The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-01-07

FOREIGN.
The TurcO-Russian War.
SOFIA OCCUPIED BY THE
RUSSIANS.
Fearful Sufferings of the Turks
in the Balkans.
DISAGREEMENT In THE BRITISH
CABINET.

NEW YORK, Jan. 5.-London specials say it
is stated that Russia has repeatedly, before and
| since the conference, endeavore to negotiate
| secretly terms of peace with Turkey, hostile to
| English interests, and it is thought that Russia
will probably refuse to inform England of her
armistice conditions.
Kiernans London despatch says split in
| the English cabinet is imminent. Lord Bea-
consfeld insists upon his own retirement or the
resignation of the Earl of Carnarvon. The
| cabinet is divided on the question of the gov
ernments Eastern policy, and the disagree
ment is matter of general discussion. The
feeling is on the side of Beaconsfeld no, it is
said, is in favor OF resisting, even to the ex-
sremity OF war, the determination Of Russia to
settle alone with Turkey for peace. There is
talk of calling public meeting to approve the
stand taken by Lord Beaconsfeld, and for o
free expression of sentiment on the Eastern
question. Many prominent men advocated the
calling of the meetings for that purpose.
LONDON, Jan. ga despatch from Constan-
tinople, received at Paris, states that if Russia
rejects mediation, Turkey will await the meet
ing of the British Parliament before making
direct overtures to Russia.
BUCHAREST, Jan. 5.-The Russians have
taken Sofia. The details are wanting. Troops
are constantly passing through Galatz. This
signifies serious operations against the quadri-
lateral.
VIENNA, Jan. 5.-The Political Correspond
ence says the ice in the Danube at Galata will
probably be strong enough in two days to per-
NIT the crossing of troops The Russians in-
tend to occupy Soina.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Jan. 5.-Mahmoud Da-
mad, Who hitherto exercised paramount infu-
ence at the palace, has been relieved of the
functions of grand master Of artillery.
Various small Servian and insurgent re-
verses are announced.
NEW YORK, Jan. Ga cable special from
Rome says:
The official journal II Diritto has an impor-
tant article on the Eastern question, in which
grave doubts are expressed whether England
can restore Turkeys dropping fortunes. The
Diritto considers Austrian participation in the
war highly improbable, therefore the general
European cont1agraton SO long feared is
avoidab'e if France Restraints her impetnosity.
Italy has no cause for fear in any event. The
Dritto continues: She is nsther seeking new
adventures nor offending the susceptibility of
the friendly powers. Meanwhile she will
watch the events calmly, but she desires 1T uu-
derstood that she is ready to defend her rights
at any moment.
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Jan. Give thousand
more troops have sailed for Turkey and further
reinforcement is preparing.
RAGUsA, Jan. 6.-The Prince of Montenegro
has reassumed command of his army in Alba
MIA. Anttvari still holds out, although it has
been burning in several places since Friday. 1t
is reported to be provsioned Tor another month.
deavor to succor the besieged Turkish iron-clads
and lombard the works OF the Montenegrins.
Russian infantry and cavalry who had adj
vaneed to Ilidja to destroy the telegraph lines
have been totally routed after desperate en-
gagement.
ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 6.-Au official tels-
gram shows that Sofia was entered on the Sd
inst, after skirmish, in which the Russians
lost only a men.
A telegram from Gen Gourko announces
desperate engagement occurred Jan. End, at
Bogras. The Turks attempted to surround five
battalions of Russian infantry and brigade of
cavalry, but were defeated, leaving 1000 dead
OF the field. The Russians lost 200 meD.
The Russian detachment under Gen Donde
vile, which supported Gen. Gourko in his
movement before the Balkans, had So men
frozen TO death in one night and $40 frost pit
ten An official despatch states that the Rus
sian loss in crossing the Balkans. however, was
not so great as at first supposed, The Turks
suffered enormously and immense numbers of
sick and wounded wers found in their posi-
tons.