The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-02-21
FOREIGN SUMMARY,

POSITIVE orders have been sent to the
Russian troops to occupy Constantinople.
A portion of the British feet is also directed
to proceed thither.
THE British Admiralty have purchased
two ironclads now in the London docks
which were built for Turkey, but prevented
from leaving by the governments neutrality
declaration.
AN order has been sent to the English
dock-yards for all hands to work extra
time. As such an order has not been issued
since the Crimean war, it naturally creates
some excitement, 1t would seem, however,
to be fully justified by the situation in the
Orient.
ALL workmen in Sheerness Dockyard have
been ordered to work overtime. At Ports
mouth Dockyard over three thousand men
are working over time. Although five
hundred fresh men have already been en-
gagged since Saturday, considerable numbers
are still being entered. Lords of Admiralty
have not limited the dockyard authorities
in regard to money, but have expressed the
desire that not moment be lost in render
ing the ships available in any eventuality.
crossed the frontier have returned to Greek
territory. Irregulars continue to enter
Thessaly to keep alive the insurrection.
Rifles are being distributed to them under
government superintendence. The Greeks
seem to have acted with great moderation
during their short invasion. During the
blockade of Domoco the Greek flag re-
mained over the Greek Consulate by order
of the commander of the Turkish garrison.
WILLIAM 81. SMITH, First Lord of the
Admiralty, in reply to question in the
House of Commons, stated that the orders
which have been sent to Admiral Hornby
were clear and distinct, and sent on the
governments responsibility, but it would
be inconsistent with his duty to state their
nature. The Press Association says it is
| understood that Admiral Hornby is ia
| structed to force the Dardanelles with, if
| necessary, the whole of his feet of iron
clads. The matter caused long discussion
| in Cabinet Council.
A SPECIAL dated st. Petersburg, Wednes-
day, February 1S, contains the following i:
Late last night the Government received
information that the Sultan refused most
| positively to grant frman for an entrance
of the British feet. Russia maintains an
| expectant attitude, and has taken measures
| for the advance of part of her troops, now
before Constantinople, as soon as any
| foreign men-of-war enter the Straits. The
entrance of troops is not intended as an act
of hospitality, but an anxiety is felt lest an
accidental collision might occur.
THE London Advertiser of February Il
publishes the following in official form
eve have reason to believe that the fleet
has passed the Dardanelles, and is now in
the Sea of Marmora. We understand that
Admiral Hornby was left full discretion az
to the force he would take with him, and in
all probability larger force has gone there
than was at first contemplated. We believe
the Porte has contented itself with forma
protest." The Standard and Post confirm
the report that the British ships Law,
passed the Dardanelles. The Post, however
gives the number as six.
LORD LOTUS, British ambassador at st
Petersburg, telegraphs to Lord Derby a.
follows:
ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 9.
81 have received from Prince Gortchakoff the fol
lowing answer to your telegram of the 7th inst ask
ing Russia to give some explanation about tn
advance of the Russians toward Constantinope etc.
"'In answer to your Excellency's note respectin
the occupation of certain strategical points in tn
neighborhood of Constantinople by the RUSSIA
troops in consequence of the armistice it is my du
to inform you that we are not yet in possession
positive information to the details of the armistc
and as to Its applications. I should add that th
military line of demarkation traced previously t
the armistice has been agreed upon between th
Russian and Turkish authorities, and is questio
which exclusively concerns the belligerents'"