Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1877.

Evening Post, Volume XV, Issue 102, 2 May 1877, Page 2

Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1877.

A most instructive book has recently been published in London, written by Major Russell, on the subject of " Russian Wars with Turkey." The London Times gives a resume of its most important features, and generally reviews it in a highly favorable manner. Those portions of the work which deal with the present time are of course.the most interesting,

and we propose therefore to give a general sketch or wliat Major Russell has to say under this head. In estimating the comparative power and resources of Russia and Turkey for war, Major Russell expresses the opinion that Turkey possesses the superiority at sea. She possesses, thanks to European loans, twenty excellent ironclads at least, and a considerable fleet of steam transport* ; and Russia could oppose to these only two monitors and a few frigates in the Euxlne, the only possible theatrp of maritime operations in the supposed conflict. On the other hand, the power of Russia on land is so infinitely greater than that of the Porte, that a comparison appears to be almost idle. Major Russell estimates that in the case of war with Turkey — an event which has already occurred — Russia can array on the Pruth 250,000 men at least, with a reserve probably of equal strength, and can send beyond the Caucasus 150,000 men ; and these fo'rees would utterly surpass their antagonists in military efficiency and worth. Against this formidable display of power it is doubtful if the Porte could place inline 160,000 men in Europe, and 100,000 in Asia Minor; and these troops would be, in a great mejisure, rude levies, ill-trained, and worse officpred, and without proper appliances for the field. Nor does even this give a true notion of the relative strength of the supposed belligerents. The Russian armies would be probably swelled by contingents from Servia and Montenegro, and even from the Danubian provinces : they would be upheld by a united Empire of from 70,000,000 to 80,000,000 souls, and their march on Turkey would be doubtless aided by arising among the oppressed races. On the other side the Turks could rely only on the Mahomedan element in their dominions, and they would depend for their resources in war on a population of 14,000,000. Founding upon these data, Major Russell comes to the conclusion that from the narrowest military point of view, Turkey cannot on land be a match for Russia. Taking these facts as they stand, it might be thought that the result ot a conflict would be the defeat of Turkey. Major Russell, however, shows that the invasion of Turkey by Russia is a very critical undertaking, not by any means holding out a certainty of success". He shows that the command ot the sea by the Turks would prevent a descent on the shores of the Bosphorus, and be the means of protecting Constantinople for a considerable time. This command of the sea by the Turks would also, Major Russell thinks, impede a Muscovite advance in Asia Minor, especially as the Straits were approached. Assuming that Russia were able to break up from the Pruth with 250,000 men, supported by reserves, cross the Danube, and assail Turkey, the occupation of Constantinople being the ultimate object, two modes of operating would be open to her. She might cross the river at several points, concentrating at or near Hirsova, or she might unite its chief mass near Giurgevo ; the advance being in either instance connected, perhaps, with a diversion from the Servian and the Montenegrin frontier. The main body would then make directly for Shumla and the Balkans, while the auxiliary would march on Sophia and descend the valley of the ancient Hebrus ; the two columns effecting their junction at a point to the north of Adrianople, and moving thence through the Roumelian plains, towards the Imperial city, which would lie before them. Major Russell evidently thinks that the Turks could not, unaided, offer any effectual and continued resistance to such an invasion. The Turks, he thinks, would not be able to prevent the invaders from crossing the Danube, but they might make a stand at Shumla, a strong natural fortification 50 miles distant from the port of Varna, on the Black sea. From this latter port the Turks could draw their supplies. Major Russell, however/does not augur that much success would attend the Turkish army in making this stand. In fact, he has little faith in the Ottoman army, which he regards as likely to consist of sluggish and feeble levies, unable to fight a well-appointed enemy. While saying this, Major Russell, however, still contends that it by no means follows that the conquest of Turkey would be easy, or that Russia will suc«eed in bringing the City of Constantinople within her grasp. He calculates that supposing the Russian force to start from the Pruth on the Ist May, it would take them seven weeks in attaining Shumla, should Hirsova be the point of assembly, and about a week more in the case of Giurgevo ; and this, too, on the assumption only that the Turks would not defend the Danube, or even attempt to retard the invaders. Major Russell calculates that a month would then see the Russians across the Balkans, and the junction effected with the column from the West. Allowing for the resistance that might be offered to the advance by the Turkish army, the Times in commenting upon this part of the book, thinks that it would take six weeks to cross the Balkan. It then continues : — " Allowing a fortnight for the advance from Adrianople to the neck of land on* the Bosphorus, it would not be far from the end of August before the invaders would touch the last line of defence behind which Constantinople stands, and where, we may assume, the Ottoman Power would collect itself for a final eflbrt. Now, during the three months, or three months and three weeks, that would be occupied by this prolonged advance, even on the most favourable supposition for it, the Russian Army would be exposed to the climate that ruined the force of Diebitch; it would find great difficulties in obtaining the means of subsistence in various parts of the country; it would be compelled to make large detachments to cover its communications and to mask the fortresses which it would have found on its way to the Danube; and, accordingly, it would be greatly reduced in numbers and really effective power before it attained the scene of the decisive struggle." Major Russell, in fact, appears to be of opinion that only 150,00Q of the Russian force would ever reach the Checkmedges, and the Times says that the advance would in hardships and rigor of climate resemble the march on Moscow. These delays, it is contended, would have afforded the Turks an opportunity of so strengthening the defences of Checkmedges, as to make them well nigh impregnable, so that it would scarcely be possible for the Muscovite forces to carry them by assault. Even if the Checkmedges were forced, Constantinople would still be untaken, and, with the previous preparations made, it could offer a protracted defence to an army not prepared for a siege. The Times, in alluding to a most important element in this question on which Major Russell has not dwelt, says that if Constantinople, and nothing else, was to be the object of Russia in a campaign, she would most assuredly fail in her purpose. The Great Powers would not allow the Imperial City to be in her hands, and, of all places, it is the most capable of a successful defence against Russian aggression. It then sums up the conclusions that are suggested by this war question as follows : — " The military superiority of Russia is so vast as compared with Turkey, that in the event of a war between them the Porte, humanly speaking, must be worsted. To invade the Empire, however, even in its decay, especially by the line of the Danube, the only way now open for a real attack, is an operation of extreme difficulty; the jealousies of Europe, space, and climate would combine to check the assailant's progress ; they would perhaps render it wholly nugatory. That Russia could conquer Turkey, even if she had no ally, appears, on the whole, to be very doubtful; and it is far from certain, as affairs now stand, that Constantinople would fall before a Russian army, even were the Turks its only defender. But if the city were threatened by Russia, the Great Powers would at once interfere ; and their interference would, beyond question, preserve the place from any real danger, and probably send the invaders back behind the Balkans. In any case, therefore, a war with Turkey must, as far as we can see, be for the Czar a dangerous and unprofitable affair; and the grand prize, which only would repay his efforts, would assuredly never come into his hands."

From time to time we have alluded to certain claims which have beex urged by certain natives in connection with a block of land at Oroua, sold by the Government to Messrs. Douglas and Company. Some two months ago it was stated that the natives had agreed to accept a sum of money in satisfaction of their claims, and it now appears that the money has been paid to them. The following telegram on the subject was received in town to-day from a gentleman at Feilding: — "The natives of Awahuri received £4500 yesterday in connection with the disputed property at Oroua (Douglas' estate). Everything passed off quietly." Judging from past experience, we should not be surprised if the Government yet had fresh claims made upon them in connection with this Oroua block.

A supplement is published with the present issue of the Evening Post, containing a list of persons whose names are objected to as not being entitled to be on the Electoral Roll. The hearingof the case of Henry Edward Tonks, in the Bankruptcy Court, was resumed this morning. Mr. Sawers, manager of the Bank of Australasia, gave evidence respecting the state of the debtor's account with the Sank, and Mr, Gordon Allan then began his

argument. He had not finished when we wr-nt to press. Some fragments of wreckage were washed ashore near the Pilot Station last night, including a large spar about a foot in diameter, such as might have been the jib-boom of a large ship. It was thought that this might have been the jib-boom of H.M.S. Wolverene, which was earned away just outside the Heads, but the marks on the spar hardly supported that idea, and it is probable that it formed the mast of one of the vessels recently wrecked. Some deck planking also was among the wreckage, and from the way the timbers had been fastened down, with a peculiar description of large wire nail, it is believed that they formed part of the schooner Theresa, lately wrecked in Cloudy Bay, and had drifted across the Strait with the long-continued southerly sea. We desiro to direct attention to the halfyearly report of the Directors of the Bank of New Zealand presented to the shareholders at the ordinary half-yearly meeting recently held at Auckland, which will be found in another column. The net profit of the business of the half-year (after providing for every debt considered bad) has been £61,687 9s, and the amoiint received from premiums on new shares for the same period £17,500. Full details as to reserve fund dividend, &c, will be found in the report. We regret to state that the Rev. Father Claffey,ot St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, sustained rather a serious accident last evening. The rev. gentleman left Mr. Bonnington's house in Hawkestone-street shortly before 7 o'clock, just about which time it was particularly dark, the moon not having risen. After descending the steps from the front door he unfortunately turned to the right instead of the left, and immediately fell over the bank down to the street below, a distance of some 12 or 14 feet. Assistance was at hand, and the rev. gentleman was picked up and conveyed to his residence, where he was attended by Dr. Grace, who found that he had experienced a fracture of the wrist bones, besides some bad contusions and bruises about the head. Father Claffey remained in a state of unconsciousness for more than an hour, after which he gradually revived, and we are glad to learn to-day that he is going on well, and that no serious consequences are apprehended. A private telegram received in town to-day stated that the s.s. Go-Ahead had gone a«hore at Poverty Bay this morning, while going out of the harbonr, but that there were good hopes that she would be got off next tide. A terrific sea was running in at Poverty Bay yesterday, but fortunately had gone down considerably this morning, otherwise the Go-Ahead would have stood but a poor chance. The management of the local branch of the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company has been transferred by Mr. J. H. Mabin to Mr. J. H. Wallace. In a speech at the luncheon given to his Excellency the Governor at Invercargill, Commodore Hoskins replying to the toast of " The Army and Navy," thus referred to the possibility of the colony's being exposed to an attack by a foreign power : — "As regards the danger to this colony from a hostile attack, he considered it small. The work at the outbreak of a war between two great nations was so concentrated that no large detachments could be spared to attack the colonies. The danger was rather from a small expeditionary force, or from privateers. In case of war being declared, our commerce could be carried almost entirely in fast steamers. As for fighting on land, the danger was a remote one, though he agreed that the young men of the colony should be prepared for that. A little military training was an admirable thing for them, sis it taught them something of discipline, and also how to carry themselves well." The Wanganui Herald "is authorised to state that the Bishop of Wellington is willing to meet the Hon. Mr. Fox in a public discussion on the merits of the different views held by each disputant on the liquor question. The only condition attached to the challenge is that the tickets for admission should be equally divided, and distributed by each party to the discussion. This would prevent a packed meeting, and is in itself a perfectly just arrangement." We trust that the discussion will take place, and that the locale will be St. George's Hall, in this city. Mr. Fox once bore the reputation of being an able debater and a hard hitter. Nevertheless, we should be inclined to think that in this instance he would meet more than his match in his Lordship the Bishop of Wellington. Few men in New Zealand approach the latter dignitary in logical power. The entertainment announced to be given under the auspices of the Wellington Early Closing Association took place last night in St. George's Hall with great success, the hall being well filled in every part. The gathering was held with the view of bringing more prominently before the public the aim and object souglit by the society, viz., the shortening of their hours of labor on Saturday. His Worship the Mayor, as President of . the association, occupied the chair, and opened the entertainment by an eloquent and forcible speech on behalf of the claims of the association. After some musical items had been performed, Mr. Hunter, M.H.R., addressed the meeting, expressing his sympathy with the movement. Subsequently the Vice-President, the Rev. R. Coffey, made a stirring appeal for public support on the question, cind at intervals the meeting was addressed by the Yen. Archdeacon Stock and the Rev. A. Reid, all advocating the early closing movement from various points of view. The speakers were listened to by the large audience with great attention, and their hearers testified concurrence in what was said by frequent and loud applause. A number of songs, duets, &c, were given by members of the association and other well-known amateurs, several being encored. Mr. Jupp, the Secretary, supervised the arrangements, and Mr. Raymond presided at the pianoforte. The meeting terminated at 10.30 p.m. by the singing of the National Anthem. An ordinary weekly meeting of the managing committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution was held yesterday afternoon at the Provincial Library. Present — the Right Rev. Bishop of Wellington (in the chair), the Yen. Archdeacon Stock, Rev. B. W. Harvey, Rev. J. Paterson, Rev. W. H. West, Messrs. L. Levy, J. Woodward, J. G. Holdsworth, and D. Lewis. The following subscriptions were received : — E. Pearce, £10 10s; Greenfield and Stewart, £1 Is; Halley andEwing, £1 Is; J. Willeston, £1 Is; H. Willcox, 1 ; Miss Wilcox, £1 ; Messrs. Sloan and Freeman, each 10s. The treasurer stated that there was only a very small balance in the bank, and that, although vouchers for £37 10s had been sent to the Colonial Treasury, the cheoue had not been received as yet. It will be scarcely necessary to remind the play-goers of Wellington that their old favorite, Mrs. Stoneham, will take a benefit — the first she ever has taken in Wellington — at the Odd Fellows' Hall this evening. Mrs. Stoneham is a very deserving actress, and we trust that her friends will rally round her on this occasion. The programme consists of the comedy " Woodcock's Little Game " and the classical extravaganza " Medea ; or the Golden Fleece." Mr. Fitzroy, M.H.R., for Selwyn, addressing his constituents recently, said " The Wellington Artillery are second to none in the colony." This is only a repetition of the opinion of the majority of the members of the House, who have had many opportunities of inspecting the corps. Messrs. Baker and Farron appeared in a new piece entitled "The Govenor" at the Theatre Royal last night. The house was filled. They appeared in several new songs and dances. The performance passed off with the usual success. " The Governor" will be repeated this evening. The Rev. Mr. Bevis, late of Palmerston North, is at present an inmate of the Nelson Lunatic Asylum. We have to acknowledge the receipt of Bradshaw's Guide to the New Zealand Railways for the current month. The band of the Choral Society had a capital practice last evening of the instrumental music which is to form part of the programme at the next concert, to be given on the 17th inst. Mr. J. A. Edwards conducted. The Rangitiki Advocate alleges that gross carelessness exists in the Palmerston Post Office with respect to the undue detention of letters. A meeting of the members of the Wellington Football Club was held last night, at the Star Hotel. Seven new members were elected, and the secretary stated that there were now forty members in the club. A letter from the secretary of the Dunedin Football Club requesting information as to whether the Wellington club would play a match here in August, and whether arrangements could be made for the Dunedin team to play the Auckland and Nelson clubs on the Wellington ground, was referred