New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-09-08
"DIS>0IVJNG VIEVSv or VAR.

Since the terrific fighting at the Shpka Pass
ceased through the sheer exhaustion of the
comlatants the field of war in Bulgaria re-
sambles cloudy screen, mon which pictures
are thrown by some lurid lantern. Each scene
assumes form which, for a moment, appears
to be that of victory or defeat but the out
lines speedily dissolve, and rccombine them
selves into new picture. The territory oc-
cupied by the Russians projects southwark
from the Danube, like a prOmOntoly, hrniy
based at SistOva, and with crumblmg mead
land at the Shipka Pass while its opposite
shores advance and Tecede, waverlng ana
changing in all their length, as the waves OF
Turkish assault rise or fall. The advantages
Of Dosition are not so unequaly divided as
they NAV seem at first sight. The distance
between the line of the LON, on the east ana
that of the Wild and Ozma, on the west, Is
great enough practically to divide the Russian
forces, even as the latter divide the Turkish.
An attack III force upon any point on one
line c0mpels the other line 10 prepare to re-
cciye counter attack; and thus the profit
and loss of the three recent engagements are
nearly equally balanced.
The fight at Peisat, five miles east of Pley-
battle. Osman Pasha appears to have taken
Gen. ZOtof by surprise, stormed his earth
works, and then retired, after inflicting severe
losses on the Russians. The latter made the
next move, on the Sd inst, and after hard
fighting, got possession of the town of L0yatz,
on the river Ozma-a victory which extends
the Russian and shortcns the Turkish line.
But to offset this defeat, Mchemct Ali imme-
dately attacked the Russian position mt Kazc-
levO, ON the LON, driving the enemy across
the liver and checking his advance toward
Rustchuk. The gain mere, in fact, more than
atones for the loss of Loyatz, since the break
ing of the Russian line near It's base affects it
throughout the whole length. II is apparent
that the utmost vigilance must be observed
along both fronts Of the occupied territory, for
the two Turkish armies, united by telegraph
are acting in concert, and their policy evil
IDENTITY includes ii series Of sharp, sudden at
tacks. The main strength of the Russian Army
is massed in front of Plevna, but the battle
which is to wipe out its humiliation is still de-
layed. Osnan Pasha's onslaught at Pclisat
was undoubtedly intended to check the man
advance, and gain time for more effective de-
fence. Caution is always III order, especially
III the present SltimtlOn OF the Russian FORCES
vet every day of delay increases the courage
and improves the organization of the Turkish
troops.
The political IIlmors growing ont of the
present state of affairs, do not yet call for any
serious consideration. England has become
surety for the good behavior of Greece, and
Austria is endeayoTing to hold back Servia-
mt least by one hand. 1t is too soon for any
power to talk of mediation. Turkey will
Weld 10 point now, and Russia cannot. That
irregular wedge OF Bulgaria. from the Danube
to the Balkan, is destined to be the PharSa
liam Field of the great struggle. Armenia,
where, not long ago, we watched the move
ments Of the adverSarieS with such a singular
interest, as they deliled through the passes OF
Ararat and forded the waters of the Eupmates.
is now forgotten. OF the second invasion,
which was to retrieve Melkofi's blundeTs, we
hear nothing. The Russians hover on the
borders, hardly eXerting themselves so hold IA
few not very important points (; and it does
not surprise Us to hear OF another defeat. The
best military strength of the Empire has been
gathered from all its far provinces, poured
into Roumania, and marches, day after
day, across the floating bridge at SStova.
The field of war has been located at last.
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