THE RUSSO-TURKISH WAR

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 130, 16 October 1877, Page 2

THE RUSSO-TURKISH WAR

1 A Turkish official despatch reports a great battle at Gumri (another name for

Alexandropol) in Asia Minor, with a result favourable to the Turks.

A Russian unofficial despatch states that on October 2, the Russians captured entrenchments near Kars, on Mukhtar Pasha's left, repulsing large masses of Turks. Subsequently they abandoned them, owing to want of water. The Russian loss was 83 officers and 3200 men ; and that of the Turks was enormous. A Turkish official despatch from Mukhtar Pasha reports a complete victory on October 2, The Russians attacked the.whole line, but were compelled to retire the Turks pursuing them to Opachi. The Russian loss was 5000; tlie Turkish is unknown. Other accounts say that the battle was indecisive. The Czar has resolved to remainwith the army until the war is ended. . There is much sickness among the Russians round Plevna. The Turks are not answering the bombardment. The operations in the Shipka Pass have been stopped by fog. A Russian unofficial despatch states that the Turkish left, supporting the garrison at Kars, attacked the Russian right on October 4, but was defeated with great loss. Suliemith Pasha has been appointed Commander-in-Chief on the Danube, Mehemet AH being re-called. Reouff Pasha will command on the Balkans. The Russian head-quarters have removed to Sistova.

(Agent-General's Telegram.) London, October 6. Great changes have been made in the command of both armies. Koteatul has been appointed chief of the Russain staff and General Todleben directs the siege of Plevna. Mehemet Ali has been recalled, Sulieman Pasha succeeding to the chief command, and JReouff Pasha commanding at the Shipka Pass. No important battle has been fought during the last fortnight, but prolonged yet undecided engagements are taking place before Kars. The Russians are carefully preparing for a winter campaign. October 6. Four hundred Abkhasian prisoners, en route to Siberia, perished through a railway accident. Four powder magazines exploded at Marlnuara. Many workman were injured. A notification has just been received that communication is restored between Singapore and Batavia. : (SPECIAL TO THE " SYDNEY HERALD.") Mehemet's recall and Sulieman's transfer to the command-in-chief of the Danube army is generally condemned. Kotozbu is acting as general adviser *t.the_Ru§sian..head ..- The grand Vizier's organ scornfully reje'ets the proposals of mediation,- and upbraids England for refusing monetary help. Chefket Pasha's corps has been powerfully reinforced, and has reached West Plevna. The Russians unsuccessfully attempted with a cavalry forte and two rifle brigades to iuterccpt the convoy.

Russia has ordered 700 Krupp guns to be delivered in April next.

(Per i-KES.s agency) Bombay, October 9

The Russians appear to be continuing the siege work at Plevna. The weather, is unfavourable, raining and. snowing.

• The 'Servian diplomatic agents at Stamboul have renewed their pacific assurances.

Mukhtar Pasha reports that on Oct6, the Russians evacuated the positions parallel to his retiring towards Arpaehi. Their loss in the last three days' fightr was 15,000 ; that of the Turks 2,500. ■ ]