The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-01-03

4 Il aIsii prisoners ffoln Plegna on
their way to BONANZA. The conveys q
prisoners svefc silaceenpaned by wagons
and those VINO ioli Dg the wayside rad to be
left to freeze to death. as they had no
means Of carrying them forward. No pro
vision was made in the Bulgarian villages
for the proper sustenance Of the captivcs,
hut when the Danube was crossed supplies
were provided, and from that time their
| lot was never too hard TO bear.
The Russians have occupied the Balkan
Pass between Ara,kouak and Sophia, and
cavalry has been stationed along the Sophia
road The Turkish force was surprised,
and the Russian loss was very small ill oc-
cupyiug the pass. 1t is reported that the
Turks have burned Sophia and abandoned it
marching 10 the fenteruan dofile to bar the
Russian advance OH Tatar BaZardiik.
| despatch from St. Petersburg says the
request of the British Government for in
formation whether Russia would be dispos-
ell to enter into peace negotiations has been
received. Nothing has been determined M
on, though in we'll informed circles it is as
| sumed that Russia will make no harsh reply,
but will show herself accessible to any earn
est desire for the restoration of peace.
Lord Derby has sent note to the Count
Andrassy expressing the hope that Austria
will assist as much as possible Englana's
Russia has already replied to England's note
that if the Turks desire an arnlistice they
must apply direct to the Russian Comman-
der-in- Chief. Prince Gortschakoff declares
that Turkey must know that Russia has al
ways been ready to listen to proposals OF
peace, and that the presentation by inter
mediary appears unnecessary.
The Manchester guardian, speaking Of
the intentions of the British Government,
| says there is no idea of the acquisition OF
Egypt, as that would be an abandonment of
the policy opposing the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of
Turkey. 1t is believed that should Russia
reject meditation Lord Beaconsfield is pre-
pared to appeal to the country on the ques-
ton OF declaring war for the defense of
British interests.
| Nine hundred horses persisted in the Vi
entity of Sistoya during the late snow storm,
and the total loss of drauglit animals must
be numbered by thousands.
| The Vienna correspondent of the London
Times says that Russia's reply TO England's
note that Turkey should apply direct to the
CommanLer-in-Chief for an armistice was
not uneXp, cteG. 1t had been chiefly inti-
mated that Russia regarded an armistica as
a preliminary step to pacific oyerIures, with
the hint the Car would require the cession
| OF the Danuban fortresses as a condition for
an armistice. 1t is, howeve. probable that
Russia will not exact too hard terms. Tut be
| content with Erzeroum and one or two for
tresses on the Danube Tie l. ondon Times
says Russia S answer is directed to Turkey,
and to suppose that England should feel re-
| buffed wonld raise Il suspicion that England
had gone out of her way to provoke Il quar-
rel. 1t would, however, be idle to deny the |
existence CT influences which, if unchecked,
would involve England in a quarrel.
The Peace party at Constantinople is gain
ing ground, having been joined by Mahmoud
Damad Pasha, who has hitherto been the
main stay OF the War party. A telegraphic |
dispatch reports that The Porte will accept
an armistice. but this is believed to be pre-
mature. 1t is said that Russia will not pro
pose any conditions that had not received
the tacit consent of Austria and Germany,
| and the Porte would accept nothin without |
consulting England. Sophia is now isolated
from communication with Adrianople and
Niscll, though not yet completely invested
| The Servians are said to have lost seven
hundred killed at the taking OF Pivot.