The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-06-23

cely any DOUBT that the troops con-
centrated between these two rivers
form the operating army. Itseems
as though the Russians would make
an attempt to cross at this part of the
river whilst energetically engaging
Rustchuk with heavy artillery. This
latter conclusion is supported by the
arrival ola good quality of heavy
artillery, especially mortars, at Gu
rgevo, and the fact that the Russians
have occupied the island of Stokan,-
opposite the town, and are establish
ing batteries there, despite the Turk
ish fire. The Turks also think pas
sage will be attempted in force be-
tween Nikopolis and Sistova and
have considerable reinforced the
snip caand garrisons at those places.
GETTING ACTIVE.
NEW YORK. June IA Cable
special from Constantinople says:
There is great excitement in this city.
The Sultan has issued proclamation
which literally inaugurates the draf-
ting for military service in the worst
form. All Turkish subjects of what
ever creed, living in the Empire, are
called upon to prepare Immediately
for the field. The Sultan's Cabinet
considers the situation very critical.
Affairs are vary unsatisfactory. An
extra military council was held yes
terday, when it was decided to press.
the war tax and extend and push
forward the trade for more men and
material. ...
On Tuesday the Patriarch of the.
Greeks, by invitation, visited the
Sultan and held a long conference
He promised to use his good offices
to dissuade the Greeks from any
offensive demonstrations. The Pa
trialch was decorated with the Or
der of OSman |, which was per-
sonally conferred by the Sultan.
LONDON, June IL A dispatch
from Erzeroum states that desperate
fighting is going on before Kars, the
battle having begun yesterday. The
result is not yet known.
BUCHAREST, June A.-The Turks
are concentrating themselves in i'm
mense force in the vicinity OF Rus
tendite,
LONDON, June IA Vienna dis,
patch says the Turks have succeeded
in relieving Nicsics- The Russian
siege of Batoum is steadily advance
ing, and the Turks are greatly in
want of achievements. The capt.
ulation Of the city is expected to oc--
cur within few days.
LONDON, June IL A dispatch
from Erzeroum giving the latest re-
ports received of the siege of Kars.
says the Russian commander, Grand
Duke Michael, massed his troops and
attempted to take Kars by storm
last Saturday, while simultaneously
an attempt was made to seize the
heights commanding the town. The
garrison in the besieged city made "a
sortie in force supported by the ar
tillery, and repulsed the Russians,
with heavy loss.
New YORK, June 16.-Cable dis
patches say there is no longer any
doubt that the Turks have suffered
severe defeat at Kars. Every effort
is being made by the authorities at
COnstantinOple to conceal the truth
in reference to the Asiatic campaign.
Mukhtar Pasha had established a
portion of his forces near the river
Phasis, between Kars and Erzeroum
with the object of covering the COM
munications with the latter city,
This force had taken the precautions
to erect earth-wOrks, and considered
themselves safe. On Thursday last
the Russians Unexpectedly appeared
in force, and began vigorous attack.
The Turks repulsed the attacking
/ OCNCldl tllilCo, why
way whendriven from their positions,
by superior numbers. The battle
continued till nightfall, the advan-
tage resting with the Russian forces
Several redoubts had. been captured
and held. At daybreak the battle
was renewed and continued during
the day. The Turkish troops were
driven from all their positions by the
Russian assaults. The heavy losses
sustained by the Turks bear witness
to the obstinacy of their defence.
The loss ofthis position is very seri-
Gus for Mukhtar Pasar's army, as the.
Russian force now directed threatens,
his communication with Frzeroum.
A SPICY LETTER TO A SPECIAL
AGENT.
WASHINGTON June ia spe-.
cial agent of the Postoffice Depart
ment, recently appointed from a