The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-27
Montenegro Drives Out the Last Of
Her Invaders.
BEFORE ERZEROUM AND KARS.
Italy Awakening to the Opportuni-
ties of the Future.
'IBY CABLE TO THE HERALD

The bombardment of Rustchuk is watched
with interest, not only by the Russians Of
Giurgevo, but also by every Cabinet Min
lister in Europe The Gear is at Giur-
gevo and evidently intends to see
with his own eyes the efficiency of the Rus
sian gunners From Rustchuk direct it is
uext to impossible to despatch any intelli-
yence owing to the excitement existing
there, but the following details Of the
commandment of that town by the
Russian batteries at and near Giurgevo are
forwarded by the HERALD's special cor
respondent, who dates his message from
Schumla, Monday night
THE COMMANDMENT
''The bombardment of Rustchuk has
caused intense excitement among the Turk
ish troops at Shumla, and they display q
remarkable eagerness to meet the Russians
at the bayonets point.
OMlNOUS PlSEPAhAIlON5s
"During Friday and Saturday the lookouts
posted on the roofs of the mosques and on
the ridges behind the town, over which
passes the main road to Shumla, discov-
cred and reported on unusual activity on
he part of the Russians at Giurgevo and its
vicinity. Trains of small wagons were OBJ
served to pass frequently between the bat
leries on the river bank and the town, md
there were groupings Of men in the works
that suggested preparations Of an extraor-
binary character Fears were entertained
in Rustchuk that the ominous signs meant
, sudden crossing Of the river under cover
pf heavy fire from the Russian batteries.
THE TURKS ON THE ALERT.
ssIn view Of this the Turkish commander
ordered large bodies of troops that had been
previously encamped behind the southern
Maratin and along the Sistova road, in
order to cover the railroad line and to guard
against flank attack on the westward.
Supplies of artillery ammunition from the
not over large magazines behind Rustchuk
were sent to the batteries along the river
front and to the field works recently erected
covering the railroad As far as possible
svery precaution was taken to guard against
! surprise.
ANXIOUS HOURS.
During Saturday evening and night a
profound silence reigned over the scene
The great muddy Danube rolled sullenly
on between the belligerents, and scarcely
reflected light on either shore. Groups Of
citizens and soldiers gathered in the streets
and, in scarcely audible tones, discussed
The probable battle of the morrow. Many
Of the more timid inhabitants fed during
;he day to the high ground behind the city,
but as night approached they began to
hoping that the hour Of danger would pass
in the darkness of the night.
OPENING FIRE.
''The sun had scarcely risen on Sunday
morning ere the anxious watchers at Rust
chuk discerned through the river mists horse
men riding furiously back and forth from
Giurgevo. As these horsemen were evil
IDENTIFY carrying messages between the bat
teries and the town the suspense among the
people in Rustchuk became painful. for
the belief was general that the day
would witness some important event
Of tho war. Suddenly from one Of the
Russian batteries fash was seen in the
rentre Of globe of grayish white smoke,
md shell sped screaming over Rustchuk
10 explode ON the slope of the hill crowned
by Fort Hanamdji It was the signal for
The bombardment Immediately after it
seemed as if every Russian gun was fired
simultaneously, for the earth fairly tren-
bled with the roar of the artillery and the
shells flew over the doomed city with an
awful and indescribable sound.
THE TURKS REPLY.
although the Roumanian shore, above,
below and in front of Giurgevo was entirely
obscured by the smoke from the Russian
guns the Turkish batteries promptly opened