The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
WHY WAR WAS DECLARED.
King Milan Summarizes His Grievances
Strength of the Opposing Forces.

Strength of the Opposing Forces.
From Our Second Edition of Sundayl
LONDON, Nov. l4-Dispatches from Belgrade,
this evening, state that King Milan to-day in
formed the powers that Servia has declared war
against Bulgaria because Bulgaria arbitrarily
attacked position which the Morava division
of the Kings troops held in Servlan territory,
opposite the Bulgarian frontier.
King Milan has also issued proclamation,
which is in substance as follows: Servia cannot
neighbor to disturb the balance of power in the
Balkans, to her exclusive advantage. He then
alludes to what he calls the uniustifabe Bull
garian customs duties on the frontier the un-
lawful seizure of Bregovo. and the encourages
ment by Bulgaria of the Servian rebels con-
demned for high treason.
king Milan here refers probably to Peko Paw
lovich, the Herzegovinian chief, and Pashico, the
Servian Radical leader, who expelled by King
Milan from the Skuptschina Copies of revolutionary
proclamations signed by these men and distributed
throughout Servia, recently found by Servian
officials and the latter claimed that they dssem
mated by the revoutionaries under Bulgarian protec
ton. This Bulgaria denied, claiming that the men
were many miles distant from the Servian frontier
termed in fortress.
King Milan also alludes to alleged illtreatment
of Servian emigrants in Bulgaria, the blockade
of the frontier by Bulgaria. and alleges attacks
by undisciplined Bulgarian volunteers the
Servian people and troops. In conclusion, King
Milan says: II cannot suffer these intentional
provocations, and intend to adopt the policy of
open hostilites, which has been forced upon me
by Bulgaria. I rely upon my peoples patriot
ISM"
Prince Alexander, in order of the day to
the officers and men of his army said: King
Milan has declared war against US. and has or
dered the Servian army to invade Bulgaria. Our
Servian brethren, instead of assisting US, wish
to ruin our country Show your courage now
and defend your mothers, wives, sisters and
homes; pursue and annihilate the cowardly,
treacherous enemy. Let 'forwardr be your bat
tle-cry, and may God aid US and grant us VIC
tory"
Great excitement and enthusiasm prevails in
Phiipopolis Troops are being hurried forward
to the defense of Sofia, and the war fever, which
had recently died out, is again at the highest
pitch.
STRENGTH OF THE ARMIES.
The various forces of Servia are as follows:
Field army 60, 2S8 men, with 264 guns reserve
formations, II, $50 men, with thirty four guns;
reserve army or landwehr so, 27O men, with 12O
guns; landstrum 40, 600 men, or a total Of 10,
4l2 officers and men, and 418 guns. The infant
ry is armed with the Manser rifle, improved by
Major Mecovanovitch, which is of a calibre Of
10. 15 millmetres. The artillery is variousy
armed with muzze leaders and Krupp guns
The total cavalry force included in the above
numbers 4 600 men.
The Bulgarian field army consists of "a 900 in
fantry, l 400 cavalry two regiments, and one
company of artillery, 2, $40 men; battalion of
engineers, $50 msn; detachment of train 1000
men, and force of gendarmerie. 1,6OO men, or
total force of 1920 men, with 104
guns The infantry is armed with
Berdan rifles and the batteries
have Krupp guns and guns of the latest Russian
pattern. The reserve force consists Of "a 600
men. There are also twelve battalions of
landstrum of 600 men each, or 1900 men, max
ing total force of 60, 900 men, There is no
want of arms, but there is scarcely a sufficient
force OF cavalry and artillery. The scarcity of
turned home, is also serious matter The
Eastern Roumelia army comprises Is, 224 men'of
the first levy. 49, 1877 of the second 23 1877 of the
reserve, and 3.422 men of the active reserve,
making total of 64 03O men. The number of
officers available is altogether out of proportion
to the number of men, There is no scarcity of
arms The artillery consists of four guns The
Bulgarian arsenals at Rasgrad and Rustchuk
contain good supply Of arms, uniforms and
equipments. The arsenal at Rustchuk is turn
ing out $4,000 Berdan cartridges per day, in
addition to ammunition for artillery.