CLOSING ON THE CAPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15141, 4 November 1912, Page 7

CLOSING ON THE CAPITAL.

BULGARIANS STILL VICTORS. THREE POSITIONS TAKEN. THE ROAD ALMOST CLEAR PROTECTION FOR CHRISTIANS. ,v. . (Received-November 3,-5.5 p.m.) London, November 2. The Times' Sofia correspondent states that the Turks on Thursday made a desperate effort to retrieve the situation and rallied between Chorlu and Istrandja. They were reinforced by a division from Constantinople, but the Bulgarians were completely victorious, and captured the towns of Chorlu, Istrandja, and Rosabotto. These towns are all within 30 miles of Constantinople. It is reported that Chorlu has been captured, and that the Bulgarians are advancing on Chataldja, only 20 miles from Constantinople.

Owing to the atrocities after the recent defeats, the Bulgarians intend to command the capital in the interests of the Christians.

The Daily Chronicle's Constantinople correspondent states that thousands of Turks are going to the front unarmed and without uniforms. The commissariat has failed entirely. The reports of reverses have embittered the Moslems, who have been buoyed up by false statements of successes. There is now anxiety in the capital, and the fear that terrible deeds may be witnessed as a sequel to Turkey's losses in the war. . The roads towards Chataldja are scattered with dead and dying, weapons and clothing. Christians are still to the forefront of the Turkish lines in battle. They endeavour to attract the notice of their, co-religionists on the, opposite side by the sign of the cross. The Vienna Reichpost states that only fractions of Nazim Pasha's army have got behind Chataldja; 20 miles from the capital, to prevent the Bulgars' dash on: Constantinople.