The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-01-05
FOREIGN.
The TurCO-Russian War.
SOFIA EVACUATED BY THE
TURKS.
Gen. GourkO Bl0ckaded by Snow.
GREECE DEMANDS A PART I'm
THE PEACE MAKING.
Gen. GourkO Blockaded by Snow.
ErzerOum Completely Invested.

LONDON, Jan. 4.-The Turkish force at Ka-
msr seems to have been surprised by the Rus
sian flank movement upon Tasheren, but sue
ceeded in escaping to Slatitza, after hard
fight. From that place it can reach Ichliman
by the Lopolnitza valley. 1t is not believed
that the Russian Gen. Ghourka has sufficient
force to storm the Ichlman defile, or that such
q force could be supplied in the present state of
Russian communication.
The semi -official despatch from ST. Peters,
burg says Russia's policy still aims to avoid
complications by abstaining from interference
with third parties interested. 1t now depends
upon England to undeceive Turkey as regards
the latter government relying upon England
for assistance and not compel Russia to dictate
peace at the walls of Constantinople.
Renters despatch from Constantinople says
the Tarkish Chamber of Deputies have adopt
ed an amendment to the address in reply to the
| speech from the throne at the opening of Par
Lament, relating to the governments military
| policy. The Ministers of War, Marine and For.
| egn Affairs are invited TO explain. The gov
eminent has demanded vote of 5000, 900 Turk
ish pounds for the requirements of the army.
A despatch from Syria says Tricanpio, Greek
| Minister of Foreign Affairs, has demanded OF
| the Powers the admission of Greece to con-
| gres relininary to the conclusion of peace. 1t
| is said Lord Derby has recognized as just
| Greece's claim to admission if other secondary
| states are admitted. Italy has likewise replied
| favorably. Senior Pasha, the Turkish Minister
of Foreign Affairs. has sent a note to London
| protesting against the participation of Greece.
| The Standards Constantinople special re.
| ports that Sofia has been compelled to be evac-
uated.
| LONDON, Jan. 4-Despatches from Bucha
| rest say that the army which was to CROSS Ship
ka Pass and cooperate with Gen. Gourko 10 9
| movement against Adrianople gives no sign Of
| activity and while the present weather con.
| tfnues such operation will be impossible. The
| deep snow offers an almost insurmountable
L A1,s a1a TO- he horra
| sledges. Orders are now being issued for q
| supply OF sledges, but by the time they are
| ready the snow will probably have disappear
| ed and the roads will be impossible from mud
| and water.
| The Daily News correspondent at Bucharest
| telegraphs that he considers it improbable tn al
| the Russians can reach Adrianople before May
| Times Paris correspondent observes that the
claim of Greece to be represented in any Eu
/ ropean conference really points to the acquisi
| ton of Thessally and Epirus and possibly
| Crete. The Porte will strongly urge on the
| powers the danger of allowing the question tC
be brought forward as it is calculated to create
fresh complications fatal to peace.
ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 4.-The Semi-O ficia
| Russian agency says: The reply to the British
| inquiry on behalf of the Porte states that the
decisions and acts of the imperial policy are
| still guided by two paramount considerations
| of putting an end to the constantly recurring
disturbances and avoiding complications by re-
speeding the interests OF third parties. AsSur
| ances satisfactory to the British government
| and people were given concerning English in.
| terests Immediately when they were made
known. These interests are no more needed
| now than then, for although Russia then reserv
| ed the contingency of being compelled by mill
| tary necessities to obtain peace under the walls
| of Constantinople, it depends upon England tC
avert this by divesting the Porte of any illusion
respecting English support. 1t is evident il
| Turks have grounds to hope that the entry
| of the Russians into Constantinople woule
| cause England to intervene they would d.
| everything TO bring about that contingency by
| refusing any conditions of peace.
The Journal de st. Petersburg says Russia
/ could not in the interests of peace do otherwise
than refuse all Intervention and make it clearly
understood that peace must be discussed be
1 tween the beliigereDts. The Journal points Out
| that any injury BY Russia to the Suez Canal il
| quite out of question, and if peace negotiation
| were opened now Russian occupation of Con
| stantinople would be equally out of the ques
ton. Ii there are any other points upon whIcl
| British interests might be affected they mus
| be OF minor Importance and frank and loys
| explanation between the Russian and Englsl
| governments would lead to an understanding
| on the subject without interrBpting negotiation
private despatch received here announces
| that only 10000 Turks have retired into Rou
meia The remainder of the Ottoman forces
| numbering 10000 men, are north of the Bal
| kans and distributed among the fortresses o.
| the quadrlateral. Osman Pasha will shortly
be conveyed to the town of Riazan, ITO miles
| southeast af Moscow, where he will pass hi
| captivity.
VIENNA. Jan. 1.-The Wiener Presse specia
from Tflis says the Russians have occupied
Ilidja. The road from Erzeroum westward
crosses the Euphrates over bridge The
Times correspondent says that if this is trut
communication with Erzeroun is cut off on al
sides.
| PARIS, Dec A telegram received here re
| ports that the amendment to the address adopt
| ed by the Turkish Chamber of Deputies de
| clares that the ministers have not done thei
| duty either in military or political point o
| view.
BoGoT, Jan. 4-The Turks still occupy the
| line of the Kara Lom river, and carefully guard
| its bridges on the roads to Shuma. Heavy ict
| continues running in the Danube