RUSSIAN DEFEATS

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 811, 28 August 1877, Page 2

RUSSIAN DEFEATS

THE TURKS SEEK TO CROSS THE DANUBE. RUSSIAN POSITION CRITICAL. Bombay, August 25. A Russian official dispatch report states that desperate fighting occurred at Shipku Pass on the 23rd August. ;It continued for thirteen : hours. The Russims maintained | their ground, but their losses were heavy? Sulieraan Pasha telegraphed on the 21st that he had scaled the heights and fought for fourteen hours. He retained, his conquered position, and attacked the Russian entrenchments unsuccessfully, but: hopes to succeed. Mehemet Pasha repulsed fourteen Russian batteries atEski-Djunia. The Turks are attempting to cross the Dauube at Widdin. The Turkish force is now operating m the Dobrudscha. The English Press considers the Russian position m Bulgaria critical. In Asia- Minor, since the repulse of the • Russians under General Melekoflf.' both armies m Armenia remain inactive.

The Agent-General's telegram, dated London, Augu&t 24th, says :—r A great battle? lasting two days, occurred at Shipka Pass. The Turks were repulsed with great loss. The Turkish armies have not yet joined. Osman Pasha's attack bn *Selvi was repulsed. Ruschuck suffered much from the continued bombardment,^ /. -■ Three hundred Cbssacks who had laid down their , arms; . were slaugtered m oold blood. The Russians are mobilising m great force. . .-'-.'■ An important battle is expected." An insurrectidn Occurred at Crete. Many Turks were killed. The alleged Russian atrocities are said to be chiefly fabrications of the Turks. Subscriptions for wounded Turks have been almost all embezzeled by Turkish officials, and the soldiers v are left without surgical aid.

A ' Sydney Herald ' Speoial tele- 1 gram dat6s 1-ondori, August 25, says ' ex Colonel \ Baker commanding t he Turkish OaValry distinguished himself at EskifDjuma.