Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-10-03


state that intelligence fromBulgaria is to
the effect that, in consequence OF large
concentration of Russian troops, and on
account of bad weather, rendering it
difficult to obtain supplies, Mehemet
Ali Pasha commenced retreatlng on
Monday last to the position he form erly
occupied on the Kara-Lom. These re-
ports are so specific that it is necessary
to take notice Of them AT the same
time, no Turkish general had SO
PUZZLED LooKERs-ON
by the incomprehensibility of his move
ments during the last two months as
Mehemet Ali He is said to have re-
moved his army train and ambulances
from the Banica-Lom river to strong
positions behind the Black LON. Ii
this intelligence fairly represents the
facts, Mehemet Ali has practically set
the army of the Czarowitch free for
operations against Plevna or elsewhere.
Further information on this subject Is,
however, desirable. The retreat Of the
largest Turkish army in the field would
be an important fact in the present cir
cumstanceS.
If1E SAII1NI IkOCEoS.
A Plevna correspondent telegraphing
under date of Sept 2Sth says it is of lit
tie avail that the Roumanians have
Slapped up to within fifty yards Of the
edoubt which, at distance of go
yards, commands with its fire the great
work that they have already occupied.
The
MOST DIFFICULT PORTION OF THEIR TASK,
even as far as this redoubt is concerned,
is still before their pioneers. The sap
must be carried In the last fifty yards up
the glacis, and the descent into the ditch
must still be made under the fire Of the
breech-loaders of the garrison. 1t will
be extremely difficult to establish breach
ing batteries. and probably the actual
advance against the ramparts will have
to be made
BY THE AID OF MINES.
The Turkish engineers have never been
found wanting in capacity IN subter-
ranean warfare. Counter-mines will
probably be freely employed, and many
days may probably be expected to elapse
before the assault can be delivered Its
success then is problematical, for the
attacking columns must advance from
narrow trenches, and will be able to
rush upon the breach only with a small
| front.
PLEvNA REINFORCED.
A Russian official dispatch Of the 20th
a Turkish infantry force of 10000 men
and 5000 cavalry from Sofia, supported
by artillery, forced their way through
our cavalry, posted to intercept them,
and entered Plevna Further particu-
lars are wanting.
QUIET.
All is quiet around Rustchuk and in
| the Balkans
A correspondent at Zgalince tele-
graphs: Discomfort and Encouragement
| are great in the Russian army The
officers regard success as hopeless while
the headquarters staff remains I'M
changed, and no improvement seems
likely. Half the army will be invalided
soon after the bad weather.
MONTENEGRO SUCCESSES
A Cettinje dispatch of Sept. 2Sth state
that at Goranska the Montenegrins took
800 regulars prisoners. and captured 3
cannon and 500 rifles.
The Montenegrins have also occupied
Piva, captured Fort Cekvica, and now
hold the whole territory as far as Fota-
cha. They have totally burned Bilek
and the surrounding villages, after
sending the sick, wounded, and non
combatants to Trebinje.
A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.
A London dispatch of the Goth inst
says one of the most daring exploits of
the war has been successfully achieved
by the Turks. The garrison of Plevna,
after undergoing great privations lately
on account of a lack of provisions and
ammunition, has at last been relieved
by convoy dispatched from Orkani by
| Chefket Pasha The officer command
ing the division which protected the
convoy, Ahmed Ifzi Pasha, deserves no
less no less credit than his superior for
the skill displayed in executing a most
arduous task. There are few operations
more difficult than the conduct of a