THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1432, 24 November 1885, Page 1

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Belgrade, Nor. 19. Farther reports respecting the engagements near Siivnitza state that 25,000 Servians and 15,000 Bulgarians were in action, and that fighting of the severest nature continued for eighteen hours. The conflict was renewed yesterday, and was proceeding when the despatches were forwarded. King Milan claims that hid troops are slowly forcing Prince Alexander’s >tb retire upon Sofia. Nor, 20. Prince Milan advices that the Servian forces advancing upon Siivnitza have sustained a defeat, and are now retiring upon l)ragoman : Pass to await reinforcements. Nor. 21. The intelligence of the capture of Widdin by the Servian forces turns out to be devoid of foundation, as that position has not been attacked. Nov. 22. Two divisions of the Servian array, having succeeded in effecting a juncture, engaged the Bulgarian forbes at Slivnitza to-day, and defeated them with considerable loss. The Servian troops are now marching upon Sofia', the Bulgarian capital) and are closely menacing that town.

London, Nov. 19. The town of Breswick, situated about 19 miles from Sofia, has been captured by the Servians, and it is likely that the citadel itself will shortly be surrounded by them. It is reported that Prince Alexander was wounded in the recent engagement at Slivnitza, Nov. 20, Further particulars of the battle of Slivnitza show that Prince Alexander fought with reckless bravery, his horse being killed from under him. The Bulgarians made frequent bayonet charges during the battle, which was only ended by a heavy fog coming on. Nov. 22. It is generally believed in diplomatic circles that the combined European Powers will now intervene, and prevent' a continuance of the hostilities in the Balkan Peninsula. Constantinople, Nor. 20. ■ A telegraphic despatch has bebn'received by the Sultan from Prince Alexander of Bulgaria. The Prince tenders complete submission to the Porte, and announces that the evacuation of Roumelia by the Bulgarian forces has been commpnced, and requests the Sultan to send him assistance to repel the Servian invaders. Stf. Prveksbvm/Nov. 21. The semi-official Journal De St. Petersburg publishes an article fo-day commenting on the submission of Prince Alexander to the Porte, which, it maintains, renders the continuance of the war objectless. Sofia, Nov. 1 20. Despatches received from Prince Alexander announce that a division of the Servian army attacked Slivnftfcs' yesterday with a view of effecting a juncture with the troops now availing reinforcements at Dragoman ‘ 1 Pass, Severe fighting ensued, in which considerable loss was inflicted upon tht enemy, who were ultimately repulsed on all sides and compelled to retire. * Further details of the fighting at Sliynitza yesterday are to hand. Telegrams state that the Servians advancing upon Slivnitfca were attacked by the Bulgarian troops, and- a desperate engagement took place. After ten hours’ obstinate fighting, the Bulgarians succeeded in driving the Servians to the heights to the left of Dragomari Pass. The Bulgarians took 400 Servian prisoners, and are now complete masters of the roads in the neighborhood.