The Portland daily press., 1877-12-15
FOREIGN.
The TurcO-Russian War.
THE TURKS DEFEATED ON
THE LON.
Servia Declares War
THE PORTE ASKS MEDIATION
OF THE WERs.

shadowing declaration of war between Eng
land and Russia. The consul has left, taking
the archives of the consulate.
The Times correspondent at Plevna tele-
graphs:
Grand Duke Nicholas told me that Osman
Pasha reported his force as q 900; at the same
time the Grand Duke seemed to be doubtful il
it was so large, and have heard this doubs ex-
pressed in several quarters since the surrender
About sixty cannon and many hundred wagons
are among the trophies. Osman Pashs had
three weeks provisions still on hand, and ten
days rations in his transport train for the whole
army. n The immediate cause OF his abandon
ing his intrenchments was the breaking out of
an epidemic among the troops. There were 40
or 80 deaths day in Plevna, no men available
to bury them, and the mortality increasing
Eight hundred sick and wounded are in the
hospitals.
A telegram from Athens announces that an
instruction has broken out in the province Of
Amrye. Crete. The Turkish families and the
inhabitants Of the other provinces have sought
refuge IN the fortress. The Governor of Crete
has sent troops to repress the insurrection.
-Four fourteen-centimetre siege gu0s have
been brought by the Russians from Kars to
Hassan Kaleh. An attack upon Erzeroum is
momentarly expected. Gen. Tergukasoff's d.
vision from Bayazid is threatening Van, the
Turkish headquarters.
BELGRADE, Dec. 14.-A proclamation OF the
Servian government has been issued announc-
ing that the Servian army is ordered to cross
the Turkish frontier.
War was announced today by salvos of arti-
lery. Prince Milan will leave for Alexintaz to-
morrow. He has issued DEGREES proclaiming a
state OF siege and announcing that public func-
tionaries who sgitate against war will be dis
missed
NEW YORK, Dec. 14.-Kiernan's agency has
the following:
Chicago Dec 14.-The Tribune publishes the
following cable special from London: Accounts
agree that Osman Pash.'s army did not reach
1000 men, and probably did no exceed $4,000.
Osman Pasha is expected to arrive at Buchar-
est today. About Dec. 18th it was stated he
had sent information to Constantinople of his
ability to hold out indefinitely. The reverse
was true Bis communication was severe ar
raignment of Turkish administration for inca
pacity and intrigue. as he wished to retreat to
Orkinbith before Plevna was entirely invested,
there uniting with Mehsmet Ais army and
saving his own He refused further obedience
to the Constantinople government, but said he
should hold to the last for the saks of his own
reputation. The bulk of the Russian troops at
Plevna will go to reinforce the Czarowith,
though possibly he may not need them Par
ticulars of the battle on the river LON have not
been received, but it was serious affair.
At Bucharest it is reported that Elena has
been recaptured with 1900 Turkish prisoners.
Important orders were dispatched to the Brit
ish fleet at Besike Bay at the close of the Cab
net meeting yesterday and the war steamer
Rupert has left Constautinople in haste to con-
vey orders to the Admiral Another Cabinet
council will be held tomorrow, at which every
member will be present, special Queens mes
sage having been sent to each minister. Ii
seems impossible that England should take any
warlike steps.
A telegram from Karmarle yesterday says
that cannonading is proceeding today between
the Turkish and Russian positions. Bad wealth
er is setting in.
A Russian official despatch dated Bogat 18th,
says sixty battalions of Turks yesterday attack
ed the forces of Grand Duke Vladimir all along
the line, directing, however, their principal eff
forts against the left and centre. They attack
ed Metchka six times, but each time were re.
pulsed with great loss. At p. m. the 35th d.
vision of the 18th Russian army corps appeared
on the scene and attacking the Turks in the
flank compelled them, with the cooperation of
the rest OF the Russian forces, to retire upon
Krasns, their retreat to Jovan Ciftlik being cut
off. Grand Duke Vladimir narrowly escaped a
ball which struck very near him.
LONDON, Dec. 15-The Posts leading editor-
al says it is understood that the British Cabinet
yesterday had before them circular from the
Porte, intimating its willingness to accept the
mediation of Europe, Porte asserts that guar
antees for good government furnished by a con-
stitution are more advantageous than the es-
adjustment OF autonomous states, which can
only lead to the disintegrattOn of the Empire
The Post considers, however, there are no pres
ent prospects of the acceptance Of mediation,
as Germany is hostile thereto, and any offer on
the part of ENGLAND is not likely to DO we'll re-
ceived by the Russians.
The Paris correspondent of the Times an
nonnces he has received statement from what
he believes to be trustworthy source that
Server Pasha has informed Mr.. Layard, British
ambassador, and Count Itchy, Austrial am
bassador to Constantlnople, that he considered
the continuation of war useless sacrifice and
would therefore endeavor to pursuade the Turk
ish cabinet to invoke the mediation of Austria
and England. AS regard the conditions Of
peace he considered the political and territorial
integrity of Turkey indispensable.
The communication adds that Austria will
take no initiative unless there seems a chance
OF success, and SO far there have been no signs
of readiness on the part of Russia to negot ate
Server Pasha's conditions also seem unaccept-
able. but the impression is that they will be.
modified.
LONDON, Dec. 14.-The Daily Telegraph
Pera correspondent says that the circular of
the Porte states that the Porte desires to stop
the effusion of blood, therefore is ready to come
to terms and appeals to the feelings of justice
OF the great powers. But it is not yet at an
end of the resources and is ready TO sacrifice all
for the independence and integrity of father
land.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec. 14.-Crstics, the Ser
Wan agent, has delivered to the Porte Servia's
formal declaration of war against Turkey and
has started for Belgrade.
The peace and war parties are contending
for supremacy. 1t is believed the war party
will prevail. There is trouble in Lebanon in
consequence of the refusal of the inhabitants
to furnish a military contingent or send depu
ties to parliament based on the fact that Lee
banon is under European guar antes.
FRANCE.
The New Cabinet Well Received-MacMa-
hons Message Conciliatory in Toae.
PARIS, Dec. 14-The Dufaure ministry is ga
zetted today.
The Constitutional Journal, Des De3ats, the
Soleil and the Dix Nerrieme Seicle entirely APP
prove of the now Cabinet and congratulate the
country upon the termination of the crisis
The Republique Franchise and Raffel admit
that the Cabinet is composed of moderate but
sincere Republicans, but point out that it must
be Judged by its works, and insist on guaran-
tees.
VERSAILLES, Dec. H-The message of Mac
Mahon was read in both chambers this after
noon. 1t states the election of October 18th
affirmed afresh the confidence of the country
in Republican institutions. In order to obey
parliamentary rules have formed cabinet Sc
lscted from both chambers com posed of men
resolved to defend and maintain these institu-