The Tipton advertiser., 1877-05-03
TURKEY DOOMED.
Statements of Mr.. ROkcr, Amer.
tcan Minister to Russia,

Mr.. Boxer, United States Minister
| at st. Petersburg, recently returned to
his home in Philadelphia, in an inter-
view on the Russo-Turkish troubles,
says that sympathy for the Christians
in Turkey, and determination to ex-
act protection for them, are controlling
motives with the Gar, rather than
ambition of conquest. Mr.. Boxer says:
"The Empress, who is very Jealous
in her religious principles, also exerts
n strong influence upon the question
with the Gar. Russia, in consequence
has been placed upon a war footing,
and her resources have been mobilized
at a very heavy expense. This latter
point is one of the strong reasons
have for doubling that conflict will
take place. Both Russia and Turkey
are in bad financial conditions; but
while Russia is meeting the interest
on her liabilities promptly, Turkey
ey she i, using for the large purchases
of arms i'm this country really belongs
to her bond-holders, who have been
cheated out of it. Russia has purchas-
ed large quantities Of powder in the
United States, which Is all she needs,
as she is well supplied with arms Of
her own manufacture. At the pres
ent moment she can take the field
with the largest army I'm the world,
composed of well drilled and discip-
lined men, who would occupy Con-
stantinople in less than two months.
A distinguished English military Of
ficer, whose name / do not wish to
mention, andwho had ample facilities
for thoroughly estimating the strength
of the two armies, assures me that the
Russians can occupy Constantinople
In six weeks after war is declared. The
trouble is that the Turkish army is in
an utterly demoralized condition, and
is really without head. The Russian
army is in perfect order, and over
900 900 men can take the field fully
equipped, while all the forces Turkey
can muster would not amount to one
fourth Of that number. The Grand
Duke Michael, brother Of the Car,
who is stationed in the Caucasus, has
increased his army there to 10000
men. In case war is declared he will
probably march his force through Asia
Minor. keeping the Black Sea on the
| right, and attack the flank of the Tur-
kish army while they are occupied in
| front by the main body of the Rus
slams. His route in such an event will
be through country inhabited by
| friendly Christians, who " ill use every
means in their power to aid the Rus
slams. If this course is pursued, which
| consider probable, the Turks will be
| utterly eXterminated between the two
| forces. Turkey cannot be aided by
any outside power; although England
| will bluster, as usual, she is powerless
| to help her. The English fleet is in
| the Dardanelles, at twelve hours sail
| from Abydos, in narrow sea. Should
the Russians plant batteries on both
sides of the straits the fleet would be
seriously incommoded, if not utterly
demolished. England has quite enough
| to do to take care of her possessions In
India, where Russia could give her n
| great deal of trouble il 50 disposed.
Germany has been in favor Of the war
from the first, and would Immediately
seize the opportunity toattack France.
She has threatened to do this fire.
quently of late, and, in two instances
| in the Franco-Prucian conflict. war
has not only been averted by the in
terposition of the Car Of Russia.
| Austria can do nothing, owing to the
international dissensions that occupy
her continually, 80 that, If Turkey
goes to war, she need expect no aid
from the Great Powers. l should re-
gret to see war; as the Turks are an
amiable people, although no reliance
can be placed on their word. For in
stance, when / was in Constantinople,
they used to solemnly report to the
Sultan that the army consisted OF So
900 men in good condition, whereas
1t was barely $1,000. This was merely
one case of their habitual deception,
| which enters into all their business.
They will simply stand on the defence,
and, should Russia attack them, their
doom Ii sealed"