The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-05-17
ON THE DANUBE.
The Russians Smelling the Turkish De-
fencpa

The Russians Smelling the Turkish De.
fences.
BUCHAREST, May 16-There were two hours
cannonading between Tatrokan and Oltenitza
yesterday.
The heavy Russian batteries at Ibrail throw
shells into the Turkish defences at Matchn.
Nothing more has been learned about the en-
try of the Russians into the Dobrudscha, and
battle taking place.
Activity of the Russians at Giurgevo.
LONDON, May 16.-A despatch from Rust
chuk yesterday says that great move me Mt
has begun among the Russians on the opposite
bank at Guirgevo. Eight battalions of Rus.
sian infantry, several batteries of artillery and
squads OF cavalry have passed through Giur-
gevo, following the road to Simmltza. They
have considerable force at Komana. Desul-
tory firing goes on. Turkish troops are enthu-
stastlc. The Russians are either attempting to
force the Danube, or by threatened man.
envre to draw away the Turks from other
points.
The Russian Plan.
The Telegraph special from Bucharest SAYS
the campaign will now proceed according to
the original programme, the Roumanian army
remaining on the defensive within its own ter.
rtory, and the Russians crossing the Danube
at eight points simultaneously and pressing
forward towards the Balkans with all possible
rapidity, leaving behind IN Bulgaria civil Off
Gals charged with the reorganization of the
local governments
Movements Of the Russian Troops.
The Times Vienna correspondent says the
greatest possible secresy is observed as to the
movement of the Russian troops. Still from
the indications it would appear the troops on
the left wing which had at first extended along
the lower Danube have gradually been drawn
nearer to Galatz, REM and Ibrail. The troops
which have passed Bucharest are reported
bearing on Oltenitza in order to better disguise
their movements. There are comparatively
small numbers actually in position on the Dan
ube. Most OF them are echeloned further
back, points being chosen at the cross roads so
that troops may be moved in one or another
direction. Thus those south of Bucharest may
be available for an advance either on Oltenitza
or Giurgevo At the same time there are
signs that Russian column is moving still
further westward. This column is kept the
most backward as it may be meant for Turna
Magureto iopposite Nikopois, or for Tinnitza
opposite Sistova 1t will take some time before
the whole force is in position.
ROumanian Sheep.
A Jassy correspondent of the News discuss
ing the efficiency of the RoumanIan army,
writes that there was a Roumanian corps of
observation at Giurgevo to watch the Turks
and it occurred to the Minister of War that it
would be good thing to exercise these troops
and accustom them to the sound of war. So
one night he ordered an alarm sounded. He
had been heard to say that he bitterly repented
having taken so bold measure. for it took
him a week to get the detachment together
again. The soldiers are not yet all found and
are supposed to be still running.
A Dispatch from Grand Duke Nicholas
ST. PETERSBURG, May 16-A telegram
from the Grand Duke Nicholas, dated at
Ploiesti, says: Our troops have had no en-
counter with the Turks yet The weather is
hot and sutry, and the health of the army is
perfectly satisfactory
The Kalafat- W iddin Bombar1ment.
A despatch from Bucharest says that the
Roumanians lost ITO, killed aud wounded in the
artillery engagement between Kalafat and
Widdin.
The Russians have constructed battery of
heavy guns at Ghiacet to stop navigation.
Extensive movements of Russians troops are
taking place between Galatz and Ploiesti The
cannonade between Turtukai aud Clteuitza
recommended at noon to-day.
Russians Allowed TO Pass Through Blu
charesf.
VIENNA, May 16.-The Political Correspon-
dence says that the Roumanian minister has
made arrangements with the Russian authori.
ties to further expedite the passage of Russians
through Roumania.
Prince Charles has informed the Grand Duke
Nicholas that IN token of Roumanias sympa-
thy with the Russian cause the Russians will be
allowed to pass through Bucharest.