The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-12-17
FOREIGN.
The TurcO-Russian War.
THE TURKS ANXIOUS FOR
PEACE.
The Porte's Circular to the Powers.
Elena Burned and Evacuated by
Suleiman Pasha.
SERvIANS ACROSS THE FROM
TIER.
FOREIGN.
The Porte's Circular to the Powers

sERvIANs ACROSS THE FROM
NEW YORK, Dec. 15-Kiernans London
specials have the following:
Suleiman Pasha ia fortyfying all positions on
the Lom.
An Athens despatch says that the speedy
participation in the war by Greece is expected.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec 15.-A circular note
despatched by the Porte to the signatories of
the treaty of 1871, commences by the statement
that the origin of the present important events
is perfectly known. The imperial government
is conscious Of having done nothing to provoke
war; it has done everything to avoid it, and has
vainly sought to discover Russia's motives in
her aggressive campaign. The Porte has shown
desire for improvement by recognizing the
judicial system and devising reforms, without
distinction of race or religion, according to the
constitution, which has everywhere been well
received. Partial reform is Of no avail.
The adoption of Improvements in one part of
the empire only, would incite other communi-
ties to revolt Any doubt as to the execution
of these reforms should disappear before the
solemn declaration the Porte now makes. A
state of war simply retards such reforms, and
is disastrous to the country generally, destroy
log agricultural interests, killing industries
a
Independently Of these arguments for re-
form, what reason can there be for continuing
the war? Russia has declared that she is not
animated by spirit OF conquest; the military
honor OF both sides must be abundantly salts
fed. What object can there be of prolonging q
contest ruinous to both countries.
The moment has arrived for the belligerent
powers to accept peace without affecting their
dignity. Europe might now usefully interpose
her good offices, since the Porte is ready to
come terms The nfrU moi Of tbo o,,J
OF its resources, and is still prepared to fight in
its own defense. 1t is ready moreover to sac.
rifce all for the independence and integrity of
Fatherland. But the Porte is DESTROYS to stop
farther effusion OF blood, and therefore appeals
to the feelings OF justice which must animate
the great powers, hoping they will receive the
overtures favorably.
LONDON, Dec. ia Plevna correspondent
OF the Times telegraphs that he believes the
Russians will not advance Immediately, but
await the effects of the fall of that place. The
heavy guns which were already on the Sofia
road, between Plsvna and the river Vid, have
been hauled back, which would have been
waste OF labor il a speedy advance on the Bal
kans was intended.
The Times correspondent with the Grand
Duke Vladimir shows that the Metchka affair
was confined to skirmishers and cavalry with
some field artillery practice. He thinks the
Turks may have lost a thousand men altogeth-
or, as they were much exposed, but the Rus
sian loss is Insignificant; The Russian force
on the field was three brgades The Turks
were driven across the river Lom, and their in
trenchments on the west bank are now in Dos
session of the Russians.
BUCHAREST, Dec. 15-Osman Pasha has
sent short telegram to the Porte, 5statng that
he had not received reinforcements nor proyis-
ions, but nevertheless resisted as long as posi-
BILE. Finally he made an attempt to force
passage through the Russian lines of invest
ment, 10 which the Turkish troops despite
their valor, were unsuccessful, and he himself
was taxed prisoner.
NEW. YORK, Dec. 15.-Kiernan's Chicago
despatch says that the Tribune there has the
following dated London, Dec Is:
The battle at Metchka Wednesday, seems to
have been serious endeavor by Suleiman
Pasha to defeat the Czarowitch before the
transfer to the latter of large reinforcements
frem Plevna. The attack was directed at the
new bridge across the Danube at Kalen by way
OF Metchka valley. aAbout sixty batteries
charged up the valley at daybreak, while the
feint was made on the Russian right. All day
the fighting was continued by artillery fire,
supplemented by frantic charges, weakly sus-'
tanned. By evening the Russians took the Of
fensive, turned the Turkish right flank and
drove them as far as Kerasknoe and across the
river LON. Sueiman Pasha will leave in the
quadrilateral about 10000 men, cross the Bal
ly commanded by Mehemet ALI Even with
out requirements there will thus be 100000
men to cover Adrianople.
The British CONSUL has left Erzeroum with
the consular archives and the place is nearly
wholly invested. Nothing can be learned as
yet Of the action decided upon at the cabinet
meeting here yesterday, though the circular
note of the Porte to the great powers was dis
cussed.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec. I5.-The Seryians
have crossed the Turkish frontier at Perot,
and are marching on Kossova. Mehemet Ali
has arrived here.
BoGoT, Dec. 15.-The Turks burned and
evacuated Elena Friday. The Russians re-
occupied it.
COPENHAGEN, Dec. 16.-The report that the
Russian minister here was believed to be ne
gotiating with Denmark with view of pro-
posing Prince Waldemar or Prince John of
Glucksburg for ruler of Bulgaria is declared to
be without foundation.
LONDON. Nov 16.-A Reuter- Constantinople
despatch says several of the powers have al.
ready acknowledged the receipt of the Porte's
circular. The tone of Italy s reply is yery con.
clliatory and friendly. 1t says Italy will en-
deavor to have steps taken iu concert with the
other powers for the purpose of offering medi-
alton.
Layard, British ambassador, denies that be
has sounded the Porte as to the conditions of
peace 1t will be willing to accept.
The Observer states that it has reasons to be-
lieve that the Turkish circular was despatched
at the instance of England.
The Scotsman's London correspondent saws
1t Is understood the English government does
not wish to act without the concurrence of the
other powers and is most anxious to avoid com.
pllcatlons winch might lead to unpleasantnees
with Russia.
a Reuter- despatch from Coustantinople, via
smyrna, says 1t IS reported that England has
sounded Russia as to the condition of peace
Inc Forte, however, has been informed that
Russia desires Turkey to negotiate direct, and
mediation will only make the terms harder.
The peace party seems to be gaming ground
somewhat. Great discomfort prevails among
the population of Stamboul. Sedtious pla-
cards are frequently found.
LONDON. Dec. 16-A rumor was current in
Constantinople Sunday that Osman Pasha was
dead. The report is not credited here as no
Information can reach Constantnople from
bucharest, and Reuters latest advces from
Bucharest mention nothing amiss with Osmap
Pasha.
The Daily Telegraph, however, asserts that
dispatches reached London from Bucharest
stating that Osman had poisoned himself and
IL was believed that he was actuated BY the Mo-
hammedan horror Of amputation, which the
surgeons informed him was necessary. The
story is sill doubtful.
Standards special from Constantinople Sun
day asserts that Osman has telegraphed to his
family that his wounds were progressing well
A Berlin correspondent of the Times tele-
graphs that Germany replied to the Turkish
e.OsO ohoo oCAhaan DdEbClpdllUu III m6QlaClOn
depends upon the Russians consenting to a
policy.
North German Gazette and National Gazette
concur 10 declaring that the powers will not lis
ten to Turkeys appeal.
The Times Pera correspondent says the Turk.
lsh government obviously feels its capability to
resistance is exhausted, and would gladly make
peace upon reasonable terms but it appears to
have no definite programme
Times Paris correspondent states that the
Russian Minister of Fin ance has notified the
loan contractors that he has determined not to
receive the second instalment of the war loan,
amounting to 100000 marks, the option Of
refusing which he has reserved.
special to the Daily News dated Veslutfa,
Saturday, says 1000 Russians leave for Orcha.
mic today.
ST: PETERSBURG, Dec 16.-The total Rus
sian losses up to Dec. Is was II, 65S men.
BELGRADE, Dec. 16-Prince Milan has
started for Alexinatz. The Servians under
Gen: Lieschganin have occupied with artillery
the heights of Topulnitza and Secankeo. COM
manding Fort Wranior near Weisch.