The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-04-28

ly, the other day, in relation to- the
prospects of the struggle between
Russia and Turkey, which they con-
slider inevitable. Admiral Porter
thinks that the war will be one of
the greatest of modern times, and
will last at least two years. He does
not think it very sure that Russia
will be successful, and it is doubt
full if she succeeds in capturing Con-
stantinople. In regard to this, he
said:
"The Russians have fine army,
well disciplined, well differed, and
doubtless their arms, guns and sup
plies are Of the first class. They are
not commencing this fight for senti-
ment's sake. 1t is the hope of their
lives; and they are now arrived at
that point when the Emperor will
get every man and every dollar
his people have, so as to win the
great contest of the nation. 1t will
be no use, though, as it will end in
disaster. The Turks are thoroughly
aroused. From one end of their vast
empire to the other, the Mussulmans
are crowding together by the tens of
thousands, and already the religious
fanaticism of the Turks is discern,
BILE. Just think of 10000, 900 of peo-
pie! They will give every dollar
and every valuable they have to aid
their side. They have the best arms
in the world-they were made by
get from krupp, and, of course. thew
cannot be eXcelled. There is no
doubt that both sides have plenty of
arms and ammunition. After the
Russians get very much weakened
and the Turks have worried them a
good deal, then the Austrians. and.
perhaps. the Germans, will have
something to say. France is not
particularly interested, landmark
what l say-she will not engage in
this conflict. She will go on with
her exhibition, and it promises to be
grand success. The war will not
affect it in The least. Austria is the
country that is most interested in
thls contest, excepting England, and
just how Austria is going to act re-
mains to be seen. She will be in the
hight, however, before the war has 90
on six months. England is the
grand puzzle. You can depend on
1t she does not intend to allow Rus
STA to take COnstantinople, even if
she could, and her time to enter in
to the contest will be marked by the
of the conflict
The Admiral's opinion of the Rus
sian navy is that it is too small and
weak to give much assistance in the
struggle against the powerful arma-
lent OF the Turks, the strong fortif-
ations and natural defenses of Con-
tantinople. The Russians have al
ogether 30 irOnclads and 255 other
var vessels. carrying ,555 guns, and
manned by 10000 men. Against
his the Turks can oppose 20 splen-
id iron clads, and 81 other superior ,
var vessels, carrying 1918 guns and ,
1000 men. Then. as all the Rus. >
ian vessels would have to attack :
rom the Mediterranean-since none
re allowed in the Black Sea- they =
I'LL have to contend with all the =
eavy forts lining the Dardanelles. .
well as the torpedoes and other y
Distractions which can be placed in y
lat channel. 1t is not likely that :.
icy could succeed in reaching Con- :,
even if there were no a
aet to contend against. II
In regard to the influence upon f,
lis country the Admiral was quite IL
lthusiastic: II
1.-The great good that this war is fc
ing to have on our country cannot at
computed. We will not only sell Y
'ur, wheat, corn, pork, clothing, nj
ms and ammunition to the con- til
nding parties. but we will sell all ia
ese things to the other great ma er
ms, especially our cereals and pro- of
Sions. If the war continues two re
ars, and my prediction is that il pr
IL, we will have to plant for the BIT