The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-05-10
ON THE DANUBE.
The Rombardmenf Of KnInfat


BUCHAREST, May 9.-The Turkish batteries
at Widdin ceased firing at o clock yesterday
afternoon. Their shells did not reach Kalafat.
The Roumanian shells only reached the Tur-
kish vessels at Widdin.
The artillery engagement was resumed with
vigor late yesterday afternoon between the
Turkish battries at Widdin and the Roumanian
batteries at Kalafat, which only ceased at night
fall. The barracks and custom house in Kalafat
were destroyed and the church injured. Wild
din was set on fire. The Turks again fred to-
day but the Roumanian batteries were silent.
A Despatch from the Russian Commau.
ST. PETERSBURG, May 9.-Grand Duke
Nicholas telegraphs as follows:
KIsoHENEFF
All is well; movement of troops proceeds undis
turbed. Turks are entirely passive Health Of the
troops is excellent
TheIRoumanian Army.
A statement that the Roumanian army will
probably be incorporated with the Russian or
placed under Russiander, is officially con ira.
dicted.
The Freedom of the Danube.
PEsTH May Gin the Hungarian Diet TO-
day Prime Minister Tisza said the neutrality
OF the Danube had never been expressly de-
clared, but only the principle of free navigation
therefore any interference of neutrals with the
operations of the belligerepts would be impos-
sble.
An Artillery Duel at Iblail
GALATz, May 9.-Yesterday afternoon two
Turkish monitors supported by shore batteries
at Ghaciet, opened q murderous fire on the
Russian batteries at Ibrail, whichswas replied to
vigorously. The cannonade lasted three hours
Ibrail was uninjured. All last nj yht there was
great activity insthe Russian camp, showing the
Russians are about to assume the Offensive.
Early this morning the Russian batteries re-
commenced cannonading Ghaciet aud at a.
NJ. brisk musketry fire was audible at all points,
The Turkish Line of Defence.
LONDON, May "a Vienna despatch re.
to make his first stand in defence of Dobrud-
scha on the line from Kustendie to Chernavoda.
and bis next defence within the precincts of
the quadrangle formed by the fortresses of
Rustchuk, Varna, Schumla and Silistria. Two
monitors will be stationed so as to harass the
Russians when they attempt to cross the Dan
ube, which will most likely be near Nikopoeis
OF and after the 10Th inst. In few DAYS the
annual holy pilgrim caravan will leave Com
stantinope for Mecca. laden with costly pres
ul-Islam gave to theileader who has been this
time appointed by the Sultan himself, iustruc-
tons to proclaim in all the cities he passes
through that Russia, who persecutas the Chris
tians herself for not conforming to the orthodox
faith. was now intent upon driving all believers
in Islamism from Europe. The Sultan has,
therefore, resolved to call all the faithful to the
holy war against infdel Russia, and promises
to go on pilgrimage himself if the war proves
successful to his arms.
A Bucharest despatch saws that the Cossacks
have taken possession of Rocket Island near
REM, and expelled the Turkish picket
A Vienna telegram says: On FRIDAY the
Shiek Ul-Islam will.solemnly proclaim the
Sultan as the leader Of the holy war.
The upper part Of Dobrudscha is almost
south. The Christians have been taken off by
passing steamers.
Turkish garrisops in the northeastern ex-
tremity of Bulgaria are very small and can
hardly offer long resistance.
A special from Bucharest reports that in
private conference of senators and deputies
Tuesday, it was decided that the independence
Of Roumania be proclaimed in public sitting
Wednesday. After the proclamation of indes-
pendence war will be declared. M. B. Rations.
president of the ministry, was present at the
meeting.
A special from Danilograd says the Prince of
Montenegro has gone to Duga pass.
The Russian teIegraphic agency whilst de-
claring Russia will not reply to Derby's note.
publishes statement which may be considered
Russia's informal reply. 1t says the powers
which seriously desire to reestabish an under
standing and guarantee of general peace must
seek new basis more in conformity with the
circumstances without further dwelling on
mistaken views of the past results which are
the best refutation of the English despatch
British Shipping Burned.
A Bucharest despatch reports that at Reiet
the Turkish irregulars burned and sunk several
lighters, amongst which were some that be-
longed to Watts g. Wilburn of London, and
had the British flag hoisted. They poured
pitch on the decks and set fire to them They
also captured Greek brig with British car
20 insured at Lloyds. Col. Mansfield, British
Consul General at Bucharest, has informed the
British Ambassadors at Vienna and Constanti-
nople of these occurrences. Steps will be taken
IN a inf ctr
wanton raiding.
The Russian Forces i'm Roumania.
MANCHESTER, Eng, May 9.-The Guardians
Vienna despatch states that the Russian forces
in Roumania are the 11th corps at Ibrall, Gal
atz and REM, the 7th corps between Ismail and
Kiljs, the 9Th corps on the river Jalomitzo, the
10th and 18th corps now moving from Leouva
and Jassy southwark. The 9th corps is still in
Bessarabia. but is expected to cross the Pruth |
near LeoUa in a few Gays |