The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-07-08
RUSSIA'S WAR WITH TURKEY.
THE MILITARY SITU1TION ON THE
DANUBE AND IN ARMENIA.
The Plan OF the Cxar's Campaign In Bulgaria
-GortchakoT Defining Russia's Policy
Very Poor Prospects OF Ending the War.

LONDON, July Tho Times Bucharest
despatch says: The military situation now ap-
pears to be as follows: The Turks have changed
front and faced to the westward since the Rus
sian entry into Bulgaria. The Russians are de-
ploying with their left flank resting on tho DAN
ute to face the Turkish line from Rustchuk TO
Shumla. When this movement is completed. n
general battle may be expected unless the Turks
fall back to the Balkans or the Russians mask
the whole quadrilnteral and turn 1t by passing
the Balkans. The Russian forces coming
through the Dobrudscha arc approaching tho
rcar OF the Turkish Rustchuk and Shumla line.
This column is too strong to be opposed by any
force detached from the Turkish main body.
while the main body itself cannot turn upon 1t
without exposing its rear 10 the Russian main
force"
The Times correspondent sccms to ignorecn en-
tirely the existence Of Silistra varna. and Kus-
tendje The latest Information fixes the garri-
sons nt these places respectively at $4,000.
10000. and 10000. which. operating on the
1anks or rear OF the Russian Dobrudscha force,
would paralyze its Efforts to cooperate with the
army in central Bulgaria. Besides tho garri-
sons Of these fortified places part of Sueiman
pasha's army could be landed at Varna, which
would make the number Of Turks on the Rus
sian l"it nnnk alone moro than 10000. The
RUSSIAN llobrudscha corps is said to number
only 10000.
The Vienna PreSse says: Prince Gortcha-
Ron. in an interview with distinguished states
man. sad that only the Srryiau question in-
du ed him to accompany the Car To- the seat of
wur lie had prevented Servian cO0perntion
although urgently offered In order 10 avoid
European complications. Russia had actad on
two lrin'ip ipl"s-irst, to avoid all Interference
with the national affairs Of Servia and Rou-
mnnia and not encourage them to warfare
against Turkey; aud, secondly. to decline so
long ~ the war lasted any Intervention by tho
powers. VINO Mt the conclusion Of pence would
have an opportunity OF protecting all their in
wrcstS. The Russians were prepared for great
cr resistance 10y Turkey than has hitherto been
cNp"rirn red. He concluded as follows: II we
su seed in n decisive battle in Bulgaria, our
tSk Will be completed in a short time. II the
Turks retire into the Balkans. and | have rea-
son 10 believe they will. we shall have annoying
delays because of their excellent positions Tor
defence. Then will commence our difficulty in
provisioning the army"
CoSsTkNrISoPLE. July 7-Redif pasha tela-
graphs from Shumla. under date Of Friday, us
fo.lows; The Russians attempted nenr the
BahA rrdouit. Ave hours march from Silistria,
To dsemhark the troops with the artillery. cross
lnL the Danube ON twenty RATS t1wed hy three
steamers. Tho Turks hOmbarded the RATS
which prcripitatcly turned back. Ono large
raft with troops and stores sank. The tugs
wore damaged
LONDON July a Reuter- telegram from St
Petersburg SAYS IL is officially announced that
Russian dragons occupied Biea on the 5th
inst. and wrrr Joined on the 9th by a detach-
ucnt OF infantry.