The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-07-16
Strength of the Turkish Position
Overestimated.
WHY THE RUSSIANS REITERATED.
BatOum as Peaceful as Though No
War Existed.
KILLING OF THE ClRCASSIANS
Repulse OF An Attack BY the
Turkish Irregulars.

CoxsTANT1yoPLE June % 1877.
Tho Russians are not advancing so rapidly in Asia as
was generally anticipated but whether their nacton
Ia to be attributed to determined resistance on
the part OF the Turks than they have hitherto en-
countered or 10 the difficulty OF obtiinng reinforce
ments and supplies from the must be left TO con-
jecture for have absolutely means Of ascertain
ing. The principal of the week has been the en-
gagcment at Aiishkurd, which was fought on Saturday
last between Mehemed Pacha's division end some
eighteen battaons Of the Russian regulars. The par
ticulars iollows:--On the 18th the Turkish ad
vance guard reported to their commander, who was
cncamped at Delibaba, in the Alshkurd DISTRICT that
small detachment OF the enemy was recommending
near Tahir Quedk, and Mehemed Pacha, thinking,
doubtless, that by a rapid advance he would be en-
Abled to cut them of from the main body, Immediately
pushed forward to their encounter. The enemy. how
ever got wind OF his Intention and the Pacha arrived
at Tahir Qucdik to ind eighteen battaons fully ar
rayed for battle Though his own force only amounted
to sixteen battaons he ordered the attack
and deadly the IRE of the Turks that the Rus
reported to havo lost 800 at the first dis
saharge. Their superior number, however, told
Ia the enemy's favor, and after. Eve hours
desperate fighting the Turks were compelled
to give way. Mehemcd Pacha fell, struck in
the breast by bullet while cheering on his men Tor
final charge. The loss OF their leader completely de-
moraized the Ottoman troops and the retreat up Doll
bahia, their former camp, accomplished In the ut
most confusion. Fortunately tho enemy too much
disabled for pursuit or iew probably, would have
reached 1t alive The loss of the Turks is reported at
1900 men, though owing to their more efficient weapons
and truer aim the Russians lost nearly double that
number Reiniorcements were Immediately despatched
from Erzcroum at the request OF Djavld Pacha, who
succeeded Mehemed in command.
VICTORY VAN.
To counterbalance this reverse Talk Pacha, CON-
mander of the detachment In the Van district, has
achieved victory in the neighborhood OF Bajazid,
which place. 1t will be remembered was stormed and
captured at the commencement OF the campaign; de-
tails, however, Of the action still wanting.
port purporng to have emanaled from the Office,
rs circulating Galata that this victory followed
By the OF the garrison OF the fortress
aud that Bajazid - once moro In the hands OF tho
abie Of Arabian to be readily believed, and We there
lore await its official confirmation.
TURKS CONFIDENT
The opinion rapidly gains ground III Constantinople
that the struggle likely vigorously
tanned than was At hrst expected The Danube still
maintains respectful distance between The opposing
forces ON It's banks AMI lar we are able TO judge
The Russians arc as far of from crossing the river rs
ever 1t 10 Impossible to ascribc any reason for their
delay beyond that the floods are still prevalent The
Turks apparently ure prepared TO give them warm
reception and nave mado GOOD OF the time at
forded them by erecting earthworks all along the
river and strengthening to tho utmost the already
listing foruAcations Kustende is tho last place which
hos been put in state OF defence. Four thousand
soldiers and the greater part OF the Inhabitants at
work day and night, and IN less taan week IL Is
pected that the battereowi be mounted and tho town
ready for siege. Sad accounts reach from this
district OF the dongs OF the Crcassans, who plumber
destroy ana violate with impunity. The greatest
dread prevails among the Christian inhabitants as to
what will happen when the Russians have crossed tho
panuOo and the irregular troops retreat before
them.
EGYP1iAyn
The important cont ngent furnished 10th imperial
army by Egypt arrived on Saturday last, under the
Command OF Prince assam tue hedive's eldest son.
The troops brought from Alexandria nine
arge rsnsports. which, crowded as they were with
men aud gay with bunting formed truly striking
Jpectace as they steamed up the Bosphorus. Hearty
Ulcers were gwen the vessels passed tho Sulan's
palace, and HIS Majesty, standing ut one OF the win
uows repeatedly waved his acknowled gmcnts. The
squadron detained night In the straits on
count bad weather. but resumed its voyage presum-
ably TO varna on the following day Prince hassan Is
still here concertng with the Minister oil War; but Is
expected 10 JON the division shortly
PURIFYING BospIIoRUs.
The Qualifications between TcneknudJi the Mar
NORA aud Dercos, on tho Black Sea, nave been com
mcnced. Inc sultan has expressed his intention OF
OCCASIONALLY visiting the works during the course oil
their progress The lators OF the Ottoman Parliament
IRE drawing 10 close, and IN weeks time the Cham
beers will dissolve until November next The question
Of the forced loan the subject OF an Interesting
discussion last week Several members were OF
OPINION that the country should not be saddled with
further debt before the budget had been scrutnized,
with view to reducing expenditure as lar possible
The President however, pointed the urgent
stiles OF the government and The loan was accordingly
doubling icr the present year the 'vergh''
'anded property and to be expended IN meeting the
requirements Of the war;
ovEREsT1MATED- KARs WILL BE ASSAULTED
BY THE UNITED RUSSIAN ARMY OF ASIA.
From the London Telegraph's Correspondence