The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-06-30
WAR NOTES.

Up to Monday last %, 900 Russians had
crossed the Danube at Ibrail, and had
taken the heights behind Zizilea near
Matchkin, where they have entrenched
themselves. 1t is supposed however that
the crossing at lbrall is merely diversion,
because the pestilential climate and flooded
condition of the Dobrudscha forbid opera
tions on an extensive scale.
The Russian batteries at Giurgevo and
Stobosia opened fire on ltustchuk, shower
ing shot and shell into the streets of the
town at absolute random, not even dis
eliminating between hospitals, mosques or
consulates.
The Turkish authorities have called
upon the consults to testify to this violation
of the usages of all civilized warefare.
Many houses were burned and several
towns people were killed by the Russian
fire.
The number of Russian troops between
Simingtga and Giurgeva is about 90, 600,
and between Turna and Karrahia over
100000; at krajova 10000 are encamped,
and between kalarasch and Giurgevo there
are &C. 600, making in all between kalarasch
ond the Bulgarian frontier 232, 900 for the
first line of attack. Redif Pasha has
promised to raise and equip 200, 900 Turk
the Porte will furnish the money. 1t is es-
timated that the total number of Russians
now in Roumania, combatant and nom
combatant, is All, 800.
In Asia Minor the Russians have been
unfortunate. Having been repulsed at
Batoun, they have not been able as yet to
reduce kars though they are bombarding
it with nine batteries of Sc guns. After a
severe battle with Mukhtar Pasha's army
near Erzeroum they were driven back with
loss and their works taken and occupied by
Turks.
Great dissatisfaction is felt at CONSTANT
nople with the appointment of Dervish
Pasha to a command in Asia, after the
signal incapacity shown by him in Bosnia
and Albania.
The Russian Commander in Chief, the
Grand Duke Nicholas, on Wednesday
made formal report to St. Petersburg that
the "ditficult and complicated task of
crossing the Danube" had been achieved.
From the beginning, it is remarked, the
Russians have wisely drawn veil over
their every movement to the very last
moment, keeping sentries on all the roads
and suffering no one to pass on any plea.
When all was ready, the work was accom-
plished with an ease which, it is said, has
has the comparatively feeble resistance
which they encountered Correspondents
now say that present indications lead to
the conclusion that the much Wanted
square of fortresses will itself soon be cut
in halves. The Turkish forces are separated
into three divisions, without means of com
munication, and with the entire Russian
army occupying central position between
them, and free to move with crushing force
upon any one of them. AS was announced
in advance. the Gar directly on entering
their province, has issued proclamation
to the Bulgarians, in which he speaks of
the sufferings to which they had been sub
.jected, and of the soil "soaked with their
blood" and tells them that it is Russia S
mission to build up, not to destroy. She
has been called by Providence to conciate
and pacfy all the races and denominations
which have their homes in Bulgaria, that
she will protect every Christian against all
violence, and will administer, not ven
geance, but strict equity.