The Portland daily press., 1877-08-20
THE BULGARIAN CAMPAIGN
Bad Condition Of Things in the Russian
Camp-Su1eiman Pasha Across the Bal

Bad Condition of Things in the Russian
kans.
LONDON, Aug. 1S.-Advices5from Bucharest
and Sistova show that the Russians have made
fiat sandy island, over which is an approach
more than mile long to the pontoon bridges,
shows no signs of a road making, although a
hundred infantry soldiers have ided away time
there for several months, and it is now mass
of mud. A few days labor of regiment of
infantry would have made across this isla nd
road capable of enduring an unlimited amount
of rain and traffic. On the Sistova side, where the
roads to Biela and Tirnova run up steep hill
sides, there was also no preparation. Short
but severe showers Wednesday night caught
the Russian service department utterly unpre-
pared. after the road had been virtually i'm
passibls in many places. Fatigue PARTIES
turned out Oh the Sistova hills to cut new
road and made ill-directed efforts to fill chasms
in old ones with willow brush wood
The weather has been exceedingly dry for
months, consequently the roads are very hard
II rain of one nights duration could produce
the effects such as described it may easily be
imagined what would be the consequence when
number of heavy rain falls occur in raid sue
ceSsion.
A part of the Dobrudscha force have already
passed through Roumania and again crossed
the Danube about ten mile above Rustchuk,
but operations on the other side are delayed by
rain which has rendered all roads practically
impossible for artillery and trains. A great
part of the line of communication with the
army is over mere cart tracks beaten with dust
and churned into deep mud when it rains
Wood is scarce in the country now occupied BY
the Russians, and enormous forces are about to
be encamped in the heart of Bulgaria, which
will probably leave it as bare as the allies left
the plains before Sebastopol.
During the occur alton of the Dohrudscha
lately the sick were sent back at the rate of 800
per day, and there are no signs of increasing
sickness within the lines the other side of the
Danube.
The news that Suleiman Pasha is fairly
across the Balkans, seems to be confirmed
from several sources. Reuters Shumla agent
says that portion of his army arrived at
Ilyana. "Celins," another Shumla CORES
pendent, says that he is before Plevpa. How
ever this may be it seems evident that be
either is or shortly will be in commun ication
with Osman Pasha or Mehemet Ali or BOTH
Suleiman Pasha seems to have brought his in
fantry and cavalry through Ferdilza and Helen
Passes, and his artillery through Demica pom
pass, that road being better for the transport of
guns. Shipka Pass, which is still held by the
Russians, was blockaded at the southern en-
trance and probably will have to be evacuated
unless the Russians attack and defeat one of
the three Turkish corps, which now form a
semi-circle from Rasgrad to Plevna.
Some appear to think that the Russian advan-
tage lies in continued inaction and further con-
struction, but the increasing ravages OF the
disease in the Russian camps is an offset
against relnforcements and may compel their
generals to attack Plevna or Rasgrad before any
strategical considerations would authorize such
an undertaking.
1t is reported also that the public opinion in
Russia is powerfully effected by the failure be-
fore Plevna. The echoes of dissatisfaction may
reach the army in the field and tempt mill
tary advisers Of the Emperor to urge some enter
prise that might be deferred till stronger forces
can be arranged. Thus it is not impossible that
the active operations may be resumed before
justly warranted. The establishment of the
imperial headquarters at Studen would seem to
point to close connection between the Empe-
ror and Grand Duke Nicholas, and perhaps to
presage the presence of the lead of the army at
some determined and obstinate assault on the
| intrenchments of Osman Pasha.
SuIeiman Pasha Forms a Junction with
Mehemet Ali.
NEW YORK, Aug 19.-Cable dispatches
state that Suleiman Pasha has formed Juno.
ton with Mehemet Ali between Tierseroya
face of a formidable Turkish army. The Rus
slams are reinforcing and preparing for an
onslaught ON the Turks. The latter have
hurried up almost the last man and a general
battle cannot be delayed many days.
shipka Pass Still Held by the Russians
Shipka Pass is still held by the Russians
and is blockaded at the southern entrance. II
will have to be evacuated probably unless the
Russians attack and defeat one of the three
Turkish corps now forming semi-circle from
Rasgrad to Plevna.
Gen. Gourko's Position .impreguabie-
Russians Awaiting tbs Arrival of the
Imperial Guard.
BUCHAREST, Aug. 15-Gen Gourko declares
that the Russian position from the Danube to
Shipka paas is so strong that the Turks will
stantly intrenching, The Turks especially hold
wonderfully strong position at Plevna, but
Osman Pasha is nevertheless in difficult sit
uation because the numerous cavalry attached
to the $4,000 Russians are confronting him, and
completely cut off his communications with
Sofia, aud capture his conveys of ammunitl on
and provisions.
The Russians will not undertake any opera
tions until the whole guard arrives from St.
Petersburg. This signifies pau.e of fort
night or three weeks.
Eight vessels landed Turks in DObradacha
Friday. The Russians are marching to oppose
them.
Kuslendji Occupied ny the Russians.
KUsTENJI Aug. 18.-The Russian army has
occupied this town. There is no signs of either
the Turkish army or fleet.
TIRNovA, Aug. II -Russisn army occupies
in force line extending from here to Shi pka.
pass. The Turks are considerable distance
off and do not make any demonstration.
1t is said that the Russians intend to block.
ade Plevna but will not attempt to lake 1t by
assault. Osman Pasha's supplies are beginning
to fail.
War Notes.
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