TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 797, 27 July 1877, Page 3

TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

— o — Cable.) (From, Dunedin Dailies.) London, July 17. Tlie siege of Kars is abandoned. The Russian operations in Armenia were unsuccessful. The Turks Were victorious at various points. The Russian advance in Bulgaria is progressing slowly. Great cruelties by Christians have been indicted on Mussulmans. It is reported that their arms have been taken from them and given by Russians to the Christians. Singapore, July 19. The Russians have raised the siege of Kars. Mukbtar Rasha and the Governor of Kars are preparing to attack MclikofTs army. Russian reinforcements are procoedingiby forced marches to Armenia. A Turkish frigate bombarded Somerspol. Eighteen Russian battalions have crossed the Balkans, and arrived unopposed at leni Saghra. The Russians have also arrived at Easgrad, and are getting possession of the railway between Varna and Rustchuk. Bombay, July I7th, 2.40 p m. It is reported that Mr Bayard is negotiating for the entry of the British Squadron into the Dardanelles. Great atrocities have been committed by the Christians against the Mahommedans. It is announced that the Russians still hold Ardahan. A Russian official despatch states that Teaqukason, after relieving Bayazid, retired to Goumrie (Alexandrople); but a Turkish official despatch says that, after retiring, fighting was again resumed, with heavy loss to the Russians. London, July 18. The Russians have captured Nicopolis , with a slight loss. Two pashas, C3OO prisoners, and. 40 guns were taken. The Russians continue to cross the Danube, and have passed the principal pass of the Balkans. The Russian head-quarters are at Tirno va ; they command the bridges on one side, and the Balkans on the other. The Grand Duchess attended the Russian wounded at Alexandropol. The Turks have fallen back from the line of lasca to the lino of the town. The Cznrewitch is in command. Important results are expected at Rus'tchuk. July 21. It is reported that the Porte declines to throw open the Dardanelles to the vessels of any Power, unless for the purpose of supporting Turkey against Russia. The British Ambassador at St Petersburgh has remonstrated against the sinking of vessels in the Danube, and this inpeding the navigation of the river. It is believed that Rcdif Rouonf has been dismissed, as Suleyman Bey now commands the Turkish army in Bulgaria’ Reports of Russian atrocities are semiofficially denied. Ministerial journals in England state that British interests forbid tlio entry of the Russians into Stamboul, and urge the Govern mont to declare that conviction without delay. All the available Turkish troops at Stamboul have been ordered to Adrianoplo. The number of Russians ivho have crosscd the Balkans was over estimated. Russian dispatches state that after crossing the Balkans the vanguard marched to I Kczanlik, whilst the Cossacks occupied Yeni Saghra. July 22. The troopships Crocodile, Malabar, and Euphrates have received orders to bo ready to proceed to sea on Wednesday. The Russians arc besoiging Widin, having taken Pirsnik tor Brcsnek], and arc now inarching on Philippopolis. They were repulsed with heavy, losses at Plevna. A dispatch from Mukbtar Pasha at Kars states that on the 19th the Russians were attacked oil the right wing, and were defeated with heavy loss, and compelled to fall back.

It is rumoured that the English Government intend despatching British troops to Gallipoli.