Telegrams.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 245, 11 January 1878, Page 9

Telegrams.

. . [Retjtek's Special Telegbams.] 'i „ . London, January 1. Russia has refused Lord Lof tvs's proposed mediation. If Turkey desires an armistice, she must, apply direct to the Eussian Com-mauder-in-Chief. • Gourko's Vanguard has occupied the Balkan Passes between Tchankanak and Sophia. It is reported at Bucharest that the Turks have abandoned and burned Sophia. Midhat Pasha has left Rome for London. The Czarewitch remains in Bulgaria with Todleben, as chief of his staff. The Servians have advanced on Pristina. Numerous meetings have been held in England regarding Earl Beaconsfield's supposed war policy. The anti-war feeling predominates., , , ' The following message from Reuter confirms the Argus special : — v Eussian Government replying to the intimation from England that the Porte was prepared for peace negotiations, declares that if the Porte desires an armistice it will be necessary to treat direct with the Russian Commander-in- Chief." All war vessels have been refitted and ordered to be immediately got ready for sea. The Kaffir troubles have renewed, and the situation has become alarming. British trops have crossed the Kei river, and the 90th Regiment has been ordered for service at the Cape. January 2. Lord Carnarvon, in replying to a deputation, said that England was determined to have a voice in the settlement of the Eastern Question. [By Cable.] London, January 3. ' It is reported that the Fenian prisoners are to be released shortly. The Turks still hold Sophia. . . The Russians have advanced between the Ikhman defile and Sophia, thus cutting off the Turkish retreat to Adrianople. The Turks propose an armistice on the basis of each party retaining whatever territory has been gained. . ' January 3. Jfiari Carnarvon, in replying to a question as to the policy of the Government, declared that circumstances were not materially changed since Earl Derby's speech in November, as the rejection by the Russians of mediation was no affront towards England ; adding that nobody desired a repetition of the Crimea. Wool is unchanged. New Zealand hemp is firm. The New Zealand 4£ per cent. Loan is at £105. _ . January 5. Erzeroum is completely invested. The Russians will not bombard the town, owing to the majority of its inhabitants being Christians, but will reduce it by famine. Austria declines to support the action of England. There is great agitation throughout England against going to war, and numerous ex-Parliamentary speeches have been made. It is stated' that the Cabinet is divided — that the Premier, the Hon. Gathorne Hardy, and Lord Cairns form the war section, and that Lord Salisbury, Earl Carnarvon, Mr. Cross, and Lord Derby are against it, while the other members are doubtful. Frequent meetings have been held throughout England in favour of the maintenance of British neutrality. — •**■ Gourka is successfully advancing on Sophia, and the Turks 'falling back on Ichtitiman. Cardinal Manning has proposed a conclave of cardinals at Malta, but the Italian cardinals object. The Queen has created a new order, that of the Imperial Crown of India, for which females are eligible. Hemp is firm. January 6. Before replying to the Sultan, the. British Government will endeavour to ascertain the conditions on which Russia will conclude peace. The Standard states that the British Government will not tolerate a complete overthrow of Turkey, nor allow a separate Meaty of peace to be made between Turkey and Russia.