DIRECT TELEGRAMS FROM EUROPE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4870, 26 September 1877, Page 4

DIRECT TELEGRAMS FROM EUROPE.

(Per Submarine Cable.)

REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

We take the following special to the Argus from its issue of the 17th :—

London, September 13th. The bombardment of Plevna by the Russians was commenced at dawn on the 7th inst. On that day, the Russian troops being everywhere in position, with storming parties ready for the assault, a heavy fire was opened on the Turkish positions. On the extreme left of the Russian lines, was the corp3 of; General Skobeloff, with General Inivitisky's corps.in the centre, and Generial Krunmer's troops on ' the right wing, while General Sotofif, with the Roumanian divisions^ forming a semicircle, completed the investment. '•■'.-':' An artillery duel was carried on through the whole of Friday; and continued on Saturday (Bth inst.), but with little result. On Saturday night the Russians advanced a heavy battery nearer Plevna, and the bombardment never ceased.

On Sunday, a Turkish sortie against tlie Russian left wing was repulsed with heavy loss, and General Skobeloff, following up the advantages he had gained on Monday, captured the southern heights commanding the town of Plevna and the whole fortified encampment, described as enormously strong. The Gravitza redoubt, in the centre position, was cannonaded for six days from the south and from the north east.

The Roumanian troops displayed great bravery, and for taking the Turkish redoubt on Friday the Emperor of Russia conferred 40 crosses upon them. Nicksic has been taken by the Montenegrins, with a battery of guns and war material.

The independence of .Roumania has been proclaimed by Prince Charles, whose forces, commanded by him, behaved with great gallantry before Plevna.

The Mansion House fund towards the Indian famine relief amounts to £160,000.