A deputation which waited on the Secretary of State for the Colonies was informed by Lord Oarnarvoa that the English Government was determined to have a voice in the settlement of the Eastern Question."
There is terrible distress in the iron districts of South Wales in consequence of the closing of ironworks.
Sed January.
Lord Carnarvon added to what was reported in the last telegram that cireumstances are not materially changed since the speech of Lord Derby in November (see Keuter's Teleyram No. 174, dated 30th November), that the rejection by Russia of the proposal for mediation was not of the nature of an affront, and that no one desired that the events of the Crimean War should be repeated.
General Gourko is successfully advancing on Sophia, the Turks are falling back on Ichtiman.
Before replying to the Sultan of Turkey's proposal for mediation, the British Government endeavours to ascertain wi conditions are proposed by Russia.
The Standard states that the British Government will not tolerate the complete overthrow of Turkey, nor a separate treaty of peace between the belligerents.
Frequent meetings are held in favour of England's neutrality.
7th January.
The Russians have advanced as far as Sophia, and captured that town.
The British Ambassadorat Constantinople has informed the Grand Vizier that Russia refuses to entertain peace proposals until an armistice is concluded.
It is semi-officially stated that Russia has rejected an armistice, unless of similar tenour to terms previously accepted.
King Victor Emanuel is very ill.
Wo publish elsewhere, minutes of four meetings of the Municipal Council, held on the 17th, 18th, 22nd and 31st December.—Mr. Souper's resignation is noted, and Mr. Pond's appointment to act as Secretary in his stead.—Mr. Holliday's resignation of the Captainey of No. 1 Company,.V.0., is noted.—Progress is reported in cleansing the Yang-king-pang.
The Municipal election was held on the 8th and 9th, and resulted as follows Cowie, G. J. W. 137 Low, E. G.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.