The Republican journal., 1877-08-23
The Turco-Russian War.

LONDON, Aug. 10. Dispatches this
morning assert that Suleman Pasha has
formed a junction with Mehemet Ali, be
tween Tiersarora and BebroNqx which
places the Russians occupied in the face
OF d formidable Turkish army. The Rus
slams are re- enforcing and preparing for
an onslaught on the Turks. The latter
have hurried up almost the last man, and
general battle cannot be DELAYED many
days. Shipka Pass is still held by the
Russians and is bockaded at the southern
entrance. 1t will have to be probably
evacuated unless the Russians attack and
defeat one OF the three Turkish corps now
forming a semi-cilcle from Rasgrad to
PleVna, Foreign diplomats have been
assured that the Port will not make any
exceptions in favor of any foreign power
in regard to passing the Dardanelles,
which will effect England if she sends
war vessels oatensibly to protect Chris
tian5. A Bucharest letter says that the
main hope OF the Russians now is that of
a decisive victory at Tirnova, which, if
accomplished, the Gar will be ready for
peace at once. The new headquarters of
the Car are at the junction OF the two
roads leading to Plevna and Biela, both
connecting ut Sistovia and few miles
north of 1irnova. This position precludes
his being cut of in case of defeat. Shlpka
Pass is still held 10y a portion OF Gourka's
troops, and Haiti Pasha is reported
marching against them with large Tur
kish force. Gourkas forces are in a crit
zeal position, with Suleiman's arms south
and Hatiz's north of him, and there is
danger of their capture. The Bashi- Ba
zouks constantly harrass the small Rus
sian force guarding the remnants Of Nico-
| polls.
Every detail of the preparations show
| that the Russians have made up their
minds for IA long war, and are preparing
great depOts OF tireWOod. The Rouman-
| ian Government is also asking tenders for
Il supply OF great quantities OF clothing
and stores. A rain of less than twelve
hours has rendered the roads of Sistova
over which the Russian supplies are
| transported, Il sea of mud, with gaping,
| unknown depths at frequent intervals.
This forcibly illustrates the impossibility
of Il Russian campaign in Turkey after
| the rainy season has begun. 1t will be
very difficult even to maintain their arm
les between the Balkans and the Danube
when summer weather breaks up.
A part Of the Dobrudscha force has
already passed through Roumana and
again crossed the Danube about ten
miles above Rustchuk, but operations on
the other side are delayed by rain, which
has rendered the roads practically impas-
sible for artillery and trains. A great
part of the line of communication with
the army is over mere cart tracks deep
with dust in fine weather. and churned
into deep mud when it rains. Wood is
scarce i'll the country now occupied 10y
the Russians, and enormous forces art
about to be encamped in the heart o
Bulgaria, which will probably leave it as
bare us the Allies left the plains before
Sebastopol. During the occupation 0
f the Dobrudscha lately the sick were SEM
back at the rate of 300 per day, and there
are signs of increasing sickness within
the lines on the other side of the Danube
The news that Suleiman Pasha is fairly
across the Balkans seems to be confirmed
p from several sources.
1t is reported that public opinion il
Russia is powerfully affected by the fail
, ure before Plevna. Military advisers o
f the Emperor urge some enterprise tina
| hight W6li Dc UtltFItu I'LL stronger force
f can be arranged. Thus it is not impossi
BILE that active operations may be resumed
before justly warranted The establish
ment Of the Imperial headquarters a
. Studen would seem to point to a clos
! connection between the Emperor am
. Grand Duke Nicholas, and perhaps t
0 presage and presence of the head of tn
0 army at some determined and obstlnat
y assault on the entertainments of Osma
0 Pasha.
: The Russian bombardment continues
3 Two hundred shells have fallen in tn
town and twenty persons killed. A Rus
sian recennoitring party was repulse