The Sun.
London, England, 1855-10-30 00:00:00

SOME OF Tlllll IiEROES OF KARS.

The heroic defence of Kars, whatever may be the
ultimate fate of its brave but neglected garrison, will re-
main one of the brightest episodes of the present war.
The devotion and fortitude displayed by the few thou-
sand Turkish soldiers behind the earthworks of Kars
offer a strong testimony in favour of the patriotism and
soldier-like qualities of the Ottoman race, and will re-
deem it in the eyes of the world from much of the
indiscriminate and often unjust abuse that has lately
been lavished upon it. The defence of Kars, with that of
Silistria, will descend to posterity not alone for the
military virtues which those events called to light,
but also for the great political interests involved therein.
The fall of Silistria would have afforded a "point
d'appui" for the Russians on the Danube; that of
Kars would have resulted in the capture or annihi•
lation of the Asiatic army of the Sultan, and in the
1 triumph of Russian prestige in the East. The defence '
of Kars will not, perhaps, be deemed of the eaine im-
portance as that of Silistria, but with injustice, for the
difficulties overcome by the garrison of the Asiatic town
equalled, if they did not surpass, those triumphed over
by the gallant soldiers of Mussa Pacha. True, the
Russian army which assailed the redoubts of Silistra
was more numerous than the one whose recent defeat
we have signalised ; but that army was commanded by
officers in whom professional jealousy overcame even
the dictates of duty. Shilders, Luders, Liprandi, Pa,
kiewitch, and a score of the most notable generals in
the Russian service fought before Silistria, not so much
for the interests of their sovereign as for the realisation
and triumph of their own peculiar strategical views.
Before Kars commanded one man who is recognised
with justice to be the first tactician of the empire ; and
the dispositions he took upon the day of the assaul.t leave
confirmed rather than belied that decision. The garri-
son of Silistria was maintained by the hope of approach.
ing relief either from the allies or from Omer Pacha.
The troops at Kars were, on the contrary, hopeless and
sacrificed. Deserted by their Government, reduced to
the greatest straits, shoeless, tormented by the pangs of
hunger, and with a pay three years in arrear, did these
gallant fellows still continue to struggle, and well have
their sufferings been repaid by the triumph of the 29th
of September. Everything had conspired against this
handful of neglected soldiers, who had not even the
prestige of former successes to sustain them in the hour
of trial. Facing them, on the contrary, were the batta-
lions that had routed them in two successive campaigns
and who, elated with former successes, advanced to the
assault with an excusable though fatal confidence. In
a word, the triumphant repulse by the Turkish garrison
in Kars of the troops of General Mouravieff merits the
greatest praise, and commends tho Ottoman troops to
our respect and sympathy.
We would not for worlds detract one single particle
from the merits of the Turkish soldiers who fought at
Kars, and the victory they achieved was the result of
their obstinate courage and fortitude. At the same time
the greatest praise is due to the officers who commanded
on that eventful day, who had directed the defence, who
by their noble example sustained the patience of the
troops when oppressed by famine and pestilence, and
who finally led them to victory. Properly commanded
the Turkish soldiers are second to none, and under a
general who has obtained their respect and confidence
they would, with the introduction of a more perfect state
of discipline, prove irresistible. This confidence had
been gained by the Europeans in Kars, and to that sen-
timent do we partially ascribe the happy issue of that
fearful day. The Muchir or commander-in-chief of the
Anatolian army is Vassif Pacha. The second in com-
mand is Abdul Kerim Pacha. The adviser of the
Muchir, and, in fact, the virtual commander-in-chief, is
General Williams, assisted by a small staff of English
officers. The chief of the staff is General Colmann, or
Fezzi Bey, while General Ktneti commands the infantry
charged with the defence of the redoubts. These are the
commanders to whom Turkey and her allies owe a heavy
debt of gratitude.
Vassif Pacha, the muchir, is an aged and experienced
commander, very much respected in Turkey, and en-
dowed with a tractable and conciliatory disposition. He
willingly accepted the advice which the knowledge and
talents of General Williams offered, and thus presented
a marked contrast to his colleagues, who viewed in the
adoption of a European's opinion the sacrifice of their
petty dignity. The excellent feeling which exists be-
tween our countrymen and Vassif Pacha is most credit-
able to both parties, and might in many quarters be ac-
cepted as an example.
Abdul Kerim Pacha, the rein, or second in command,
is likewise an experienced officer, not, however, pos-
sessed of any very brilliant scientific attainments, but
distinguished for great personal courage and popularity.
In the battle of Kuredere, which terminated the past
fatal campaign, Kerirn Pacha displayed great gallantry,
and increased still further his personal popularity with
the army. Before the present war Kerim had distin-
guished himself against the Kurds and Arabs in the
various risings of those unruly tribes. The age of this
officer, his venerable white heard, and unpretending
manners, have endeared him to the troops, and ho is one
of the few native Pashas in whom the soldiers place their
confidence.