THE RUSSIAN REVERSE IN CENTRAL ASIA.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1822, 23 December 1879, Page 3

THE RUSSIAN REVERSE IN CENTRAL ASIA.

In consequence of their recent defeat by the Turcomans, the Russians are falling back towards the Caspian. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the “Daily Nows” forwards tho following in connection with the late engagement at Geok-Tepe ; —“ Since writing to you yesterday I learn that private information has been received hero of a later date as to tho engagement at Qeok-Tepe, and according to these advices the Russian advanced column, although it gained the outworks of tho fortified settlement at Denzil-Toppe, was unable to drive out the enemy, whom it found so sh'ongly posted and in such numbers that tho column fell back during the night in tho direction of the main body, intelligence from Tifiia under date of September 16th, published in the “ Qolos” of this day, is to the effect that information received there from the expeditionary corns ‘ commerces to create disquietude in official circles. All manner of privations, inseparable from an expedition to the Steppe, have commenced to exercise a prejudicial effect on the health of the troops. Dysentery and scurvy have broken out among tho men in a degree calling for energetic measures. In consequence, M. Malinin, a doctor, has left Tiflis to join the Akhal-Teko detachment, and has been granted extensive powers to organise medical assistance and take erorgotio measures against the prevailing sickness.’ In iny letter of yesterday’s date I stated that there was no evidence that tho Russians had retreated to Beurma, as mentioned in some quarters, the main army not having advanced beyond Beurma to date of advices. I received, however, yesterday, information that the column engaged with the Tekes at Qeok-Tepe did retreat during tho night, after the engagement.”