THE RUSSIAN ADVANCE ON CONSTANTINOPLE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 885, 26 April 1877, Page 3

THE RUSSIAN ADVANCE ON CONSTANTINOPLE.

A gentleman who has personally visited a large portion of the country which will be the theatre of war between (lie armies of Russia and Turkey, sends the New Zealand Herald the following respecting the Russian army and the routes b.T which it must advance on Constantinople:— “ Many of your readers will be able to bring back to their recollection that on opening their morning paper three and twenty years ago, the heading ‘ The A\ ar in the blast,’ printed in large letters met their gaze, and now the old familiar title will again attract our attention, causing us to scan most eagerly in the telegraphic columns for the latest news. It is said that the present time may be compared to that in which we read of the doings of Nay smith and Butler, in the glorious defence of Silistna in 1853-1, so shall we also be now on the qni vire to learn what action will be taken by some of our recognised best officers who have signified their intention of taking service with the Turks to meet their old enemy —notably Colonel Valentine Baker. Those who are an coura>it with events at home, are aware that through the columns of one of our most popular and reliable Journals, the Army and Nary Gazette, fhe editor (Dr Russell) has informed the British public that the applications received by Colonel Baker from officers who have served in Her Majesty’s army have become so numerous that if- is impossible for him to reply to them ; but that, on the declaration of war, he would, through the columns of that paper, inform them of the course they would have to pursue in order to Join the Turkish army and serve under him. Thus to the interest," which the war between Russia and Turkey naturally causes, will be added the exciting fact that a body ol our own countrymen will be lighting on the side of the Turks. The strength of this contingent of volunteers cannot at present be stated, but if large, there can be no doubt but it will make its influence felt both in the Government and the country, and may be one of the causes of war between England and Russia.

“ The European journals «ivc approximate estimates of the strength of the Russian army which will invade Turkey. The Austrian military paper thinks that Russia cannot possibly bring more than 250,000 men wherewith to coerce the Turks in Europe, to which may be added the Roumanian army, numbering GO,OOO men. 120,000 Russians arc already on the march to the Truth. The march to the Truth means that they arc transported by railroad to Jassy, and from thence they will go to Bucharest, occupying those fortified positions on the Danube which are touched by rail, viz., Gralatz, Brailow, and Oiurgcvo. Again, from Bucharest they will pass through Gajora to Khalafat, the tete Ac pant of Widdin. “ The Danube may be crossed at Qltcnitza, or rather Turtokai, at an island very near Silistria, again at Hirsova, but Saturnova and Tuldscha, situated in the delta, are the preferable points. At Tuldscha, there is a bar across the river, with barely fourteen feet of water on it. To bring the 1130,000 men assembled at Kischencv to the banks of Iho Danube will take at least eight days. What the plans of the Russians may bo for passing the Danube it is impossible to know; but if they follow the plans of Colonels Berg and Rudiger, which were so successfully adopted by Marshal Wittgenstein in 1828, namely, to make (be fall of Varna, Silistria, and Schumla necessary before the grand operation, then 1 brail (Brailow), with Saturnova and Tuldscha will be the chosen spots. If the Western or Timok Valley be taken, then Rachosa and Griurgevo will bo the main points. “ There are but six passes by which an army can pass the Balkans, and all the passes verge on (lie second line of defence, namely, Tirnavo, Schumla, Privada, and Varna. In 1828-29 the Russians had the command of the BlackSea, disembarking some (5000 to 10,000 men •at Bugas, a small town south of the Balkan ranges, thereby taking' the Turks in rear, and facilitating the chosen route. The western route, via the valley of the Timok, will enable the Russians to strike the railroad at Sophia ; but their further advance will be much impeded by the strong natural position at Thilippopoli. 1 propose, in ray next, letter, to show what means of defence the Turks will probably employ to prevent, the passing of the Danube, and their capabilities of I withstanding the Russians in Asia Minor.”