THE WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5118, 18 August 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE WAR.

ITEMS BY THE MAIL. A Prussian officer, says the Broad Arrow, has recently reported upon the state .of the, Russian army. He entered the Russian army with a view to visit Central Asia, but being disappointed in that object, devoted his attention to a careful study of the soldiery from all parts of the gigantic Empire. In Trans-Cau-casia, he says, about 120,000 men are stationed, with 35 field batteries, 150 siege guns, and at least 50,000 reserves ; ■ in the , south-west of European Russia are 385,000 men, with 88 field batteries, and at least 350 siege, guns ; the reserves amount to 120,000 men, and are, posted between Kameniec-Podolski, Kief, and : Vladimir-Volynski. Within a - few months Russia could mobilise two other armies of equal numbers. After allowing for the troops necessary to keep in subjection the newly-con-quered provinces and to garrison the chief fortresses, at least 300,000 men, with a strong contingent of cavalry and infantry, could be used to reinforce the two armies now in the field. The militia—or, Oossudarst wcnnoje Opoltschenje— upon which the army would have to depend for further reinforcements, he considers of very doubtful value. Of the General Staff he has a very low opinion. Among the generals there are only a few who possess any reputation for military skill, and there is not one who enjoys the full confidence of the army. The partiality which is continually exercised on behalf of officers favoredby the Court appears to be the cause of dissatisfaction. Even the Grand Duke Nicholas, who is considered one of the most talented generals, is much disliked. The discipline amongst all the officers leaves much to bed sired. The Germans, who fill nine out of ten of the superior posts, ■ express their contempt of the Russians proper by not even learning the language ; and the Slavs return this hatred tenfold, and obstruct the orders of their superiors so far as they can do so with safety to themselves. The mutual dislike, too, of the Great Russians to the more talented Little Russians, and the distrust exhibited by all Russians, of the Poles, and their | contempt of the Tartars, aggravate the situation. By a false principle of, promotion, many J colonels serve only twelve to fourteen years ; < but the majors and captains under them gene-; rally between thirty and forty years. The officers of the Guards and Cavalry are in favor of the present regime ; but the officors of the; Artillery and Engineers, distinguised for education, but not ranking high in the social scale, favor extreme democratic opinions. The officers of the ordinary infantry regiments belong to the jejuna plebkula, and are little respected. Most of thorn are rich, uneducated, and sunk in vice, and furnish many adherents to the Communistic and Nihilist sects which: aro rapidly inereasing in Russia. All these; conflicting elements, the German officer thinks,; might in the event of a disastrous; reverse lead: to along dreaded explosion. But, on the whole,' the innate submissiveness of the Russian privates, especially if success should attend their arms, will, lie believes, maintain discipline notwithstanding all provocations. The Vienna correspondent of The Times' thus summarises the condition of Austria and Hungary in regard to the war:—"The convention between Russia and Roumania for the : transit of the Tsar's army, is considered by Austro-Hungary as a breach of neutrality, and such is the impression it has caused that, from the aspect o£ affairs to-day, it seems

doubtful whether the Government will be able to resist much longer the manifestations of of public opinion in favor of intervention. The Press has never been so violent in its language towards Russia, ft urges the Government to abandon its passive attitude, and to come to an understanding with Germany and England, and a view of common action. Nor is this the most serious symptom of the situation. _ln Hungary great excitement prevails. The arrival of the Softa has been the signal for an agitation which is a source of considerable anxiety to the Government. The Magyars are dissatisfied with the policy of the Cabinet, and claim nothing short of an alliance with Turkey. With the exception of the Government officials, the entire population of Hungary takes part in the anti-Russian demonstrations which commenced after the declaration of war. The Government's answer to interpellations "on Austria's policy in the East is hardly calculated to put an end to this state of things. It is expected in a few days, and will be made simultaneously with the Parliaments of Pesth and Vienna. Count Andrassy, it is believed, will confine himself to general statements containing no direct reply either to the Hungarian Liberals of Pesth or to the Opposition in Vienna. His position at present is a most difficult one, and if he succeeds in maintaining harmony amongst the heterogeneous elements that compose the Empire, he will have achieved a most remarkable feat of statesmanship." The following account of the crossing of the Danube is from an eye-witness : —With the darkness General Dragomiroff began his first work, which was to plant a row of field guns all along the edge of the flats, to sweep the opposite banks. This was while the infantry was being marched over the flats to cover in the willows. The darkness and obstructions were so great that all was not ready until the first glimmer of dawn. There was no bridge, but a number of river boats, capable of holding from fifteen to twenty men each. These were dragged on carriages through the mud and launched in the darkness. The boats put off singly, rowing across for a little cove, and later_a little steam tug was brought into requisition. The Turks immediately opened a smart fire both on the boats and the troops who were waiting to cross. The leading boat contained Major-General Yolchine. Turkish riflemen were in position about fifty yards from the shore. He landed his handful of men, and bade them lie down in the mud. He then opened a skirmishing fire to cover the landing of the boats that followed. One by one these landed their freights, who fol-. lowed the example of the first boat, and at length enough had accumulated. Among them was General Skabaloff and his son. General Yolchine bade his men fix bayonets, stand up, and follow their officers. There was a rush and a cheer. The Turks fired a volley,, but it did not avail. General Yolchine's skir-; mishers followed them some distance up the slope, but for a time could not press on. Meanwhile, Russians guns from across the r river and Turkish artillery were firing briskly, j Turkish shells kept falling in the water, whis-j tling through the willows and bursting among the columns on the flat. One shell from a mountain gun fell into a boat containing two guns. Their gunners and the commandant of the battery boat was swamped, and all on board perished. This was the only serious casualty in crossing, but many Russian soldiers were falling on both sides of the river. The Turkish gunners clung to their guns with wonderful staunchness, amid clouds of dust thrown up by the shells which burst around them..