The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-01-19
FOREIGN NEWS.
The Eastern War.

slams, mentioned in our last with 2S, 600 Turks
| 1000 horse and 1914 guns, seems to have been
the elimination of Turkish disasters After
that the Russians swarmed all over Roumela
and all the Turks could do was to hasten to
the defense of Adrianople and the approaches
to the Turkish capital. 1t is even doubtful
whether Sulciman pasha will be able to reach
Adrianople. On Monday and Tuesday his
army, fleeing from the west were harrassed by
Gourko's cavalry between Bazardjik and
Philipoppolis, while another Russian fierce
was destroying the railroad between the latter
city and Adranoplc, Philipoppolis, at last
accounts, was reported as abandoned by the
Turks and burned, while Radetzky is supposed
to be fastening to throw himself between the
rctrcaung Turks and Adrianople
On Monday NisiCk, an important fortress in
northwestern Roumelia, was taken by the Scrv-
ian army, 5000 Turks and 60 guns being in
cluded IN the surrender. The Servian army has
since joined the Montenegrins before Widdin.
Thousands of Roumelians from all dlrec
tons, including the inhabitants of Adrianople,
are fleeing to Constantnople, amid the most
narrowing destitution and distress.
Meantime Turkey is more than anxious to
open negotiations for peace. On Monday the
Grand Duke Nicholas finally informed the
porte that he was ready to receive Turkish
delegates at Kczanlik to discuss the conditions
of an armistice, and that they must come with
full powers. The porte, with commendable
aacnty, at once appointed Server pasha, min
lister of foreign affairs, and Namyk pasha,
such delegates. They were to reach kezanlik
yesterday. There is great uncertainty as to
the sort of negotiations the Grand Duke pro-
poses to open with these plenipotentaries-
whether as to a six or eight weeks truce, or as
to full terms of peace and the ending of the
war OF course if the latter is the intention,
then the other European powers want hand
in. No one doubts that Russia, negotiating
with Turkey alone, can exact her own terms,
and get not only the independence of Rou.
mania, Servia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, &c, but
command Of the Black Sea, open the Darda-
nelles take a big slice of Armenia, &c. But
will the rest of Europe assent to this? Aus
tria and England, 1t seems now quite settled,
have united in advising Russia that she will
not be allowed to conclude any such peace
with Turkey without the consent of the guar
anteeing powers to the treaty of Paris. In
England, at least, it is said, the dependency
in view of the helplessness Of Turkey finds
great relief in the assurance that Austria fully
backs England up in this declaration to Rus
STA Even the heavy warlike preparations
England seemed engaged in week ago-con-
ccntrating troops at Malta sending her fleet to
Besika bay, &c.-appear to be suddenly relax
ed in view of this comforting assurance from
Austria.
England.
Parliament met pursuant 20 summons on
Thursday and was opened with the usual for
mality Of Queens speech, but not by the
Queen IN person. the speech being read by
commission. General disappointment is eX-
pressed at its tone. 1t is neither war nor peace
neither Turco or Russophile. The only
trace of BeacOnsfcld's hostile intentions to-
wards Russia discoverablc in it are supposed
to be found in the passage where the Queen,
after stating that neither of the belligerents in
the east has thus far imfringed the conditions
on which English neutrality is founded, yet
supplies are asked to meet a possible cOntin-
gency that hereafter English interests may be
assailed.
1t seems to be we'll understood in London
that England and Austria are secretly advised
of the terms upon which Russia will grant
peace, and being distasteful to BOTH they have
come to the understanding to stand together in
compelling Russia either to lower her preten-
sions or fight.
The address from the throne excited no de-
bate of any special interest in either house,
and parliament adjourned at an unusually ear
ly hour.
The Bank of England has reduced its dis
count rates to pig per cent.
One of the largest fires in many years origi-
mated on the 10th in the warehouse Of Croker
& Sons, calico printers, Waiting st. The loss
was over 81, 100000.
McGregor & Co, steamship owners at Leith,
have failed with liabilities amounting to
$6,O0OOOO.
The Wigan cotton spinners, in view Of the
depression in trade, have given their operatives
notice of per cent. reduction in wages.
The recently released Fenian prisoners
Chambers, Mccarthy, O'Brien and Davitt-
arrived at Dublin on Mon1ay and were greeted
with torchlight procession in which 10000
people took part
The Nork Ldae Express reports the grain
markets for the week steady and Is doubtful
whether pacific turn in eastern affairs would
materially affect prices.