ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XI, Issue 750, 23 February 1878, Page 3

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

London, 18th February The European situation is less threatening. It is expected that Germany will exercise a moderating influence over Russia. Lord Derby, in replying to a question, said the Government had received no information that Russian troops had entered Constantinople, but they had received a despatch alluding to a possible Russian advance upon Gallipoli. The Russians, evacuated the redoubt within the lines of defence of Constantinople which they had occupied. 19th February. In the German Parliament Bismarck said he did not believe there would be a European war. At to-day's sitting of the German Parliament, Bismarck declared his disbelief io the probability of a European war. He said that Germany will not interfere between Russia and Turkey, but is willing to mediate. The President of the Austrian Council of Ministers said Austria reserves the interests of monarchy, and objects to shifting the balance of power. Cardinal Pecci has been elected Pope by the Conclave of Cardinals. He has assumed the title Leo the Thirteenth. The European Congress assembles in the first fortnight in March. ' Papers presented .to Parliament show that Schouvaloff informed Lord Derby in June of the terms of peace, which are identical with Russia's present demands. Two hundred and nine thousand bales of wool arrived in time for the sales. February 20th. The insurgents in Thessaly had beaten the Turks at Yalo. Six hundred were killed. The Channel Fleet has been ordered to GalHpoli, and a new one is forming. {Special to the "Melbourne Argus.") London, 18th February. It is denied that the Russians are advancing on Stamboul or G-allipoli. Three thousand Christians have been massacred in Thessaly;