TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 795, 13 July 1877, Page 3

TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

I -j; 'i | rr?l“ (By Cable.) (From Dunedin Dailies.) I Bombay, July 2. Turkey complains of Russian atrocities at Ardahan; also of the complete ami wanton demolition of houses a llustchuk. The Russian loss in crossing the Danube was only 100 men, Tbo opposition offered by the Turks was very weak. A Turkish despatch says the .Russians were completely defeated on the 27th June near Sukum Kaloh. The Russian headquarters have been transferred to Sistova. The bombardment of Rustchuk continues. Several of the principal buildings have been destroyed. The following special message to the Sydney Morning Herald was received at Sydney, yesterday afternoon All accounts concur in stating that the Russian operations in Armenia have been chocked, the Turks displaying unwonted activity in that portion of their torritoiy. The Russians admit that they were defeated at Zeivin, and that they wore repulsed at Batoum, and driven from their positions there. The seige of Kara is not progressing much. The belief of early peace is encouraged by the supineness of the Turks in the defence of the Danube. The Turkish fleet was quite inactive during the crossing of the river by the Russians. The Turkish forces have evacuated Montenegro after very severe fighting. The losses on both sides were enormous. July 3. The Turks have evacuated Montenegro. An order of the day issued by President Marshal M‘Mahon to tho army exhorts it to defend tho interests of the country, and aid to the full in its mission to maintain the respect for its good. The British Squadron have loft Greece with sealed orders. Unofficial Turkish accounts state that the Russian advance guard has been driven back to Beit with heavy loss. The Russians are flying south from Kars. A Russian official despatch states, that the Turks have been strongly reinforced •from Batoum, and that the Russians have been obliged to take up a better position. Kars has been almost relieved by tho retreat of the Russians. Singapore. The British Squadron have gone to Eesika Bay. The Turks return to Rusteha. The Russian cavalry which crossed the Danube have reached Tiruova. July C. An official Turkish despatch reports that the battle of Baia Kalisa, on the 2nd, resulted in the defeat of the enemy, who were almost totally annihilated, and an immense body captured. Tho Russians wore also driven from their entrenchments near Kars. Muktar Pasha is within twelve miles of Kars, and continues his victorious advance. Bombyy, July 7. The Mediterranean squadron has been sent to Bessica Bay because it was more convenient for England to refer to it through Mr Layard. Tho Bulgarians have sacked Pistorel. London, July 7th. A Turkish despatch states that, after 12 hours’ fighting at Biela, a little south of Sistova, the Russians were defeated with 'heavy loss, and compelled to fall back. Sulieman Boy, at the head of tho Turkish troops, is marching towards the Danube. Tho following is the Agent-General’s telegram : London, July 6th. The Russians have been severely defeated in Asia, and are said to have fallen back to Araxes Valley. The Russian attack on Batoum has as yet been unsuccessful. One hundred and twenty thousand Russians are reported to have crossed the Danube with an immense train of artillery. The Russian main force is now south of Babndagh, and their cavalry are scouring the country to the foot of the Balkans. Singapore, July 10. Tho Russian defeat at Biela has not been confirmed. According to a Russian despatch Biela was occupied by them on the sth. A Turkish despatch states that Mukhtar Pasha has restored communication with Kars. Bombay, July 10th. A Russian unofficial despatch states that the Russians’ retreat in Armenia was caused by the Turkish forces having been underrated, and, as a consequence, the Russian operating columns were inadequate. It is believed that Abdul Kerim is occupying a defensive position.