TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 807, 5 October 1877, Page 2

TURKO-RUSSIAN WAR.

(By Caisi,e.) (From our Dunedin Exchanges.) We take the tollowing special to the Argus from its issue of the 17th :~ London, September 13. The bombardment of Plevna by the Russians was commenced at dawn on the 7th. On that day, the Russian troops being everywhere in position, with storming parties ready for the assault, a heavy fire was opened on the Turkish positions. On the extreme left of the Russian lines, was the corps of General with General Inivitisky’s corps in the centre, and General Krumrrrer’s troops on the right wing, while General Sotoff, with the Roumanian divisions, forming a semi-circle, completed the investment. An artillery duel was carried on through the whole of Friday, and continued on Saturday (Bth), but with little result. On Saturday night the Russians advanced a heavy battery nearer Plevna, and the bombardment never ceased. On Sunday, a Turkish sortie against the Russian left wing was repulsed with heavy loss, and General Skobcloff, following Up

the advantages ho'had gained on Monday, captured the southern heights commanding the town of Plevna and the whole fortified encampment, described as enormously strong. Tho Gravitza redoubt, in tho centre position, was cannonaded for six days from tho south and from the north oast. Tho"Roumanian troops displayed great bravery, and for taking the Turkish redoubt on Friday the“Emporor of Russia conferred 40 crosses upon them, Nicksio has been taken by tho Montenegrins, with a battery of guns and war material. “ '.’.'lfL 1 1 'lhe independence of Roumaniahas been proclaimed by Prince Charles, whose forces, commanded by him, behaved with great gallantry before Plevna. The Mansion House fund towards tho Indian famine relief amounts to LIfiO.OOO. September 22. I General Ignatieff Is in disgrace, and has gone to Keivi. Nothing official has beenheardof Mehcmet AH’s movements. September 24. Plevna is nearly surrounded by Russian forces. * Hafiza Pasha has reached Dubrick with supplies. The convoy was attacked by 15 battalions of Russian infantry and three regiments of cavalry, but they were defeated. According to Turkish accounts, Sulieman Pasha has renewed the assault at Fort Nicholas, Scbipka Puss, last Friday, but without success. Twenty thousand (?) Turks have been sacrificed in the various attemps to take Scbipka Pass. M ■ : ■■ The Sydney Morning Herald’s special of the 24th says tho accounts of last Friday’s fighting and the war in Bella are greatly exaggerated. The Turks admit the action was indecisive. An attack was made on the Russian entrenched positions at Charking and Chernova commanding the main road to Beila, but this was successfully repulsed by the Czarewitch receiving large reinforcements. Osman Pasha has been urged to sortie in order to effect a junction of the two forces. The Times says the Austrian Ambassador at Constantinople had a positive interview with the Sultan, and remonstrated against the continued atrocities, and hinted a mediation should moderation not be pursued, and declaring that Germany would not be indifferent to Russian humiliation. Seventy thousand [absurd] Turks are naid to have been sacrificed in various attempts to take the Schipka Pass. Bombay, September 24. A Russian official despatch says tho ! Turks have resumed bombarding Nicholas redoubt, and then assaulted it unsuccess- 1 fully. Fighting continues in Asia. General Tcrgukasoff has defeated Ismail Pasha with great loss. i A Turkish official report says a largo ' Turkish convoy of ammunition is within two hours march of Plevna - The result of the fighting at Beila is still ! indecisive. Bonbon, September 24. j The inquest on the bodies of tboso washed ashore from the Avalanche has terminated, the jury returning an open verdict. Sir Julius Vogel telegraphs the following as the list of those lost, besides the names already wired : Chief Cabin: T. W, Walton, H. T. Neale, W. C. Stow. A. Montgomerie, William W. Barnett, Dr R. Farmer and son. Second Cabin : Annie and Mary Spreadborough, Alex. Kelly, C. J. H. Prickman, J. C. Chamberlain and wife, G. Brobin and son, W. Whitaker, John Winter, John 11. Minter, L. D. Kirby, John. W. Graham, J. F. Somerville, George Kern, James Wilson and wife. Steerage; Frederick Lee, G. F. G. Smith, Wm. Edmondson and wife, J. A. Blythe, Charles Lysaght, Max Werthein, Charles Currey, John Bishop, A. Hernule, W, Charles Stock, Mrs Louisa Petterson, N. A. C. Inworthy, James Maxwell, Frederick Low. Tho following took passages, hut did not go : E. Millandt, J. Ewos, P. Wooderiu. Bombay, September 23. Tho Scotland Yard detectives have been committed for trial re the turf swindle. A Russian Special Official savs Mehcmet Ali unsuccessfully attacked the Russians at Cherkohua, on the Jantra, on the 21. They reached the entrenchments, but were compelled to fall back, support failing. A Turkish official despatch says a convoy, numbering 5000, entered Plevna. 750,000 models, in the American Patent Office, have been burnt. London, September 24. The Brindisi mail was delivered yesterday. Re Avalanche disaster, the Coroner’s inquest on five of the bodies is proceeding. Wool.—Upwards of 3000 bales were offered at to-day's closing sales. Improved prices, increased firmness ; foreigners again competing. 1000 ba'as were catalogued, and 20,000 withdrawn. Wheat shows an upward tendency. Australian, 67s to 60s ; New Zealand, 565. Bombay, September 24. The Turks have occupied a natural stronghold in Rnumania opposite Silcstria. The Russian-Roumanian losses at Plevna is 27,000. Todleben directs the siege.