Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-03-16
COnstantfnOple Virtually i'm the
Hands of the Russians.

possible for the refugees.
Constantinople Virtually in the
Hands Of the Russians.
LONDON, March l6.-This mornings Times
lnItS leading editorial article, says: ION Mon.
day the Russians not only occupied several
villages around ConStautinople but took pos
session of a point on the edge OF the most
northerIy plateau, running down towards the
entrance of the BOSphOruS. The small forts
which command the entrance lie directly at
the 1901 OF the position thus occupied, and as
these works are open on the land side the Rus
SLAMS nave the power 10 march in at any mo-
ment and close the entrance TO the Black Sea-
AS onr vienna correspondent observes, such
movement does not seem calculated to dis
pei the apprehenSionS mentioned that though
there may be no secret treaty, tacit under
standing has been established with Turkey
which may involve arrangements most mate
rial to the decision of the other powers. Ii is
to be presumed that the terms of the treaty
VIII provide for the evacuation within a mod
crate time of the whole of ROumelia and con
Sequently any portion now held near COnStan-
tlnOple: but meanwhile the fact remant that
Russia has established herself on the BoSpho-
rus, AS our correspondent observes Not
only is there nothing in the recent movements
OF the British fleet to justify the advance. but
there is little doubt that it must have been
adopted prior TO those movements and indie
pendently of them. Ii would have been din
cult for Russia to adopt a course less likely to
conclllate the good Will of Europe or this cOun-
Try Our correspondent at St Petersburg does
not give a more cheerful report. Ii is there
SAID, he tells u.s. by persons of great influence
that, while it is by no means certain that
the congress will assemble, il is not very
likely to be successful if il does. England and
Austria are accused of being animated not by
mere desire TO protect their legitimate and
material interests, but by jealousy of the mil
Itary and diplomatic success of Russia. They
are supposed, therefore, to be deSrouS of di-
mlnishing, as far a possible, the consequences
OF the war. Russia, il is stated, will declare
that though she is willing to have such queS-
tlOnS as that of the straits discussed, the con-
ditiOnS She has already signed are the mini
mum of what She has the right and determi-
nation to demand. The diminution of the re-
suits OF the war being thus impossible. Eng
land, it is said, will seek TO increase them by
demanding the extension of Greece but the
effect of this will be to break the last link of
the English alliance with Turkey and the Sui
tan will then recognize Russia as his Surest
ally That these Wild notions should be Seri-
OuSly entertained by persons of authority i'm
the Russian capital indicates, as we have
said, condition of mind by no means favor
able to a satisfactory conclusion of the present
negotiations. The terms of peace may prove
an agreeable surprise, but Russia is not assist
ing Europe to place Il favorable construction
upon them"
Russia Reinforced.
LONDON, March 16-Reuter'S Telegram COM
paDy have the following dispatch: "C0nStan-
tinOple March l5.-The Russians near Bou-
lair have been reinforced"