San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1878-03-02
THE EUROPEAN CRISIS.

/ BuyuK-CnekmeJen ana huJuk-Cnek-
mejeh, which form the limits Of the neutral
zone between the Russians and COnstanti-
nople, are two inlets on the south side Of the
Thracian peninsular, distant s and 12 miles
respectively from the Turkish capital. The
forts occupied by the Russians are on the
celebrated Boulair lines, between Tchatald-
ga, village 10 miles from Constantinople,
and the coast. The whole movement is not
unlike that of the Germans in occupying the
forts about Paris on the conclusion Of peace
preliminaries in February, 1871.
1t is stated that the Russians have
captured 10000 men, including 20 Pashas
and 900 cannon, during the war;
The four British iron-clads compris-
ing the Channel Squadron, were directed by
telegraph to proceed Immediately to Gibral-
tar for orders on its becoming known that
Vice-Admiral Horribly had been refused
permission to enter the Dandaneles. ..
The Admiralty have purchased two
iron clads, now In the London Docks, which
were built for Turkey, but were prevented
from leaving by the Governments neutrality
proclamation. '" '.''
An Athens dispatch says all the regu-
lar troops which crossed the frontier have
returned to Greek territory. Irregulars con-
tnue to enter Thessaly to keep alive the in
surrection.
Russia's reply to England's note, re-
questing an explanation as to the advance
Of the Russian army upon Constantinople,
states in effect that the military line of de-
marcation, traced previously to the armis-
tice, has been agreed upon between Russian
and Turkish authorities, and is "a question
which exclusively concerns the belligerents.
The British feet under Admiral Horn
by, on the 18th passed through the Darda-
nellcs and came to anchor in the Sea of Mar
mora. Turkey took ne action beyond max
ing formal protest. ........
The French Government has declined
the invitation of England to send a fleet to
ConstantinOple. The French journals de-
clare that it is too lcte for England to act.
German papers think that Bismarck will
counsel peace and act as arbitrator. The
Vienna journals maintain that Russia has
lirl NoIuy anu tiht
will be compelled to march to war with Eng
land, in order to force Russia to be faithful
to her promises and return to her former
The British fleet which passed
through the Dardanelles consists of six
ships. Admiral Hornby's orders were to
enter the straits with or without leave and
to make arrangements to secure his rear.
The ships were prepared for action. Two
iron .clads were left at Galipoli to protect
the outlet and the other four are stationed
at Princess Island.
A Constantinople correspondent tele
graphs on the 10th that the Russian forces
are SO disposed, that at the least hostile
on the part of England the Rus
slams will not only enter Constsntinople, but
take possession Of the forts commanding the
and Dsrdanelles, thus cutting of
the communications of the English feet. The
British Government apparently understands
the peril of the situation, and Lord Derby
has informed the Russisn Ambassador that
any movement of Russian troops toward
Gallipoli would be considered as menacing
the safety OF the British fleet, and that most
disastrous consequences might follow. The
possession of the Turkish iron-clads is like
" TO be the prize for which each Govern
ment will first strike in the event Of HOSTILE
ties.
London dispatches of the 18th state
that all the Powers, including Russia, have
agreed to a Congress at Baden-B Baden. The
British fleet has been withdrawn TO Mouda-
mia Bay, 40 miles from Constantinople. The
Russians will not occupy Gallipoli. The in
surreciion in The.saly continues, and hos
tilities are breaking out in all districts Of
Crete.
Dispatches of the 18th state that the
Russian troops have been ordered not to
cross the line Of demarcAtion fixed by the
armistice. A Paris dispatch says il i I'M
icrstOod that Russia has issued q circular
informing the Powers that she has re-
bounced the occupation Of Coustsniinople
n the request Of Emperor William. Lord
Derby stated in the House Of Lords that the
movement 81 the British fleet 70 MSudania
Bay Wa not due 20 any negotiations, and
hat no progress had been made in the mat
Ter Of the assembling Of the Conference