American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1878-02-23
THE EUROPEAN CRISIS.

Buyuk- -Chekmejeh and Kujuk-Chek
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 6 and II 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 12O, 900 men, including 20 Pashas
and 200 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
Admiral Hornby had been refused
permission to enter the Dandanelles.
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.
I An Athens dispatch says all the regu-
lar troops which crossed the frontier have
returned to Greek territory. Irregulars con-
tinue to enter Thessaly to keep alive the in
surrection.
Russia reply to England's note, re-
questine explanation 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.
y The British fleet under Admiral Horn
by, on the 18th passed through the Darda-
nelles and came to anchor in the Sea of Mar
mora. Turkey took no 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
broken her word, and that Austro- Hungary
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
programme.
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 -elads were left at Gallipoli to protect
the outlet and the other four are stationed
at Princess Island. lfE
A COnstantinople correspondent tele-
graphs on the 10th that the Russian forces
are so disposed, that at the least hostile
movement on the part of England, the Rus
slams will not only enter Constantinople, but
take possession of the forts commanding the
BOsphorus and Dardaneles, 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 Russian Ambassador that
any movement of Russian troops toward
GaIIipoIi would be considered as menacing
the safety of the British fleet, and that mos
disastrous consequences might follow. The
possession of the Turkish iron -clads is like
! ly to be the prize for which each Govern.
ment will first strike in the event Of hostili.
ties.
London dispatches of the 18th state
that all the Powers, including Russia, hav,
agreed to a Congress at aden-Baden. Tn,
British fleet has been Withdrawn to Munda
MIA Bay, 40 miles from Constantinople. The
Russians willnot occupy Gallipoli. The in
surreetion in Thessaly continues, and hos
tilities are breaking out in all districts O
| Crafa