The Portland daily press., 1877-06-18
ON THE DANUBE.
A Review of the Situu ton.

LONDON, June 17-As regards the European
seat of war the principal point worthy of re-
mark has been the extraordinary stringency of
the precautions taken by tie Russians to pre-
vent anything transpiring relative to their
operations. Although the correspondents in
Rumania number 800 not one has been able
to give any real informa ton to where the
Russians intend to cross the Danube. This in
creased secrecy taken in conjunction with the
issue of DEGREES, new loans and large addi-
ton to the army, is interpreted as a sign that
Russia no longer hesitates, and important
events may be expected as soon as the Danube,
which all accounts agree is falling, is in condi-
ton to permit operations. Of course opinions
relative to the locality of the Russian advance
must be formed from indications observed from
the southern bank of the Danube. Observa-
tions seem still to indicate somewhere not far
from Nikopolis, as the spot where most serious
effort will be made. The Russians are making
notable concentration OF troops at the mouth of
the river Babe and Alute, across which they
have thrown bridges. There is scarcely doubt
that the troops!concentrated.b between these two
rivers form the operating army.
1t seems as though the Russians would make
an attempt to cross at this part of the river,
whilst theoretically engaging Rustchuk with
heavy artillery. This latter conclusion is sup
ported by the arrival of a good quantity of
heavy artillery, especially mortars, at CUR
gevo, and the fact that the Russians have occu-
pied the island of Stakan, opposite the town,
anu are ESTABLISHING DaLteTloS Cn6r6 despite Inc
Turkish fire. The Turks also think a passage
will be attempted in force be Nicopolis and
Sistova, and have considerably reinforced the
camps and garrisons at those places.
In Asia the principal feature this week has
teen the partial withdrawal of the Russian
right wing and investment Of Kars, and for
strengthening the centre against Mukhtar
Pashas 40. 900 in strong position These fig
ures show that the Russians have no men to
spare if they intend to keep the country they
have so far occupied though if their object was
simply to effect rapid advance and defeat
the Turks as preliminary to peace, there is
nothing to prevent their doing so. 1t is con-
irmed from several sides that the Russians are
not bent on rapid operations of this latter kind
but, on the contrary, are doing their work thor
oughly and Systematically taking over the ad-
ministration Of the country as they advance,
thus the former Sandjak of Sohurazel is now
completely incorporated with Russia under the
Russian civil governor. 1t seems in obedience
to this plan of consolidating their copquests
and making all sure behind them the Russians
will make no attack in the direction of Erzer-
Oum till their centre and left wing are quite
free and prepared to cooperate therein.
In connection with the foregoing the Moscow
Gazette significantly remarks: "When we have
secured freedom of the Sclavs and the question
of material compensation has arisen, the incor-
poration of Armenia with Russia will probably
be decided as much on Armenian as Russian
basis. Both cOmbattants have been reinforce
Gu uurluR tu6 week. Line RUSSIAN left wing
having received reinforcements supposed to
have traversed Persian territoryaRelative to po-
litical events, there is great exctementin South
Serva in consequence of the operations of the
Turks against the Montenegrins loud demands
being madeithere for Servia to support the Mon
tenegrins, who, unless they receive speedy as
sIstaDce seem to have little chance of being
able to Withstand the converging Turkish COL
umns, whose object is to drive the Montene-
grins south and westward. and prevent them
in the coming struggle from joining hands with
Serva, and thus cutting off Bosnia and Here
govina from the rest of the empire The feel
ing in Servia against the Prince of Montenegro
being left to be crushed is SO strong that it is
believed Prince Milan cannot safely resist it,
aud it is alsol thought incredible that Russia
should allow the Montenegrins to be abandon
ed, although reports as to the probable action
OF Servia are very conflicting.
The above fairly represents the reasons why
Prince Mlan's visit to Ploiesti is regarded of
great Importance, as it will probably be decis-
i've of the neutrality or co operation of Servia
From Constantinople strong additional confir-
nation is received that eX-Sultan Murad has
in great measure recovered, as those dscon-
tented with the present regime wish for his re-
storatlon, his recovery considerably complexities
the internal situation.