CABLEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 512, 20 December 1877, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS.

<t> -- LATEST WAR NEWS. (rEUTER's TELEGRAMS, FEB PRESS AGENCY.) London, December 11. There has been great slaughter at Plevna. The Turks were compelled to surrender after an heroic struggle; 40,000 prisoners were taken, and 20,000 of the garrison djed of cold, hunger, and wounds. It is officially stated that Russia intends prosecuting the war. December 14. At a Cabinet Council to-day, in consequence of the fall of Plevna, it waa decided that Parliament should be prorogued to January 17. An early peace is considered impossible without British intervention. The Turkish Supreme Council of State has resolved to continue the war to the last extreme.

(SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE PRESS AQENOY.) London, December 15. Firewood at Plevna being exhausted, Osman Pasha, with his whole army, on tlie morning of the 10th, attacked the Russian grenadiers on the left bank of the Via, attempting to force his way through the trenches and batteries. He found that he was unable to break through, and tried to return to Pleyna, whigh, meanwhile, the other Russian division occupied, assaulting the Turkish rear and flanks. After five hours' desperate fighting, Osman Pasha surrendered his sword. He was slightly'wounded. He was received with marked attention by the Russians, The Russian staff were aware of the intended sortie three days beforehand, a spy having informed Skobeloff. The Turks made two feint attacks westward, as described, with great fury, pearly destroying the grenadier regiment. An epidemic in Plevna hastened Osman's sortie. He had three weeks' provisions and a thousand cattle, but no forage or fuel. An attempt to kill the Prince of Montenegro by an explosion was made at the residence of the PririGe. He was absent, but several of the attendants were killed or injured. The bulk of Melikoff's troops are detained by snow between Ivars and Erzeroum.

Suleiman's advance against the army of the Czarewitch has been checked. The surrender of Plevna was celebrated with great rejoicing, and there were illuminations at Bucharest and St. Petersburg. The Pope's condition is alarming. His death has been frequently announced.

A Vienna telegram asserts that the Porte consents to permit the British fleet to pass the Hellespont without abandoning neutrality. Austria protests. The Duke of Manchester probably succeeds Lord Dufferin as Governor of Canada.

The Marquis of Bute's mansion, at .Rothesay, lias been partially destroyed by fire.

(SPECIAL TO THE "WELLINGTON ARGUS.) London, December 6. Germany recommends Austria to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tunis has promised troops to the Turks. The Russian Consul has left Tunis.

President Hayes has addressed Qongress. He advises consideration of the Samoa petition for a treaty of commerce and protection. Tenders are called for a Cape mail service. The passage is required to be done in tliirfcy-fiye to forty days. December 12. 13,000 additional Egyptian troops have been sent to the aid of the Turks. VERY LATEST WAR AND GENERAL NEWS. (neuter's telegrams, per press agency.) London, December 15. The Morning Post states that the Cabinet have under consideration a pircular despatch from the Porte intimating willingness to accept the mediation of the European Powers. The Queen visits Huglenden, the seat of Earl Beaconsfield, to-day. The Russian attack on Erzeroum appears imminent. The British consul has left, taking away the consular archives. December 16. The Servian army have received orders to cross the frontier. The staff has gone to the capital.

(SPECIAL TO THE WELLINGTON ARGUS.) London, December IC. The Turks have evacuated Elena. Servia has declared war, and will probably operate with the Roumanians against Widdin. : The Turks are aiding persons conspiring against Prince Milan. The French Assembly has voted direct taxes, and two-twelfths budget, A Turkish circular to the neutral powers says that Turkey had been instigated by England. Arrived—William Davie and Waikato. The wool sales have closed. The tone of the market is weak and halting. DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS. •

[REUTER'S TELEGRAJJS, PER PRESS AGENCY.] Melbourne, December 19. The Assembly was adjourned to the 22nd January, the Government having decided, at the request of a deputation, to postpone the advertised land sales until the House has decided the question. December 20. The Council has postponed the Appropriation Bill. The Assembly adjourns to-morrow till the middle of January.

Sydney, December 20. Sir Gavin Duffy, Speaker of the Victorian Assembly, lias been created a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. The Australian mails via "Brindisi were delivered in London on. the lltli.