The New York herald., 1877-07-09


Russians are advancing into the Olti Valley. 1t is
feared this movement is in consequence Of their
withdrawal from other points. The Turks are NOV
ing troops to resist them.
REVIEW OF THE WEEKS WORK.
Concerning the situation on the Danube we have
no new Information from any quarter except
deniais Of the first hasty reports OF the rapid ad
vance OF the Russians Tirnova IL not In their
hands nor likely to be Immediately as the Turks
probably mean to hold the line of the Jantra II they
can, and Tirnova Is very avoraby situated for a
strong defence II stands the preciptous banks OF
the Jantra- The houses in many cases built on
sides OF hills which are surmounted by u citadel
thc castle OF the ancient Bulgarian kings, with
higher hills all around and within the winding Of
the river, on which strong redoubts and earth
works have been constructed and which certainly
need not be given up without struggle.
THE SERIOUS FIGHTING DONE.
The lighting thus far reported cannot have
amounted to more than outpost AFFAIRS for the Rus
slams are not yet prepared for serious work. The
Turkish quadrlateral remains intact and not less
threatening to the 10000 Russians said to be across
the Danube at Sistova than If General Zimmerman
had not crossed at Ibrail and swept the Dobrud-
sons of the three fortified positions OF Kustendje
Slistra and varna before they can render cnectual
help to the army now at Sistova. In the same way
provision must be made against the Turkish forces
about Nicopolis and Widdln before any serious ad
vance upon the Balkans can be undertaken
DISPOSITION OF THE TURKISH FORCES.
Nothing is yet known OF Turkish dispositions, ex.
cept that tho headquarters remain at Shumla,
where Rcdif Pncha, Minister OF War, has joined
Abdul Kerim and council been establi shed. under
whose direction the campaign viii be prosecuted,
possibly with more vigor than heretofore, as the
only good quality generally conceded to Redif
Pacha Is energy
HOBART PACHA AN OBJECT OF JEALOUSY.
The Danube notllla remains supine, while single
pontoon bridge at sistova is permitted TO supply
the large Russian force with provisions and war
material. The bridge is reported so weak that 1t
has broken of Its own weight several times In the
past week. One iron-clad In determined hands
might place the Russian army in a desperate posi-
ton, for the country along the Turkish side OF the
Danube would not maintain them many days II de-
prived OF their commssariat. 1t was reported re-
Gently that Hobart Pacha contemplates an opera
ton OF this nature on the Danube under his per-
sonal direction but has thus far been restrained by
jealousy on the part OF Turkish pachas.
THE PONTOON BRIDGE BREAKING UP.
The current OF the Danube has been found too
strong for the pontoon bridge built straight across
the river. The Russians have therefore been
obliged to close 1t for day for alteration. Another
bridge is now building close to the present one.
THE SITUATION IN ASIA.
While nearly all accounts from the seat OF war in
Asia Minor agree that the Russians have met with
serious reverses their position does not appear
to be as thoroughly compromised as would be in
from, <Ia
most sinister feature Of the Russian situation is the
almost utter absence Of Official bulletins from the
Grand Duke Michael, which hitherto kept us in.
formed OF the progress OF the Russians. The fol-
lowing the positions of the respective forces as
nearly as can be ascertaned:--
DISPOSITION OF RUSSIAN FORCES.
The Russian left wing, after advancing to Delib-
aba mas now turned back on its line OF advance
and is marching BajaZid which Is Still invested
by irregulars from Van. 1t will probably be able to
defeat these, save BajaZid and re-establish COM
munication with Erivan A detached column Of
the centre, under General Heymann, after the
defeat at Zewin with serious loss has fallen back to
the neighborhood OF Kars. But the siege OF
Kars has not been raised, and the latest Turkish
bulletins do not give the impression that Mukhtar
Pacha feels himself strong enough to undertake its
relief The latest advices represent that he has
advanced 10 WALIllnuItceu miles OI tnc RUSSIAN 1n-
vesting lines There has been nothing definite
from Batoum since the capture by the Turks OF the
Russian positions on the Samebah and Khatzubain
heights Both Russian and Turkish reinforceInents
are said to be Fastening forward. The question of
provisioning the armies Is said to be growing
serious for both Sides
THE ENGLISH FLEET TO BEsIKA BAY.
The despatch OF the feet to Besika Bay continues
to be the chief topic In British politics. The move
ment is gravey censurcd by the opposition as tend
ing to revive in Constantinoplc the hope of British
Intervention and to impair England's influence as
neutral Power when the Eastern ques-
ton comes to final settlement. Sir
Stafford Northcote's explanation in the House
of Commons is declared to be insufficient
and unsatisfactory. Those who believe British in.
terests are bound up with the maintenance of the
Turkish Empire OF course take an opposite view.
The discussion on this step has not developed any
the belief that the great mass OF English people
have changed their views with regard to
the war. Active interference IN the contest
would be exceedingly unpopular now, as at
any time since the declaration OF war, though
undoubtedly there is strong suspicion o
Russia's designs prevalent among the people. and
their sympathies are rather with than against the
Turks-feelings which the course OF events might
at any time change into pronounced support OF
what is generally believed to be the policy Of ma
jority Of the Cabinet.
EGYPT.