SPECIAL TELEGRAM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 244, 4 January 1878, Page 12

SPECIAL TELEGRAM.

1 " London, December 30th. A leader in the Observe?' says : — Russia h.os 1 refusecli T ttf conclude terms of peace, and must leave England to intervene 'in'- the "war. A discussion continues in the press regarding England' acquiring Suez and Egypt. Austria has endorsed England's policy. The Hungarian Minister, Tezza, is visiting Berlin. The Czar has ordered the enrolment of 480,000 troops for' lß7B. The armament of the Russian fleet is being vigorously pushed forward. An urgent message has been sent by English Ministers to their supporters abroad to return for the opening of Parliament. ■ Wellington, December 31st. -• The following is a copy of a cable message received to-day by the Mayor of Wellington :— " If not sent you from Madras, please note telegram received, and acquaint Provincial Mayors that your exertions, and those of the committees in all parts of -the' British dominions, have brought such liberal aid that, under the present favourable prospects, we gratefully say collections may cease. The_

munificent contributions from the Australian Colonies excite profound gratitude. The total receipts from all quarters are 89 lacs. Kindly repeat to Mayors of Sydney, Adelaide. Hobart Town, and other centres. — E. Fitzgibbon, Melbourne."

[By Cable.]

London, December 31st. Mukhtar Pasha has been recalled to Stamboul. An attack by torpedo vessels on the Turkish fleet at Batoum failed. The Turkish commander defending Nissa has made proposals to surrender. The Channel fleet and the ships under repair have been put in. commission, and all ordered to be ready for sea by the 16th inst. (?) Count Andrassy, according to the Government" organ at Pesth, states that Austria was forced temporarily to join the tripple alliance, but will support England the moment she decides upon a resolute policy. London, December 31st. P~\ Russian semi-official note states that the British Government have intimated to the Russian Government that in the event of certain contingencies arising, national feeling may force England to defend her British interests in the East. It is officially stated that Russia is now willing to consider direct Turkish proposals for peace.