The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-06-25

1t is impossible TO. ascertain the losses, but
from their exposed position, it is probable the
Russians lost more men than the Turks. The
prisoners captured place the number of
the Turkish garrison at 5000 men.
Saturday morning the battle was renewed.
During the night the Turks made great efforts
to strengthen some earthwOrks in front of the
western approach to the village, but after few
shells were thrown into the entertainments and
the to Wn the Turks evacuated the former The
Russians advanced and occupied the town only
to find it abandoned by the main body OF Turk
ish troops during the darkness All day yes
terday the crossing at Ibrail continued, and it
is expected all che troops will be over by Sun
day morning. The arrival of the Gar at Ibrail
was the signal for the beginning of the con.
quest of Dobrudscha. The heights command
ing the river as far asl Hirzova will be seized
within the next four days. Only two army
corps, embracing between $1,000 and 10000
men, will cross at Ibral. The 14th corps with
out its cavalry division numbers q, 800 men
The reason for sending so few troops into Dob
rudscka is because of the barrenness of the
country and it cannot be relied upon for fur
nshing sustenance.
The next crossing will take place at Turna,
opposite aMickopois. Thus the Russians will
outfiank two strong fortresse e. Of the famous
Turkish quadrangle, namely, Silistra ana Var
ma, besides cutting communication between
Varna and the Danube.
Main Passage to be attempted at CUR
gevO.
LONDON, June 24.-All the authorities assert
that the crossing opposite Ibrail is intended
merely as diversion, because the pestilential
climate and flooded condition Of Dobrudscha
fOrbids operations on an extensive scale. AS
any danger from the Turkish f1otilia or army
on the Galatz and REM line has, in the opini on
of the Russian commanders, passed away, the
majority of tue troops has been withdraw n
thence TO GuirgevU TO replace the forces VINO
proceeded to Vode and Alblta. No less than
seven or eight trains day have been leaving
Bucharest with troops, artillery and pontoons
to replace at Guirgevo the troops who marched
to Islach and Turnu Magurell.
The total number of Russian combatants and
non-combatants now in Roumania is reliably
estimated at 1900. Their heavy guns are
supplied with 700 rounds each, and they have
on the Vode and Aluta sufficient pontoons for
the construction of six bridges across the Dan
ube.
1t is believed the main passage will be at.
tempted in few days, although the Danube
is still rather high. The spring floods caused
subsidized but before long the summer floods
caused by the melting of snow on the Carpa.
thians will commence. TIE interval must be
| utilized if an attempt is to be made under ia
vorable conditions. The position of the Rus
slams at Turnu Magurelli and Simintza gives
the command Of four favorable passages, name
y: AT Turnu Magurelli, Simintza, Rustchuk
and Oreava.
There have been floating rumors during the
week of the possibility of the Turks attempt.
ing the offensive by a teint at Kalafat and 6
real attack below Rent to be supported by the
fleet
This would considerably alter the Russian
plans, but it is considered improbable, although
the Russians have strengthened the forces a.
Bolgrad and are erecting redoubts at Stanova
Jibrani, and on the road from Barda to Ismail