New-York tribune., 1877-06-04

vestng forces.
The character and duration Of the struggle in Bul-
garia the subject of much speculation, parricu
lary in Germany and Austria, where every officer
seems TO have made his own particular study of the
campaign. The general tenor of these criticisms is
adverse to the Turks not from any doubt that they
will make good fight. and even inhict serious
pulses on their enemy, but from the prepOssessOn
that the superiority in numbers efficiency of organ
lzaton, and strategical ability, the side of
the Russians. There 100000 Russians III posi-
tion on the Danube, without counting the Rou-
manans or the reserves that are beng brought for
ward who number go, 600 men. There are 10000
men east of BraIa. and 10000. with considerable
reserves, at Bolgrad 10 miles TO northeast which
is the point of support for this part of the line.
The strength and position of the works at
Rcni and Braa indicate that they are de-
fenstve and not offensive. the precautions
taken being directed against an attack
by the Turkish fleet, and TO prevent the passage OF
the river by the Turks At Braila there are three
batteries-one west of the town, sweeping the
Danube with four 12-pounders and two guns OF
larger caliber up the pointf0rmed Ivy the Matchn
channel, and the east of the town raNihg lho
Matchiu channel one Of which is armed with four
guns of position and four howitzers' and the other
with eight pieces of still larger caliber and two
reached Matchin. There is fourth battery OF
lighter guns on the island opposite Machin. From
RraJla ND 10 the lines Of Bucharest and Oltenliza
and Bucharest and Giurgcvo there fre no troops
except a number requisite 10 guard against pos
sbe surprise: but between Bucharest and
Gurgevo the concentration is on large
scale. The forces are three camps, each
containing 80. 900 men, TO which must be added
another 10 600 at Glurgevo. Thus there are 1OO-
900 men now concentrated on the bucharest and
Giuraevo line along the railway who may he d.
rected either against the line of Rnstchuk and Inr-
ukai or Rus,chuk and SistOya. On the spot II Is
believed the latter will be chosen, and that the
demonstration at Oltenitza is merely fcint. The
second concentration il on both sldeaoi the ilNer
Auta East of the river are G0,o0O men in two
camps. both on the high road to Turna-Magwcl.
West of the Aluta are four camps, representing
about 10000 men. This may be regarded as the
center of the march. Further west on the line OF
Kaafat and Turnseverin. last accounts stated the
number OF Russians to be over 10000
THE CONDITION OF TIE TURKISH TROOPS
The Iimess ConStantmople correspondent, having
lust returned from close inspection OF Narna, Rust
clink and Shumla says he cannot c0nscicnlouSIy
report much in favor Of the military authorities
The private soldiers are undoubtedly good and pa
tient, but are exeuably fed. The officers, with
few striking exceptions, not equally good
Abdul Kerim Pasha, the cOmmanderin-ci1ef, Is ola
and in had health. The troops are we'll armed the
cavalry especially so. and fairly horsed. The h0sp
tai arrangements are not worth mentioning, ana
there is. much sickness and scurvy vegetable
diet lately issued AZ the request OF an English doc
tor has proved beneficial. ChlorofOrm is greatly
needed Thrce-f0urths of the officers are newly ap
pointed aud have had previous training. The
general fault of the army is lack OF organzation
and oriental slOwness. Some of the officers, how
ever. are most able and hard-worlline. At Narna
the Austrian General Sucker works day and night.
Only one English officer is in the army, and he IS
merely captain of cavalry,
VAGUE RUMORs CURRENT
leading article in The Times of Saturday SAYS
Little war news has reached us within the last
few daVs There are vague reports OF nnWopahlo
events There arc TumOrs. such aS continually au0a
during war of disposition to negotiate, but the
campaign in It's main features IS not marked by any
new incident. The elements fight against the Rus
slams. A persistent dcluge of rala presents greater
obs aces to their advance than the Turkish armies
Rarely has gone so slowly forward