The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1878-05-23
The Eastern Question.

LONDON, May 20. In proportion as
the news from Il Petersburg is more
pacific. that from Constantinoplc is more
wallike. The Russians insist that the
movements Of their troop, are not intend
ed as hostile but the Turks are, uotwith-
standing hard at work Strengthening
their lines and bringing up their guns.
This is not easy, as the turkish line Of de-
fence from the sea Of Marmora to the
Back Sea is so long. and while the Turk
ish force about the Capital is superior to
the Russian it is hardly sufficient to man
such length OF line The Turks will he
soon re-cntorced, however, by the 10 bat
talions released in ThCasaly and 20 bat
talons from Narna
Although General Iodlebcn's demand
for the evacuation Of Shumala Narna and
Batoum, the removal of the Turkish camp
at Malask, and permission to occupy
Buiukdcre. do not take the form OF am
ultimatum, they bring a very strong pres
sure on the Porte, and great excitement
and alarm prevail in Constantinople. \
despatch from that city repeats that
concentration of Russian troops ana their
advance toward that city daily goes On.
The language of the Russian Minister to
the sultan also daily grows more impera-
tive. He is said to he insisting now that
the Porte should break eli with England
at once. The excitement among the pop
ulace Of ConStantinope is increasing
The Russian headquarters are still at
san >tetanO, but the entire Russian army
has moved northWard, except a few com
panies. Todlcben has explained that the
summons to the Turkish commander to
surrender Prindilikoi was the result Of
misunderstanding.
The Times says the war has cost Russia
about 900 100000
Y special at St Petersburg telegraphs
that il is thought in official circles that
NchouyalOt1 5 Journey, although he re-
ceiyed marked imperial favor, scarcely
iustities the hopeful views Of the situation
Systematically impaired to the public
through inspired agencies. \ move to-
wards a compromise is proclaimed as the
watchword of the day, but this is inter
preted by the court party at st. Peters
burg as a temporary attitude, bearing es-
pecaIlE on the question of the surrender
OF the tOrtresSes.
CALCUTTA, May -. Orders have been
issued for the immediate construction Of
coast detences. Madras will be protected
by five batteries, armed with siXtv-five-
FOUNDER ritied guns Batteries vii! also
be erected at various ports on the eastern
coast. Another battery for the defence of
Calcutta is being constructed at Fultah,
one OF the narrOWest points on the IIOOgh-
ly river, which will cover the torpedo de
fences. Bombay and Rangoon will be
similarly defended.
LONDON, May q. Beaconsfeld, in his
speech last night, said the government
was unable at present to indicate its
policy, and would not imperil import
ant negotiations now proceeding by any
premature statements. \ material rise
ID the prices Of securities has taken place
at the stock exchange to-day, in conse-
quence OF more favorable rumOrs regard
ing the political outlook
During the latter part of the debate in
the Commons last night there was less
than quorum. BcacOnstield concluded
his speech IN the Lords with the reitera-
ton that the ministry was actuated sole
ly by the wish and hope to secure the
blessings of peace, maintain the freedom
OF Europe and the Just position of the
country.
Russian movements before CONSTANT
nople last week came near prccipitating
a collision The Russian line at one time
was pushed so near the Turkish works
the latter were warned and ammunition
served out and Gen. Valentine Baker
sent an aid to notify the Russian com
mander he would fire on him if he did
not withdraw. The effect has been to
direct the attention of the Turks to the
comparatively weak state Of that portion
of their line which covers the Black Sea.