany baa returned to Berliu to-day. Extraordinary precautions were taken to ensure his safety. Owing to his feeble state of health, Prince Bismarck was unable to be present on the occasion of the Emperor's reception. The week previously, an order was issued, under the new Socialist law, enacting that dangerous persons were to be expelled from Berlin and its suburbs, and prohibiting carrying arms, and possession of explosive projectiles. Alarm had been cxcited by the seizure of Orsini bombs at Hamburg. On the 29th ult., 40 conspicuous Social Democrats, including two Socialist deputies, received notice of expulsion from the p. i; ee. No time was given them to arrange their affairs. They will seek refuge in Switzerland, Belgium, England, and America. A manifesto addressed to their Socialistic brethren was confiscated by 1 Government, Great alarm prevails, rumours of conspiracies : are current, and the Federal Council urges the proclamation of a limited state of siege for the , capital. Owing to the activity of the Internationalists, agitation is general throughout the Continent. The Spanish Government has resolved on the expulsion of all foreigners belonging to the International Society, and the Madrid Cabinet is corresponding with foreign Governments as to joint action against Socialism and secret societies. A congress at Rome to discuss the subject is suggested. The great bank fraud trial at Brussels, after lasting a month, terminated yesterday by the conviction of T. Kindt and Fortamps on a charge of embezzling 20 millions of francs. T. Kindt was sentenced to 15 years' solitary confinement, and Fortamps to a year's imprisonment, and 0000 francs fine. The Times Philadelphia correspondent states that orders have been received to prepare immediately for sea four Russian cruiseia bought in America. All are expected to leave before 1 Christmas. I [BY TELEGRAM TO SAN FRANCISCO.] London, December 23, 1878. ; Parliament was convened on tho sth. The Queen's speech referred principally to the I Afghan difficulty. The general tone of the j debate on the address, after sharp criticism by | the leading Liberals of Lord Lytton's course towards tho Amir was, that war having been commenced, if necessary for security of India, must be conducted vigorously. The address passed without a division. General Roberts gained a complete victory i over tho Amir's forces on the s:h inst., capturing Peiwar Khotal, with slight loss, and all the ! Afghan cannon. British loss, 80 killed aod wounded ; Afghan loss, very heavy. Captain Kelso and M-jor Anderson are among the killed, ami General Cobbe and Lieut. Mur.roe among the wounded. General Roberts proposes wintering at Peiwar Pass. General Brown had but one day's march on the 2"J :-4 ij make Jellalabitd. The Amir and family ikd fiom Kabul to Turkistaii, Yakoob Khan was at the head of affairs. The Ru>sian mission was about withdrawing from lvabul. General Biddnlph was pus-hing forward to Kandahar. There is complete anarchy in the countrv between Jellalabad and Kandahar. The Amir's flight will probably end the fighting. Kandahar has determined on resistance. A gigantic strike of 100,000 men is threatened at the commencement of the year iu South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. The Duke of Cumberland aud the Princess Tbyra were married on the 21st, at Christiansborg Castle. A man named Madden was arrested in London, for uttering threats against the Queen. San Francisco, Decembei 23. A telegram announces that Mr. Edison has perfected a machine for measuring the current used in electric light, and that his invention for counteracting loss in subdivision is complete. Reduction of cost now engages bis attention. It is lumourcd that the Pacific Mail will , withdraw from the Australian route. ! The English residents on tho Pacific Coast have presented Eail Beaconsfield with a memorial casket. Four members of the London Stock Exchange have been expelled and two suspended for un fair dealings in bank shares. A telegram dated Galata, December 19, reports that the steamer Byzantine, from Marseilles to Constantinople, saiflc in a collision. Oue hundred and fifty lives are supposed to have been lost. Gladstone's willingness to contcst Edinburghshire in the House of Commons is conditional on assurances by the Liberal Committee that they can secure his return. The object is to win tint important seat, the present member being Conservative. The South Yorkshire and North Yorkshire colliers have received notice of a reduction of 12A- per cent, in waives. Jonathan Nield, managing partner in the private bank of J. and J. Fenton and Sons, Rochdale, England, in November, lost 8,000,000 dollars of the bank's money by speculating in the Stock Exchange. The Czarina was delivered of a sou at St. Petersburg on December 5. Lady Oooch has been committed for trial for attempting; to pass a bogus baby upon Sir Francis aa a sou and heir. The Grand Jury ignored the bill. Suleiman Pasha has been sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment. He has appealed. The vice-regal progress through Nova Scotia to Montreal was a grand ovation. The Marquis of Lome made an excellent speech in reply to the Corporation address. On Sunday, Decern her 1, they attended divine servhe in the Catholic Cathedral ; Lord Lome also attended special service iu the Presbyterian Church in tlie afternoon. The Queen telegraphed : — *• Windsor Palace, December 1, Delighted at the reception. Say so. —The Queen." The Maryland rivers are being stocked with California salmon. Mormon marriages proceed apace, despite prosecution. Denis Keurney has returned to San Francisco. He had a great reception; 15,000 people attended. The British barque Thalia, Captain MeMurty, from Glasgow, for Honolulu, foundered at sea. Part of the crew landed at Valparaiso. The Canadian ladies are displeased at the order of the Yice-regal receptions by Princess Alice. It is required that they present themselves in low-bodied dresses, or come armed with a doctor's certificate. The ladies declare that the climate is too rigorous for bare shoulders, moreover, that they had not> been accustomed to such costume, and that they will absent themselves from the Vice-regal Court if the order is persisted in. The Chinese Legation is organising a Press bureau to influence public opinion in America. Already several Eastern papers arc heavily subsidised ; also the Alfa, and other papers of the Pacific Slope. A special American correspondent is to be sent to China, accompanied by the Chinese editor of the Chinese newspaper in San Francisco. The Chinese Empire is to bo open to the correspondent, who will be in charge of officials during his stay in the country. Money is no object. Some time before tho death of the Princess Alice, the physicians recognised that the case was hopeless, and sent secret messages to that effect to England. Symptoms of suffocation , appeared at 1 o'clock on Saturday morning, I but were temporarily removed. The Grand ! Duke was then induced to leave the room, but his mother remained, administering to the Princess until the last. | A despatch, dated St. Petersburg, December J 17, states that the Chinese are continually j murdering and pillaging inhabitants on the Russian frontier. The Turkestan Ga:ttte states that Chinese troops in Ka>hgar are concentrating to operate against Kuldja, which is occupied by Russians. A Philippopolis correspondent says : 44 Tho English jind Austrian members of the Roumelian Commission were compelled to quit Yeni Sughra, in consequence of the gathering of an excited mob." Obituauy.—William Henry Palmer, better known as Robert Heller, magician, New York ; George H. Lewes, editor of the Furlniyhtlp, husband of Mis 3 Austiu (" George Eliot"); Chief Justice Monahan, Irish Common Pleas; Whyte Melville, novelist, who broke his neck hunting; Orson Hyde, apostle of Mormon Church, a greit frieud of Joseph Smith ; Senor Alcantara, President of the Republic ef Venezuela, November 30, —Chief Justice of Guillenez, under Constitution, succeeded as Acting-President; Carl Ferdinand Gutzkow,Germandramatic poet; Duchess de Mortemari, aged 89, one of the richcst persons in Franc*; Henry Wells, founder of the well-known freight and bankinghouse of "Wells, Fargo, and Co.; Bayard Taylor, United Statea Minister at Berlia.

TIIE EASTERN QUESTION. London, December IG.—ln the House Commons to-night, Sir George Campbell remarked that the Porte was still able to largely import munitions of war from America, although it professed its inability to relieve the Rbodope refugees. PRINCE OF BULGARIA. New York, December 22.—A Herald cablegram says : It was reported last night in club and military circles, that Couufc Schouvaloff had notified the British Government that th* Czar intends to propose the Duke of Edinburgh as Prince of Bulgaria. This proposal is intended as a special sign of the friendship of Russia toward England. MURDER ON THE ISLAND OF CRETE. Candia, December I(J.—Tho Eastern Telegraph Company's Superintendent here, William rVnderson, an Englishman, and a native employee of the compmy, were murdered outside the gates of the city on Saturday evening. Mr. Sand, with the British Consul, is investigating the outrage. conspiracy to depose the sultan. London*, December 15. —A Pesth despatoh states: The recent conspiracy in Constantinople, according to some accounts, was a serious attempt to replace the Sultan by his brother, Reshad Pasha. The Sultan had to be dissuaded fiom executing Reshad and Mahmoud Damad Pasha. The former is confined to the seraglio. THE WEST OF ENGLAND BANK. London, December 17. —The report of the Investigating Committee on the West of Kngland and South Wales District Bank, shews that the whole capital and reserve funds have been lost, and there is a further deficiency of 1,500,000 dollars, for which the shareholders are liable. There is no possibility of a re-construc-tion of the bank. ATTEMPT TO RE.-CCB BANK ROBBERS. New York, December 10.—As the suspected Manhattan Bank robbers wore being taken from the Jefferson Market Police Court this afternoon a desperate attempt was made to rescue one of them—Red L«ary, Pistols were drawn, and but for the plucky assistance of the detectives the attempt would have succeedcd. A man named Eeilly was arrested for participating. A LAWYER STABBKD. New York, December 10.—The IlerahVs Petersburg (Va.) special says : —R. C. Shell, a prominent lawyer of Dinwiddie, was stabhed in the side this afternoon by Dr. E. C. Powell, late Conservative member of the Legislature from this county, and a leading citizen. It is thought Shell will die during the night. The dispute which led to the deed occurred at the dinner table in a hotsl, and began in a jocular remark about county politics. ENGLISH DISTRESS. London, December 21.—Employers in the manufacture of iron trade in the North of England claim before the arbitrators 5 per cent, reduction in consequence of the depression of business. The men claim that the price of labour is lower than it has been for the past 20 years. The newspapers continue to publish accounts of distress throughout the country, which the authorities and private citizens are endeavouring to relieve. A REAR GUARD HAS A SKIRMISH. London, December 37. —A correspondent with the Kuiuin column reports that a predatory tribe on Sunday attacked the re.a* guard of the convoy east of Sapiore Pass. General Roberts sent out two regiments, which rescued the convoy. Two British officers were seveicly wounded, three Ghoorkas were killed, and twelve Ghoorkas and oue Highlander wounded. General Roberts has summoned the chiefs of Kuscnm to answer for the outrage, and it is feared that three powerful tribes will combine against the British. THE STRIKE IN ENGLAND, AND THE RESULTS. London, December 19.—A number of Oldham mills, principally of limited companies, have commenced running part of their macliinory at a reduction. Piercers are engaged in "minders''' places, and are said to do the work satisfactorily. Employers hope to dispense with "minders" altogether. One or two mills have resumed in consequence of large and profitable orders. Reduction of wages will be conditioned on resumption of labour, and probably in a short time. The strike has entered upon its fourth week, and there has been lost in wages alouc £00,000. There is great distress, and appeals are being made for the relief of the labouring classes. LEGISLATION ON THE CHINESE QCKSTK»N. Because of the efforts of the California Delegation in Congress, it is likely that the Ifouse will take prompt action upon the bill to restrict eoolie immigration. Democrats and Radicals ulike, from the States eastward, begin to appreciate the urgency of legislation on the subjfcl. The memorial froui the Constitutional Convention, when fairly presented in Congress, cannot fail to have much weight in influencing favourable consideration on behalf of the people of this coast. Something must be done, or trouble will ensue, and the sooner the remedy shall be provided the better it will be for all. DISTRESS IN SHEFFIELD, The distress aud destitution among the working people in Sheffield are now far more serious and more extensive than was the case last year. To give an idea, of the scarcity of work, it may be stated that at one place, where formerly 1200 men were engaged, only 40 are now employed. It is also feared that the Government contracts for plates have left the town, inasmuch as the large firms cannot compete with Barrow, Middlesbrough, Swansea, and Newport houses, who have the advantage of carriage sea. The last contract for 20,000 tons of plates went into Smith Wales, and thus £300,000 is lost to Shellield. The destitution among the working people is appalling. Hundreds arc living in houses stripped of furniture, without fire, and arc dependent upon the generosity of the neighbours. Prompt measures of relief are being taken. Soupkitchens will be opened, and children's dinners supplied in a few days.—Times. A FINANCIAL PANIC THREATENED IN ENGLAND. London.—December 21.—The Daiht News says :—" Notwithstanding the Bank of England haa raised the rate of interest virtually to seven per cent., which is the latest figure for advances, and that this gives her all the gold she needs, she still cannot keep up her reserves to the figures which financial men consider safe. As fast as gold is received and notes issued thereon, according to the terms of the charter, the latter are drawn out by the country and the London joint stock banks and the bill brokers, in order to satisfy tho demands of customers and to strengthen themselves. The result is that a general distrust of all forms of credit other than the legal tender notes of the bank isself has been created. This is causing a universal demand for the circulating notes of the bank, and should any further bank failures take place, it will necessarily be intensified, THE CALIFORNIA CAS K ET PUESENTED TO LORD BEACONSFIELD. London, December 19.—Lord Bcaconsfiekl to-day received the deputation from the Pacific Coast, which presented him with the testimonial from the British residents of California. In accepting the testimonial, Lord Beacoiislield said that on his return from Berlin he was much gratified at the recognition his efforts received from the colonies, but this testimonial referred to the Treaty of Berlin. Lord Beaconsfield believed that treaty would tend to the pacification of Europe. In that belief it was made, and though there might be those desiring the failure, that was not the feeling of the signatory Powers who are determined to see tho treaty executed. The address also referred to the acquisition of Cyprus. Lord Beaconsfield ! said all the conditions under which that island had been secured to enable the Sultan to carry out the regeneration of tho most important j>art of his dominions have been fulfilled. As a station, Cyprus was not second in value to Malta. In conclusion, he said that though he could uot send an address and casket to California, he sent his gratitudo and sympathy. TUB DISTRESS IN GREAT BRITAIN. The poverty and suffering among facturing classes in England and Scotland are | still, unhappily, on the increase. It must be evident now that if actual famine bo not threatened, as it cannot be, because food is plentiful, an amount of destitution is sure to prevail during the winter and spring months, which will severely try the temper of the poorer classes and severely tax tho generosity of the charitablo. According to all appearances, it will be worse than the memorable "cotton famine," which, shortly afLer the outbreak of tho civil war in this country, reduced such a largo proportion of tho working population of Lancashire to a state of pauperism. The attention of tho Government has already been directed to the matter, without practical effort so far, because it was asserted by several members of Parliament that the bad condition of affairs hail been greatly exaggerated. This seems treating a most urgent and important matter very lightly, and is not in harmony with reports from the centres of manufacturing industries published in the newspapers. The number of men and women out of employment, and, therefore, in need of the common necessaries of life, is too largo to be provided for by private or local charity, and the Government will have to step in with aid, WRECK OF THE POMERANIA — LOSS OF FORTYEIGHT LIVES, The wreck of the Pomerania, steamship, American-Hamburg Line, by collision off Folkestone, on the night of November 25th, ' caused great excitement. From various details gleaned, the Pomerania, Captain Schwenson, left New York for Hamburg on November 14 : arrived at Plymouth at midnight of the 24th ; landed English passengers. From Plymouth proceeded to Cherbourg, where she landed other passengers, proceeding on voyage up tho Channel at midnight 25th, dense fog. Near Dungeness Point, about three miles off shore, collided with the Welsh barque Norl Eileen, of Carnarvon, from Rotterdam to Cardiff. The Pomerania sank twenty minutes after collision. The barque anchored off Folkestone, her bow stove in, forward compartments full of water. The Pomerania vras struck on the starboard side, amidships. Dis-

tress signals were given, and responded to by the steamer Glengarry, proceeding down the Channel, which made all speed toward the scene of disaster, and rescued 172 passengers. There were nine boats on the Pomerania, four of which were crushed by the collision. Five were got olf, but one being overcrowded with passengers, sank. All the boats pulled away from the doomed ship, leaving the captain, who refused to quit the ship uutil the last moment. The last boat to leave was under the chief officer, who did all in his power to persuade the captain to leave. After pulling for half an hour, the survivors were picked up by the Glengarry. One gentleman was taken from the water in an unconscious state and restored. The Glengarry stayed near the scene till daybreak, when the Pomerania was seen with her mast above water. .The Glengarry then proceeded to Dover with those saved, and landed them at 9 o'clock, when they were taken to the Sailors' Home, treated with every kinducss, aud breakfasted. The greatest possible order, under the circumstances, was maintained by the officers and crew. DEATH OF BAYARD TAYLOR. Biyard Taylor, United States Minister to Germany, died at Berlin on December 19. He had been out of bed, arul was transacting business with the officials of the American Legation His death was peaceful and painless. .Mr. Taylor was a prolific and popular writer, and a uotable example of the success which may be attained by persistent industry in the cultivation and exercise of moderate intellectual powers. Born of Quaker parents, owners of a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where ho passed bis boyhood. Bayard Taylor left home when 17 to earn his living, acquire knowledge, and see the world, after three years' apprenticeship in a printingoflice in Philadelphia, he formed and acted upon the plucky resolution to start for England with a few dollars in his pocket, and travel through Europe on foot, trusting to the scanty income derived from his letters to the NewYork Tribune for means to meet his moderate expenses. On his return he published his first book of travels, "Views Afoot," and the success . it met with determined his career. He travelled and wrote of his travels. He went everywhere, through Europe, India, China, Egypt, Arabia, Syria, North and South America, and after drawing upon all civilized countries for records of his personal adventure, he revised and condensed the travels of Liviugstone aud other explorers for a popular library of travels. Through his whole literary life he was a constant aud frequent contributor to the New York Tribune, Mr. Greeley being, during his life, a firm friend to Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor married a cultivated German lady, and became, with her aid, a thorough German scholar. With the modest fortune gained by his literary work, he bought the Chester county farm, on which he was born, and had lived in semi-retirement for several years, when he was offered and accepted the high office of Minister to Germany. Mr. Taylor died in the 54th year of his age. GREAT DISTRESS IN ENGLAND. The following picture of industrial depression in England appeared in a New York paper, compiled from English correspondence :—Cotton, iron, coal, and other industries are iu a worse state than ever before or since the Crimoan war. The newspapers suppress, as far as possible, these indications of trouble, and the mercantile and financial failures noted give only a suggestion of the wide-spread popular distress. In the absencc of cheap, abundant land, those thrown out of work have no means of relief through resort to farming. Starvation or charity appear the only alternatives. Wages in the cotton mills have been reduced 20 per cent, within a few months, and a further reduction is threatened. Under the pressuro of American competition,'the mills are working an average of two-thirds time only. Many have already entirely stopped. In Blackburn, out of 80,000 inhabitants, eight to ten thousand cotton operatives are out of employment. In Oldham the mills have had almost constaut losses during 18 months. The Greenacres Spinning Company, one of the model workingmen's companies, which used to divido 30 per cent., lost 10,000 dollars the last quarter. In Preston 314,000 spindles are idle. The worst is yet to come, and a fearful crisis is anticipated about Christmas. The wages reduction in the coal and iron trade has averaged 15 to 20 pe»* cent, during the last year ; tho average wages of Scotch miners 75 cents, Welsh S5 cents, Northumberland 1 dollar 25 cents. At Wolverhampton and other commercial and iron centres, hundreds are actually starving. Families are often without food for days in succession. Similar stories come from Sheffield. A reliable correspondent there says The distress is deplorable and harrowing to behold. I never witnessed any thing like the present scarcity aud poveity. Shellield also is tho sevci ity of the American and German competition. A year ago, in England, the building trades were comparatively brisk ; in some eases workmen were actually on a strike for better wages. Now they are glad to get work even at lower rates than then. The tin mining trade is also in a state of great stagnation. The same is true of the potteries of Staffordshire. No industry is doing well. The best that can be said of any is that they are working full time, and just managing to live. The farmers complain of hard times, and of the foreign supplies of grain, meat, and other staple goods which compete with English products. Notwithstanding, prices are high —even potatoes being 1 dollar 25 cents to 1 dollar 50 cents per bushel.