The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-11-25


nifty. The telegraph operators evidently took a
holiday.
The War in WalInchia- Threatening Po-
sitton Of Russia.
The news from Turkey, by the Washington
and Canada, is startling and highly important
The Danube has been crossed afresh, at three
points, iurgovo, Oltenitza, and kalarach-
by Omer Pasha's army and at Oltenitza an
encounter has taken place, in which the Rus
slams were defeated, with loss of $50 killed
and nearly 500 wounded The number of troops
engaged appears to have been $4,000 Turks,
and some 5000 Russians under General Parloif
Five Russian officers had already arrived at
Constantinople as prisoners Of war. There are
rumors that Giurgsvo, and even Bucharest
had been STONED by the Turks. Whatever
credit the statement MAY obtain, it is now certain
that Omer Pasha is master Of the north littoral
Of the Danube. He has fortified Kalefat on the
far west, and left garrison Of 1000 men there.
If Giurgovo has not fallen into his hands, 1000
men besiege it. Oltenitza is his. with $4,000,
and Kalarach is occupied by 900 troops. From
Oltenitza and Giurgovo good roads lead di-
five miles distant from the former and forty
from the la ter place. Flushed with victory
there is no doubt that the Turks will advance,
if they have not already done so, upon the head
quarters of Prince Gortschakoff. Now that
hostilities have begun in earnest, Omer
Pasha cannot but follow up his summons with
vigor and resolution. Thus far, fate has favor
ed his cause.
Nor are his exploits the only Turkish tri-
umphs of which we hear. As was expected, the
courier which was despatched to the army in
Asia, with the news of the armistice, arrived
too late to prevent the commencement of host-
lities; and here again, the Turks have been
victorious Our accounts are somewhat con-
fused; but it appears that Selim Pasha, the
Turkish General, crossed the frontier, invaded
the Russian territory. and gave battle to the
enemy at some point opposite Baltoum. Five
thousand men were engaged, without decisive
results. Subsequently however, second en-
gagement is said to have taken place at Ciorck.
Dere, when $4,000 Russians were defeated,
and the Russian position of Orelle taken. The
Russian force is said to have fallen back
1t is well, before going any farther, to dispel
at once any delusion which these facts might
create in the minds of some The advantages
gained by the Turks can be but temporary, and
in no wise alter the existing prospects Of the
issue. The Russian army stationed in Walla-
CHA, is said to be $4,000 strong; while, accord
ing TO the most reliable accounts. Omer Pasha
has only crossed the Danube with force
amounting altogether to 10000 The former is
abundantly supplied with horse and artillery,
and the nature of the ground is peculiarly favor
able for effective movements of cavalry. Omer
Pasha has no horse to speak Of A similar
disproportion exists, if we mistake not be-
tween the contending armies in Asia.
In point of zeal and ardor the Turks
may have the advantage; but in numbers,
discipline and equipments the Russians are
manifestly their superiors Nor must it be for
gotten that the Russian troops actually en-
gagged in the present conflicts are mere detach-
ments from the standing army of the Car;
that he could double them at moments warn
ing; that he runs no risk of lacking money or
supplies: that his army is in excellent training
and discipline; while, on the other hand, the
Turks are straitened for means must have
drawn heavily on their people for the present
levies. and whatever may be said of their cou-
rage. have as yet earned no claim to distinc-
tion for military skill.
These considerations give peculiar signi-
ficance to our news respecting the attitude of
Russia. On the Sd Of November, the day on
IN
the Car issued proclamation in which he
soemnly announces that Russia is provoked to
combat and no other means is leftus than re-
course to arms, to compel the Ottoman govern
ment to respect treaties, and to obtain from 1t
PREPARATION for its offences" Taken in conjunc-
ton with the facts we have related, this mani
festo would seem to close the door, finally, to all
attempts at negotiation, and utterly toproclude
all hopes of restoration ofpeace.
From other quarters, we learn that Nicholas
is taking measures to countercheck England
anticipated interference in the quarrel. ru-
NOR had been telegraphed. in advance OF the
India mail, to the effect that an alliance had
been formed between the Gar, the indomtable
Dost Mahomed, and the King of Persia, to op-
pose Turkey. and Of course to threaten the
British possessions in India. The news had
created great sensation in England. Such
course would in fact be polite in one sense. and
entirely consistent with the known character
and views of the Gar.
Our readers have now before them the lead
ing facts Of the intelligence received last even
ing intelligence more important, probably,
than has been sent over the telegraph wires
since the French revolution of 1848. Should it
he confirmed as there is little doubt it will
the Gar Nicholas will stand in the position Of q
man who desires and intends TO set not only
Europe. but all Asia, in blaze Of war; 1t is
utterly impossible 70 speculate on the extent to
which the contagration will reach, or the stu
penaors revolutions it may effect ere it ia
quenchcd