NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 409, 20 August 1877, Page 3

NEWS BY THE SUEZ MAIL.

{Per Akawata, at the Bluff.) ■■ - • •♦ WAR NEWS. A severe sensorship has been established by the Russians and Turks on all private telegrams. The f-pecial correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, who has been visiting the Caucasus, says that hundreds of families are starving, all their provisiona having been carried off by the Russians. In the Zanui district, fifteen hundred families, whose iiomcs had been burnt by the Russians, died of starvation before provisions could be sent by the new Turkish Governor. The insurrection in the Caucasus does not make much way, having been confined to the coast. It lias, however, interfered with the forwarding of reinforcements to Armenia, and thereby aided in the present collapse of the Russian campaign in Asia Minor. On the 29th June 15,000 Russians attacked the Turks near Soukum Kale, p. ml after an obstinate fight, were repulsed with tlio loss of 2000 men. The Turks, being entrenched, only lost about 500. Further fighting took place between the Russian left and Turkish right, and the two centres, and finally on the 30th June and Ist July a prolonged engagement came off at Karakalesha, when, under over of a heavy artillery fire, the entire Turkish force attacked the Russians, and drove them before them into the plains of Kars. The Russians admit a loss of 740 killed and wounded. Turkish accounts say the Russian loss was 3000 killed, besides an enormous number wounded. A telegram from a correspondent of the Jhiily Telegraph at Erzeroum says the Russians are completely demoralised. A St. Petersbnrgh letter says the collapse of the campaign in Asia is to be attributed to the scattering of the forces and the attacking of too many places at once. Also to the insurrection in the Caucasus and a disagreement between Grand Duke Michael and General Melikoff. These statements are believed to be reliable. It is asserted that the Russians have lost in Asia, since the commencement of the campaign, 10,000 in killed alone. The Montenegrins attribute their defeats to Prince Nikoto entrusting commands to Russian officers who, ignorant of mountain warfare, needlessly exposed their troops. Official intimation has been given to the Hungarian Chamber that Austria has male no engagement with Russia, and flisf. sin: will neither tolerate any change i;: respect to the possessions of Turkey, :n.>r any territorial transformation of the i Miaitry, and that she reserves full liberty •f acti'">" *<>i-the preservation of the interests, fi that country. The Austrian papers warmly support an entente cordiaie with Great Britain. The Austrian Government is understood to disapprove of the turms of the Czar's proclamation to the Bulgarians, as shadowing forth the foundation of an independent State under Russian protection. It is stated that a severe fight hai taken place between the Russians and Abassian (1 Circassian) insurgents at Shomka. The result was indecisive, both sides maintaining their position. Ahmet Effendi, who has been appointed Turkish envoy to the Ameer of Afghanistan, is the bearer of costly presents, and letters from the Sultan advising the Ameer to strengthen the relations of Afghanistan with England, and avoid relations with the Russians. The necessity for establishing depots retards the advance of the Russians in Bulgaria. The Turks have evacuated Tchemavo, and fallen back on Silistria, virtually withdrawing from Trajan's Wall, and leaving the road open out of the Dobrudsclia. GFNERAL ITEMS. The trial of Huirin, at Tourville, for murder in the Tyrol, resulted in a verdict of " Guilty," and he was sentenced to be hanged, but the sentence is likely to be commuted to imprisonment for life. The Berlin Post of July 3rd says :—A republic for France means peace for Europe, monarchy supported by the "Ultramontanes means war. It is rumoured that the French Government is considering an excuse for the arrest of Gambetta, to keep him from interfering in the elections. Street tramways have been introduced •p-itli success in Belfast and Glasgow. Great distress prevails amongst Clyde shipbuilders owing to a lock-out; many families are reduced to starvation point. All attempts at mediation are indignantly refused. An extensive tire occurred in a timber yard at Pimlico. The Foot Guards were called put. The excitement was greater than at any fire since the destruction of the Pantechnicon. Several houses were destroyed at the same time. Obituary.—K. B. Paul, late Archdeacon of Wimniera, and Sir Jamsetjee Geegeebhoy. —"~ — "~—— —-