THE WAR IN BULGARIA.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 254, 2 January 1886, Page 4

THE WAR IN BULGARIA.

"By the S.m Francisco mail we have additional particulars to November 23 concerning the Balkan dispute London, November 23 The Conference ot the Powers at Constantinople on November 10(h came to an unanimous d< cision, re commending the complete autonomy of the Bulgarian and Koumelian boundary, by which the union of the two States was effected. The Russian demand for the removal of Prince Alexander was agreed to. The British opposition to the removal was als< overcome by an offer of the vacant thione to Prince Heniy ot Battenburg, Alexander's youngest brother, the husband of Princess Beatrice Germany, however, objected to Prince Henry, but would cousent to a substitution of Prince Louis, Prince Alexander s brother, now in the British Navy, and the latter is regarded as the probable choice of Routnelia. lhe Russian Ambassador was ordered by bis G» ven meat to press the demands ot Russia before the Conference for the immediate disarming of Servia, Greece, and Bui g.iria.

King Milan, of Serv'a, inform d the Powers, on iMoveinber 14, that he had c tela red war against Bulgaria because a force ot that country had arbitrarily attacked a position which the Moravian dividian of the Kings's troops held on the Servian territory, opposite the Bulgarian frontier. The North German Gazette mainLiiii.s tbat the fact that Servia has declared war against Bu'garia will not alter the prospects ot the Balkan Conference.

King Milan had taken the field at the head ot his army, which moved on the 15 hin three divisions. General Havatocidi commands the left wing, General Lt-ahgania the right, and King Milan the centre. The whole force is expected to concentrate at Sofia, in Bulgaria, on 22nd. Both Mr Gladstone and Lord Sails bury have done all in their powdr to t revent the war.

The bervian Minister, sppaking to a correspondent, said War will be neither long nor bloody. It will ;!raw Servia aDv Bulgaria nearer together, will be better under* stood and respect the other. This revision *i ll afford a solution of all problems so long at issue between us."

Some desperate fighting took place on the lGth, which resulted in the Servians occupying a portion at ifaptoa, taking possession of Dragoman Pass. The retreat of the Bui. f/arians to Slivuitz was reported. KiDg Milan at the head of a body of Servians was in an attack upon the Bulgarians' rear. He was ma and repulsed by a force uuder Prince Alexander. With this exception the Servians have been everywhere successful J heir advance was uncheked

They are much better equipped with nrms and ammunition than the Bulgarians, and light with great courage r.nd persistency. A. heavy battle was fought near Wid din ; m which the Bulgarians met with a crushing defeat. The Servians captured a thousand prisoners. The iiulgarians appear to be panicstricken.

Later despatches, however, put a different aspect on the state of things at the scene of hostilities. The fortune of war has turned in favor of the BuU garians. They had gained so many victorits that the Servians despaired. The most brilliant wis at Slivnitza, where the Bulgarians forced the •Servian right back at the point of the bayonet for seveial kilometres with great losses. This turn in the tide of affairs is said to be due to Prince Alexander, his brother Francis Joseph, and other German army officers. Prince Alexander was in the 1 hick of the battle from the beginning to the end.

Advices received from London. 23rd November, tend to corfirm the report that England, as well as the rest of Europe, is sickf-ning at the details of biudshed in Bulgaria Terrible atro' cities are related. Amongst others, J hat Ihe Servians attacked the Bui Adrian Regiment while escorting an ambulance tiair, and bayonetted all prisoners. Both King Milan and Alexander are said to have been wounded in fights. General Gouanavitch, of the Servian army, was court-martialled for ignorance and disobedience of orders

The Bulgarian victories have worked a sudden change in Austrian opinions Prince Alexander has grown very popu'ar in Ministerial circles. The French take little interest in the corflict. Few Frenchman have any idea where Bulgaria is. The hope is strong in official circles that the conference now sitting will cure peace.