The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1877-12-15
WAR NEWS.

WAX 6EWS.
PERA, Dec. l4.-A circular of the Porte
states that the Porte desires to1stop the
effusion of blood. Therefore it is ready
to come to terms, and appeals to the feel
ings of justice of the great powers, but is
not yet at the end of its resources and is
ready to sacrifice all for the independence
and integrity of the fatherland
CoNsTANTINoPLE,D Dec. 14-M Cristics,
Servian agent, has delivered to the Porte,
Servia formal declaration of war against
Turkey, and started for Belgrade.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec. l4.-In his
speech from the throne yesterday, on the
opening of the Turkish parliament, the
Sultan declared that Russia began the war.
and Turkey, compelled to defend herself
against aggression, has offered the utmost
resistance. The Ottoman had displayed
the most patriotic spirit, as evinced by the
self denial of all classes and the courage of
the Turkish soldiers had excited the
admiration OF the world. His majesty
spoke with special appreciation of the for
nation of civic guards. His non Mussul
man subjects had shown a Conscientious de-
sire to share 10 the defence of the
country. The constitution granted to
non-Mussulman subjects perfect equality
in the eye of the law. Therefore, as they
had acquired corresponding duties at
| home, il was only natural that they should
share in the military service, and the
government had decided to enlist non-
| Mussulman subjects in the ranks of the
army.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec 4-The peace
/ a nd
premacy. 1t is believed that the war
party will prevail There is trouble in
consequence.
1t is reported that it has been necessary
| TO amputate OsmaD Pasha's foot,
LONDON, Dec. IA Russian official
dispatch, dated Bogot, Dec Is, says:
Sixty battalious of Turks yesterday at
tackled the forces Of the Grand Duke
| Vladimir all along the line, directing,
however, their principal efforts against the
left and centre They attacked Metchks
six times, but were each time repulsed
with great loss. Atlp NJ, the Thirty
fifth division Of the Twelfth Russian army
corps, peared on the scene and attacking
the Turks on the flank, compelled them
with the cooperation OF the rest of the
Russian forces, to retire upon kTasna
their retreat to Joyan Ciftilk being cut of
The Grand Duke Vladimir narrowly es
capped ball.
Suleiman Pasha, describing the sam,
affairs, claims that he carried some of tn
entrenchments of Metchk9, but was unabl
to hold them, owing to the fire from tn
heights and the arrival of Russian rein
forcements. He consequently withdrew t
is original position, after seven hours
battle. Three thousand Russians wer
killed5
CoNsTANTINoPLE. Dec. l5.~- Th
chamber of deputies has elected
: christian as its president
LONDON, Dec. IA Constantinopl
dispatch says, a circular note dispatche
, by the Porte TO the Signatories of th
: treaty OF =, commences with the state
i, ment that the origin of the present i'm
: portant events is perfectly known tn
: imperial government is conscious Of havin
done nothing to provoke war; it has don
everything 70 avoid it; and has vainl
;. sought to discover Russias motive in be
a aggressive campaign. The Porte ha
. shown desire for Improvement by RI
organizing the judicial system, and by d.
:. vlsing reforms without distinction of peaC
: or religion according TO the constitution
d Any doubts as to the execution of thes
C reforms should disappear before the so
&c emn declarations the Porte now makes.
&c state of war simply retards such reform
), and is disastrous to the country general
" destroying agricultural interests, KILN
l. industry, and running financial re orgal
st ization. independently of these arrang
le ments for reform what reason can there
for confirming the war. Russia has
+ clared that she is not animated by sspir
lie of conquest The military honor OF bot
le sides must be abundautiy satisfied
u what object can there be
: prolonging a contest ruinous to bot
y countries. The Porte thinks the time ht
g now arrived when the belligerent powe
at can accept peace without affecting the
t, dignity. Europe might now usetully il
III terbose her good offices, since the Por
is ready TO come 10 terms. The countr
- it says, is not at the end Of its resource
and is still prepared to light in it's own
fense: it is ready, moreover, to sacri6
| all for independence and the integrity
the fatherland; but the Porte is desire
ed to stop further effusions of blood, al
al therefore appeals to the feelings Of iusti
WI which must animate the great power
hoping hey will receive these overtur
. favorably.
a PievDa correspondent teegrap
- that he believes the Russians will not a
vance immediately, but await the effect
the fall of that place Tie heavy guns
the Sofa road. between Pievna and t
ef ao river Ord, have been hauled back
ie' BAGoT. Dec. l5.-The Turks burn
nd nd aud evacuated Elma, Friday, and t
nd Russians now re occupy it,