The Portland daily press., 1877-12-22
FOREIGN.
The TurcO-Russian War.
A COUP d'ETAT FEARED AT
CONSTANTINOPLE.
Russian Success in Asia.
RUSSIAN OPINIONS OF ENG.
LISH BUSTER.
Russian Success in Asia.

TIFLIs, Dec. 21-The Russians under Ko-
maroH captured Ardanatch by assault on the
18th. The Russian losses were Insignificant.
LONDON, Dec. 21.-The Vienna correspon-
dent of the Times telegraphs as follows:
Although all apprehensons of seraglio con-
spiracies and coup d etat at Constantinople seem
to have disappeared, the least thing is sufficient
to revive them. Thus the unexpected appear
ance of Suleiman Pasha at Constantinople with
10000 men has given rise to the fear that some
thing OF the kind is impending. In these Cir
cumstances it is not surprising that the Sultan
and his government should seek support in par
Lament add make it share in the responsibility
for the course to be followed.
The correspondent continues:
This movement of Suleman Pasha and other
reports of withdrawal of Turkish field forces
from Rasgrad seem to indicate that in the quad
rilateral the necessary garrisons have been
left to make the best defence they can. 1t ap-
pears, moreover that their energies soon will be
taxed, for it is officially announced that Gen.
Todleben has been appointed commander-in-
chief of the Rustchuk army. This looks very
much as if the siege of Rus tchuk is imminent.
Likewise Gen. Zimmerman will probably seize
the opportunity of advancing against Silistria.
There is nothing yet TO indicate the destination
of the bulk OF the army of the czarewitch,
whether it is to advance on Shumla or to join
the force at Tirnova and thence advance across
the Balkans. 1t will take some time before
operations on large scale villa be positive
Although the movement of troops from Plevna
10 various ways has begun somebody's must pass
before the influence at work is felt.
1t is not sufficient merely to send troops. 1t
is necessary to organize the whole supply SER
vice for many miles and this will not be quite
so easy as catering to the same troops when at
Plevna where stores had been amassed suffi-
cent to last for months. According to the
latest accounts the successive appearance of
snow, rsin, frost and thaw had very much
broken up the roads in the Balkans. The
snow is several inches deep at Bucharest and
the weather must be exceedingly trying to the
troops Of both armies not in winter hats OPP
erations in the open field are only possible
with the risk of great loss from sickness aud
privations. Gen. Gourko's men, operating
near Orkhane, have their shelter tents with
them, but no knapsacks. The Bulgarian viii
lagos are inadequate to shelter considerable
bodies of troops. Besides being always built
in valleys they are generally too far distant
from the commanding positions in the vicinity
to be available for troops in front of an enemy
and constantly liable to be attacked.
LONDON, Dec. 21.-The Times says: "No
course can be more reasonable and obvious
than that at this juncture the government
should desire to consult with Parliament as
soon as it can without unnecessary inconven-
fence. Whether they contemplate interfer-
ference or mediation, or simply the means Of
securing good position in the FINAL settlement
of the question, they cannot but feel the need
OF Parliamentary support. AS soon as Parla-
considerations on all sides of the great issue
forclbly stated and clearly argued and the ma
ton will have an opportunity OF weighing the
various courses recommended to it. The minis
try will see whether they can honOrably assume,
as they have on the whole, had a right to as
sumo hitherto, that they are carrying into effect
tho wishes of the country at large and both at
home and abroad we shall see our way most
clearly. 1t does not seem necessary to look
beyond those plain considerations in order to
npdarstan6 w the mi nstarl have dacdad tn
summon Parliament at the earliest convenient
day."
The Times correspondent at Athens is as
sured that many Cretan chiefs dissatisfied
with the cautious policy of Greece, have adopt
ed as their programme freedom under protec-
ton of England. The Athenian clubs pro-
pose to make threatening demonstrations in
favor of war on Sunday, which the authori-
ties intend to suppress.
The Times Vienna war special says negotia-
tions have been proceeding some time concern
ing the naturalization of the Danube. No
understanding was reached. So far Russia
wishes neutrality to extend to the sea whilst
England and Turkey seem only iuclned to let
it reach Sulina.
ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 21.-The Golos pub
fishes an article upon the early meeting Of the
British Parliament and the possible measures
of the English Cabinet. The article declares
that Russia may await without anxiety the is
sue of this political episode and may quietly
conviction that the British intrigue will in no
way hinder the triumph of Russia.
ATHENS, Dec. 21.-The Greek military est-
mates for 1878 will show an increase of TO- 000,-
600 drachmas The Christians of Crete are
electing assemblies which will appoint military
chiefs. The Porte has sent commissioner to
offer guarantees for reform. The insurgents
however demand annexation to Greece.
BUCHAREST, Dec 21.-Prince Charles of
RoumaDia has received the Iron Gross from the
Emperor William.
VIENNA, Dec 21.-A special from Constan-
tinople states that several Mahometan depu-
ties intend to solicit the government In the
Chamber to open negotiations for peace 1t is
said that the Porte will shortly order fresh
levy of 10000 men.
BELGRADE, Dec. 81 The Servians claim
they have cut the Turkish communication be-
tween Nisch and Leskoyatz by capturing and
Destroying the Sketchha bridge after stub
born engagement.