Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-04
FOREIGN WAR NOTES.

In a convention with Russia, dated April
10th, the Prince of Roumania assures to the
Russians the free passage ant treatment due
a friendly army, and the Gar binds himself
to respect tho rights Of Roumania.
The Russians are allowed to use Rouma-
MAN roads, railways, rivers and telegraphs-
The resources of the country are placed at
their disposal for the supply Of the army
A letter from kischcnoff mentions that the
Grand Duke Nicholas lately said prince
Bismarck has declared that wars between
Russia and Turkey usually last three years.
We shall break with that tradition. Should
war occur we will take care that it shall be
short and decisive"
1t is said that during the late Conference
Great Britain was undoubtedly given to I'M
derstand by Russia, that, in the event of
crisis in the Orient, the time for Great Bri-
tain to occupy Egypt would have arrived.
The question between Russia and Austria
gives European diplomats grayer concern
than that between Turkey and Russia. Aus
tria, driven ont of Italy by the wars from
1859 to 1866, shut out from Northern Eu-
rope by the war of 1866, is now doomed
power, if she permits the territorial nggran-
dizement of Russia on her east.
The Turkish Commander in-C Chiefs Abdul
Kerim, Pasha, who is known in Turkey by
another title equivalent to =" the great
Abdul" lie, too, is over seventy years oil
age, and has fought before on the Danube
and in the Crimca, besides conqucring the
Seryiaas in their last revolt.
The Commander-in-Chief Of the Russian
forces is tho GIand Duke Nicholas, brother OF
the Gar. who has had very little fighting OK
pcricnce lie was educated as Il military
engineer. The Grand Duke, however, Is
but figure head, the real commander of the
troops being Gen Nepokoytchisky, Pole,
now about seventy years old, who holds the
rank of Chief of staff lie has u high repu-
tation as n strategist, and has served with
distinction in the Caucasus and on the same
field where he is now in the campaign OF
1881.
A despatch from Kischeneii to the London
Mems savs "As the Russian army nd
yances proclanations will he issued both to
the Christian and Mussolman pOpulations'of
Turkey, ordering them to remain quiet. as
all who remain quiet in their homes will not
he molested. Nothing will be taken with
out payment. Russia does not wish the
Christian population to rise, as tins would
only result in useless bloodshed but Chris
tians who wish to take part in the war can
come to the Russian lines, where they will
be given arms and uniforms, and be regular
ly enrolled in special division, commanded
by Russe n officers, under the strictcst disci-
plinc.
The Porte has informed the Powers that 1t
might find it necessary in selfdeicncc to
eros. into Seryia The Powers replied 1t
was advisable to avoid such II step as long as
possible.
Great excitement prevails in the towns oil
Arabia. Recruiting and drilling are in pro-
gress everywhere, and large numbers OF men
arc volunteering. The scheriii of Mecca
sends the sultan 1000 fully equipped troops.
The Russian march to Galatz was a won
dcrful perlormance The whole distance
was trayersed on foot in Is hours without n
halt. Wagons were only provided to carry
knapsacks and arms. The artillery. cavalry,
and baggage trains all arrived together.
The Danube has been 50 eilectually closed
by the Russians that no Turkish war vessels
dare move in its waters, and no vessels are
allowed by the Turk to pass the approaches
IN the Black sea after dark. Russia ~ send
ing more troops to the Danube, and pushing
the operation to Asia
England, France and Italy positively as
sert their neutrality.
The plague has appeared ut Resht, in Per
sia, on the Caspian sea. ab out 400 miles
from Kars, to which point the Eastern army
of Russia is advancing. The scourge is pre-
yailing quite extensively at Bagdad, and is
marching steadily westward Should tho
disease continue its progress and attack the
armies operating in Turkey, it will tic more
destructive Of life than dozen pitched Eat
ties.