The New York Herald Newspaper, April 30, 1877, Page 3

. ‘GATHERING ON THE DANUBF Movements of the Belligerent Armies Before the Conflict. THE MILITARY SITUATION. How Roumania’s Troops Are Disposed For Her Defence. A HOME GUARD The Russian Army and Its Base of Operations. THE DOBRUDSCHA. Lines of Defence on Which Turkey Can Resist Invasion, DISTANCES BETWEEN POINTS ‘The forced march that brought the Russian advanced guard and leading corps to Galatz, Iorail and Barboschi Proves the capacity of the troops for rapid and de- Gisive movements. This quality will be put to somo @evore tests during the coming campaign on and southward of the Danube, because the Kussians, being Operating on what aro termed “exterior lines,’? @gainst an enemy whose lines of retreat will be ‘ipenof concentration, the numerical strength of the invaders must bo augmented until the corps @perating in any given direction are separately able to eteat or check any assault made by the united Turk- deb forces, Whilo these reinforcements are coming into the field over the indifferent roads of Roumania Bod Bulgaria tho activity of the troops fronting the Turks must be redoubled so as to cover every thrent- ened point. It will not be forgotten that the threat. ened invasion of Roumania by the Turks at Rustchuk, Siligtria and possibly Widdin seriously complicates the situation both for the Roumanians and Russians, Tho former would in any event suffer great losses in tho destruction of the villages along the val- ley of the Danube, especially if the invading force is composed of cavalry and light artillery. The Russians Would be forced to extend their lines parallel with the river soos to cover the railroad from Barboschi to Buchareat and Krajova, thus presenting an excced- ugly long and necessarily weak barrier to the advance and operations of an coterprising Turkish force. However, events indicate that tho Turks Jack enter- prise and dash, otherwise they would nevor have per- mitted the seizure of the Barboschi railroad bridge over the Sereth River by the Russians, evon by such a splendid march as has been described, TUX ROUMANIAN POSITIONS. To guard againgt any surprise the Roumanian divi- Sions which held the frontier previous to the Russian advance have been withdrawn, and now cover Krajova onthe right and Bucharest on tho leit of their line of defence, The troops at Krajova are especially intended to guard that important position from any Turkish at- tack from the direction of Widdin, Rahova or Nicopo- Ms, three fortitied towns on the right bank of the Danube. Any of these points can bo reached from Bofle, where it is likely a Turkish reserve ts in course €f organization to operate either against Servia or Rovmania, and which ie in railroad communication with Constantinople and the South. The Roumanian army Bumbors from thirty thousand to forty thousand mech, ‘Dat ats officers are inexperienced and the troops im- fectly disciplined. On their own soil and in de- fence of their homes and families they will do good fervice, without doubt, and will relieve a large Russian contingent that should otherwise be employed ior the defence of Rowmania. THR RUSSIAN ARMY. This force, which is being constantly strengthened Yom Jassy, Kiscnoneff and Bender, is intended for Qctive operations in Bulgaria. The troops are at present massed at Galatz, Boigrod and Ismail and southwestward of Barboschi toward Bucharest. It 4s evident that when a suflicient force is assem- Died at these points it will cross tho Lower Danube at or near Jultcha into the Dobrudscha, or region betwoen the Danube and the Black Sea northward of Varna and Schumla, This plan of ‘attack, ag before described in the Henan, will give the Russian srmy an unopposed passage of the river and a clear road southward to the railroad linc between Kus: tendji,on the Blaek Sea, and Tschernawoda, on the Danube. On this line the Turks will probably make ade- termined stand, as its possession 18 extremely important to their interests at Silistria and along the Danube, As Schumla and Varna will bo the main objective points of the Russian attack in this direction the ‘Foads leading to them through tho Dobradscha will, Probably, be stubbornly defonded, tor tho loss of either position would be fatal to the Turks in Bul- garia, and would result ina practical evacuation ot the province by the Sultan’s field army. In order to give the reader an idea of this prospective theatre of wor a more detailed description is necessary of its physical features, ‘THR DORRUDSCHA. ‘This territory begins at ana is bounded on tho north by tho Sulina or middie one of the three channeis through which the Danube discharges into the Black Sea. Therefore a section of the low marshy delta— namely, that between the Sulina and St. George's channels—is included within Ite arez and is known as St George’s . Island. Numerous sub-channels or creeks intersect this corner of the Dobrudscha and its coast is indented by wide bays, protected by Barrow necks of marshy land and broken by large estuarics, very much like the delta of the Missis- upp. in the northwestern corner, opposite Galatz, the land is also very low and marshy, being broken by several takes and crecks, But southward of Tultcha and between the Danube ana the Bluck Sea the lana rises with a rolling country which discharges its rain Bhed about equally to the cust and west as far south- ‘ward as the Kustendje Railroad. Between this lineand Varna the land is high, with few rivers, and only some Scattered villages to indicate ite character as a poor agricultural country. Taken as a whole the Dobrudscha 1s unfavorable for nmlitary operations, owing to its barren character, there are few good roads &nd in parts an absence of water. It is, however, Stated that hurned cattle abound tu this region, afford- {og @ very important supply of food to a Russian army, besides enabling it to establish magazines, Which form the basos of operation tor southward move. ments toward tho Balkans. Four defensible lines pre- bent themselves to the Turkish troops in the Dobruds- cha. Thofirst is the Danube and the St, George's Channel, sixty miles in length, and is covered by a amall but favorably situated fortified placo called Babadagh. Tho second, thirty miies jong, is tho line of the Kustendje Railroad, aided by the remains of Trojan’s wall, which, at some places, can be atrongth- ened and supported by earthworks 60 a¢ to form 4 very formidable intrenched line resting on two points of supply. The third, seventy-two miles long, ex- tends from Silistria southeastward to Buitebik Bay, on the Black Sea coast, and is supported neur tts centre by the town cf Busardjik, and bas in its tront a wide, barren and almost waterless area, over which the tuemy would bo forced to encamp or fight bis way kcross tne lines of the Turks. The fourth must, of sourse, be the line between V; aud Rustehux, 103 miles in iength, covered by Schumia DISTANCKS. A# Adriauople covers the road to the Turkish cupl- tal, and must fall before Constantinople is threatened, ull distances to poiuts on the Daoube and the western und northwestern territories should be measured {rom Adrianople. The chiet points of interest at present are distant irom Adrianopio by direct line as tollows:— To Galatz, 264 miloa; Kostendji, 200; Buchare 180; Widdin, 240; Silistria, 108; Rustchuk and Sis- tova, 144; Varna, 120; Schumla, 108; Sota, 180; Phil- Hipopolis, 96; Constantinople, 132, and the Balkan Mountains, directly to the northward, 72 miles, From | # -NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1877.~-TRIPLE SHEET, Sehomla to Varna, 48, and to Rustchuk, 60 mils; Gaiatz to charest, 120 miles; Bucharest to Krajova, 108 and Krajova to Widdin, 48 miles; Bucei to Rustchuk, 42 miles; walatz to Bolyrad, 26; to Tultcha, 48, and to Silistria, 96 miles; Siuissria to Rustchuk, 65 miles; Rustchuk to Sistova, 33 miles, t Constantinople by sea to Varna, 162; to the Sulinw mouth of the Danbbe, 270, and to Odessa, 578 miles, @LOSING TUE DaNURE. The interruption of the wavigation of the Danube by the Russians at Gaiatz will have a very important in- fluence on their military position, as it insures an un- molested cro: of the river and tho cut- ting of of Turkish supplies by water. As soon as the spring freshets subside they may be able to seize another section ley, and by means of batteries aud torpedoes limit the length of the Tarkish gunboat patrol. In this way it ts possible for them even to seize these iron-clad gunboats and use them with effect against. the Turkish river fortresses. This great campaign on the Danube will not develop into activity uatil the middie of the coming month, when the Ktus- sians will be prepared to move forward with over- wheiming force toward the Balkans. The map pub- Nshed herewith gives the chief positions of interest in this great game of war, and will guide the reader in his study of the different movements of the contend- ing armies. THE RUSSO-TURKISH WAR. INTERVIEW WITH THE AMERICAN EX-CONSUL AT BUCHAREST—WHAT HE SAW IN kOU- MANIA--WHY THE MUSCOVITE ASSAILS THE MOHAMMEDAN-—RUSSIA WANTS CONSTANTINO- PLE YOR HER MEIROPOLIS, Wasuixatox, April 28, 1877. People will doubtless remomber the name of Mr. Benjamin F, Peixotto, our Consul in Roumania, whose humane zeal in bebalf of the oppressed people of thut country @ year or two ago made him quite conspicuous at the time, Mr. Peixotto resided for over five years as our repre- sentative in Roumania at the court of Priu®e Charles of Hobenzollorn-Sigmaringen, where bo acquired un intimate and thorough kuowledge of the Eastern quos- tion, He happens to be in Washington just now. He wag waited upon by your correspondent, when the facts were gleaned which appear in the jollowing tnter- view:— Perhaps few men, especially Americans, are better qualified to speak upon the subject of tne terrible war now bursting upon the shores of the ‘morning land” of the East, During his residence iu Europe Mr. Peixotto was thrown im contact with many of the leading statesmen of Russia, Turkey, Austria, Ger- many, France and England, and bis keen powers of observation enabled bim to analyze the ever shilting, but never absent ‘policy’ which bas inspired, actu- ated, governed and coutrolicd the minds of monarchs und ministers sinco the fatal battle of Sadowa in the summer of 1860, which Jost Austria her proud place in the Southerm German Conlederation, and us Mr. Peixotto says, “virtually changed the map of Europe."” Connxsroxpsnt—I cailed to ask your opinion of the war in Europe, the meaning, rather, of Russiu’s decla- ration of war against Turkey Mr. Purxorro—lt meavs conquest, From tho first to the last Ruszia hag never had but one object in view. Sinco Sebastopol she bas brooded over this, until, frenzied with ber own brilliact achievements sinco that day, which have penetrated tue Caucasus, gone beyond the Caspian, conquered Kniva and Bokhara with their silk and cottou, she now believes the moment rife to seize the idol of ber ambition and make Coustaatinople the mistress of tue Eastern world, Counusroxvxyt—But she disciaiins all such inten- tions, 1t is w boly war tor the iong sulfering Coris- tiuus of Turkey lor whom she draws tue sword, dir, PixoTto—Don’s be deceived. Leave sentiment Lo women Of fanatics, Mees tho real issue hooestly. Let there be no disguise, Who bas invoked the vioudy intercession Of the Czar—the Suitun’s suvjects? Nel Neither We Koumauian, Serviun, Bulgarian, por the te Bosuian, Herzeyovinao—uot one of all the divers races inukibg up the population of the Uttoman Em- pire. CongesPONDENT—B ut these races are kindred in re- ligion und desire 4 change of masters. Mr. Paixurto—Only apparently in religion; in point Of luct, they regurd the Czar us 4 sebismutic, und us to preierring bis rule to tbut of the Sultau, beheve me that is she wildest chimera, ‘Coxuxsvonvixt—W by Jo you say so? Mr. eH: cause \ue sway of toe Sultan over baw mut). st ond Humane Compared with that of Russia over ver CoukEsroNDENT —How do you make that out? Mr. Pxixurro—No Christin or Jew in ali Turkey is compelled to be a soldier and hight the battles of the Sultay, In Russwevery man, nay, every striping, must be and $3 moulded to be au instrument of death, @ sacrificial lamb upon the altar of unbuliowed Just aud o’erleuping ambition, CokkesvoNDkNT—Are not the Roumanians with Rus- Sia in this struggle? Mr. Pxixortu—Beyond a few ambitious nobles, no! The advance of the Russian hosts 18 the deatu-kuell of Roumania’s hopes vt uutouomy. ‘Te 5,000,000 people of that principally Geused 10 exist yesterday us 4 separate State aud uationality it tue banners of the Czar are planted un the Bosporus. Corxesvonpest—What facilities does Koumania afforu! Mr. PErxoTTO—As8 a base of operations for the Czar the best, Railways and telegraphs now permeate tue country. ‘the svilia rich and productive. Owing to the uon-demand for exportauon ter more Wan two years tue wheat aud coru accumulated 1% very large. Ji Russia could pay guid ber coming would ve a gou- send to the poverty-siricken peasuniry. But she cun- not, ‘The circulation of her sliver bus for jour years been abolished vy Roumuniau law; vut even tuis coin she Dus nut got lo pay with, aod ber paper woney will bot be Worth forty cents un the dollar, IL that, vefore the war i sixty duys old. Lt 18 simply worthless to the peasant to-day, as tue me: © will HOt Lake it, CoxkesroxpeNtT—Where w'\\ be the scene of war? Mr. Psixorro—The Balkan aod Carpathian Moun- tains—the two chains euciosing Buigaria and Kou- Mavla—iorm a granu amphitueatre, where successive hordes of varburians Ui Europe to open the chunging o tory, It was on the piuins of the Lower Dunuve that the legions of Cyrus melted away like suow voneath tow wirows of the Scythiuns; there Alexander the Great fought the barbarians of the North; (ere till- fons of wen perished im the ourly wars of the Curise tans und the Turks; and on that terrain, in the oracu- Jar language of the great Napoleon, “the uestiny of hurope is yet to be devermined, ? Cokuesroxvest—Will Kussia have trouble crossing the Danube? Mr. PxixoTto—Not half ag much as antici; the newspapers. 1 inspected jast summer th Tesses irom Kelgrade wud Widdin w Tultscia and Sulina, Nove were formidabie thea, 1 may truly say in May last of nu accvuut, exeopt trom their natural position, It these have been put im a perfect stato during Lhe winter they could be rendered impregnable. But l doubt it this has been done, and even if so there | are a hundred landings lor the Kussian troup; [ou- mania bus nearly jour hundred miles boraering vn the Danube, Buti the Muscovites effect a crossing they bave yet tue Baikans beiore thom, and tuese the ‘Turks Will abd can deiend (0 the jast mau. serie alae think the Turks will fight well? Mr. Pxtxorro—With desperation aud confidence. Never beture were they more terribly tn earnest to de- fend their homes aud firesides, 14 will bo tue most lerrivie war of the century, Russia buiids her hopes Upon the rising of the Bulgarians, of whom tuere we eight mulions, But unless ine Lurks suiter great re- Veroes in the opening vatties the Buigariaus will never rise iu bebulf of the Russians. Conkxsroxvent—What is the general sentiment of the Buigarians? Mr. PeixoTro—If not hostile, certainly not favorable to the Kusomus, ‘They, hke the Roumauians, are un agricultural people, love peace, hate war; remember but too vividly the former trou tread of the Cossock, the desolativa so viten spread by the ferce and bratal juvader, Never have ail the reported Turkish iwassucres combined for ive hundred yours been equal to the horrors uccumulaied iu any One war waged by Russia on their soil against ther sovereign iora, Five years ago they murmured against the Sultan bocause of the rule of the Greek Patriarch of Atvens over (heir ecclesiastical uioceser. Midhat Pacha’s wise counsel wi Vorie, Wuo lorever terminated thar ga gave them their own Ex.reb, witu stavtivople. From that day toere bw Dioody encounters between Bulgagin and Greek Cutn remembered by the rule and ing ps. of irigttul massacre. Gradituce has tied the heart of the Sultau’s Buigarian subjects, and Russia will feel the consequence OF 14 now. ConussroxpEnt—You velieve ull Europe will be in- voiveu t Mr. Petxorro—l1t is inevitable the moment the mask 18 Corn away and the veil sv Jong belore their eyes to ho Winds. | mean the land, Germany, Austria, Frane hears tu-duy the words oF lia sword:— Exposed to hostile su, a Lualy. stions, to uniuaited suspicion Bud to Vivialivos oF iutermativpal law, Tur- | key frvls she 18 now contending tor Ler existence, Strong tu the justice of her cause and trusting 1p God, sue is determined Wo ignore what bas Leen decided without ber und against her aud resolved to revain in the world the pluce which Providence bas destined 1oF ber.’ Lhose are ringing Worus even in our language; ty Turkish they Wil ‘ouse the Mosiem to irenzy. Betore his visiob the memory of the past will rise hike adream, We sbali cee (be Turk of Haroup-al-Ras- chid’s the ewilt warrior of Salauin’s peerless hosts, and from heaven to their oxeited imaginaven Motutained will again descend to loud them ou to vice tory! Couresvoxpext—Wko of the Powers will be the Ors to ‘uterpose? Mr, PeixoTro—Ausiria frat, but hardly sooner than Evgand, CORKESPONDENT— And agaiDst—— Mr. Prixorro—Against Russia Cornksroxpent— And Germany? Mr, Peixorro iJ bang off as ‘ong as possi before midsummer be deeply in the contlivy but } comes memorable to our country ag of the duy of final | of his army, baving for no cause Whatever declared | of Turkey than trom | Charies? umbition 1s vo be the King of Oucs ab their church doors, so ulien Lelore the scene Great Powers—Eug- | ‘Ali Europe | ws ve draws bis | | She has during the past yeur gone « step turther, aud | |OF THE DASUBE &EVASTOP ‘OUTHS OF VIENNA®™ VALLEY OF THE DANUBE. “HE, ACE 33 et Tas: : SY » ZA IE eae 5 G2 7s\ ¥ a ~~, ref & 5 Ey Aid KX es z Sela | OMe é, Ne 4 Sg s nL \8 o Ge — K "mks { (5 be | ay f AYR, REE VEX, Ys BS >, IER @ 5| ag = Bway Trealld < PHIL f ite oe ASOUEVATZ x CornesvonpeNt—F or whom ? Mr. Peixorto—1 scarcely dare to venture an opin- fon. Much depends—and yes [ do not velieve tor Russia, CoukksvoxpkNt—If she should so decide what then? Mr. Puixorre—Tho legions of France will cross the Rhine, the [talans come up to joim the Freacy,* Catholic Austria, Italy and France, later supplemented by Spain, with Engiand, make commou cause against Germany and Ruse The vid song will como Buck again: be and the Dneiper sack warrior sleep; nid the Don ck mother weep. obs, too, on the And wailing on the Than And Europe will « picture be, Of bioud and tears und hanes, CornugsroxpkENT—And your deliberate judgment is that such a general war is impending ? Mr. Purxorro—I am compelled to say It is, Tne fire kindled by Russia in Herzegovina in June, 1875, has been « slow but consuming fame; it has burst jorth uow aud | fear it cannot be quenched, Unholy, ua- hallowed and unjustitiable is the war begun on the 24th of April, a day which, by a singular coincidence, be- pacification, Six months ago Mr. Peixotto was in Chicago, and while there was “interviewed’’ by @ reporter of the Times, The subject was still the Eastern question, Mr. Peixotto cut out and preserved the report of this inter- view, which be banded me, It is so prophetic ol pres- ent events and so full of information generally con- cerning the situation im Kastera Europe as to merit re- | production. ‘The reporter having suid that he bad | calied to learn his opinion respecting the possibility of a war between Russia end Turkey Mr. Porxotto went on to say:—"there will be war, War bas virtually ox- wd between these couutries since June, 1875, when the insurrections tomented by Russia broke out in Her- zegovina and Bosnian, When these provinces were about to be subdued by the Turks a new insurrection was started by Russia in Bulgaria, and on the 2d of July last Prince Milsn left his cupital to take command war aguiust bis suzerain lord." Ravonter—You think tho Bulgarian insurrection and the declaration of war by Servia ulao mspired by Russia? Mr. Pxixorto—I have not the least doubt of it, Rus- sia hus long sought a pretext for commencing hostil- led sufferings of the so-calied Christians allorded her, as sue believed and velieves, w | Justiticauion. RxrontER—‘So-calied Christiane ?'’ Please explain, | Mr. Prixorro—The religion of the people of tuose Provinces 1s Greok Catholic. They have uo sympathy either with the Romau Catholic or Protestant Church, | In point of fact, Luey deepise if they do not bate those secis, They believe their Church to be the oniy irue Church. A Church which i full of superstitions, of | muwmeries and absurd practices. Pheir priests are the | most iguorant people in the world, marriage relae tion tsa mockery. Divorces are gra d new ma Flages alowed at the mero wi Nom- inally this i permitted, according to their eeclussiasti- cal law, but three times, but in reality as much oltener, Toward all strangers they are the must intoleraut, br oted and prejudiced of ail poople im the world, the Chie nose scarcely excepted. RevorrEx—Is that the reason the American mis sionarics tear the approach of the Russians to Cun- stununople ? Mr. V'etxorto—For no other in the world. They know they bave more to fear trom Russian vecupation Mosiem rule, in epite of Che peri Odicul outbreaks which, by tho Way, are never against | Roman Cathohes or Prot stluns, Dut aginst | those so-cailed of the Gre | Revontkn—Tho American missionaric to lave appealed to the German governm veetion Mr. Pxixorto—Precisely, und it is because our gov- erninent affords no adequate protection, They do uot | unuerstand these things at Waghingion. | Revortee—What action will Koumania take when | war is openly declared by Russia? H Mr. PRixorro—She will side with Russia, | despatches sent by cabie to this effect from St. Petersburg. Keroutin— What does Roumania want? Mr, Peixorro—Her independence; are reported | ut fur pro- Prince | and | ftoumagia, Vhat | Tt has « written cou- stitution, laws and religion entirely distinct Irom Tur- country 18 virtually wutonomic, key. Tho Treaty of Paris ot 1566 and the Convention of Viennu of 1854 sho bas « hundred times set at naugut, although owing Ler existence aud imerease of Lerrivory to these international euactments of the great Powers, entered inte convenuons of commerce (which ‘Is only | another .erm for treaties) with Austria aud Russia, 04 1s vow endeavoring to negotiate the same with ail ou nations, 1 Wus mysell approuched @n the subject b fore leaving Buchurest. Rerorrek—Will France, England, italy and Germany | cou. ide such trenties ¥ | Mr, PeIxOTTO—Not without a stipolation that all their | subjects, without distinctiva Of Teilgion, shall enjoy | equal and entire privileges Revortek—How large an army can Prince Charles putin the tela? Mr. Peixorro—A bundrod thousand men, 30,000 of whom are reguiar troops, 1ully armed und disciplined, and by No means poorly ‘equipped. ‘the other 70,000 are territurial trovps, oF vandwenr, wad possess Ho arms. But Russie wil Surman these, Kevourek—You bviieve Russia and Roumania have an understanding? Mr. Peixorro—The courts, yes, With the people the Russians are not poputur,’ ‘They bate the seluvouie Taco no less than the German, Revorrkk—W hat race do they claim to belong tot Mr. Petxorre—the Latin, and they descont Irom Trajan, All their sympat | country, 10,000. ktlometr | event was celebrated by dressing with ga oft delay increases her strength and weakens that of Turkey. Ignatief’s return to Constantivopie is only a bew move to gaiu ume, He is the clever of all Russian diplomatists, and will become Gortechakotl’s Successor. Not jess excited are the Moslems than t Muscovites.. Both are anxious to fly at each othe: throats. Ignatief hopes tor some fresh outbreak of the sofas. He can bold back his hordes yet awbfle, but he doubts the patience of the Mussulmans, As long as Midhat Pacha tives, however, he will have lis match, But any day we may hear of the assassination of that great tatesman, and I shall know who inst. guted bis murder, Rerortex—Will there be a general war? Mr. Puixorro—Yes; it is inevitabie. Austria ts in the uobuppiest of predicawents. Outside of her Sclav- onie population (already too iarge) her people are deadly sie to Russid But tor Germany, who knows Austria’s weakneys only tuo well, Russia and Austria would be at war already. [ betieve England to have signiied her sympathy for Austria, and, in the event of a general conflict, these two Powers will be allies, But Austria is trightfully weak, and herein lies the reason of delay, Revortsr—You velieve Eugland will support Tur- key? Mr. Prixotro—in spite of herself, sho will. talk about her occupation of Constantivople means her futention to grapple with Russia tue momentthe Czar’s forces cross the Pruth Revorter—And Ru maniay Mr. Psixorro—Yes. railway telegrapn communication ja will be supported by Rou- Sbe has 1,000 kilometres of throughout the of tine roads. All these ents have ueen secured wad other material improv since | first entered that country, has a splendid soil and raises immense crops of corn and wheat, though the crops have been short und poor for some years, Russia knows allthia She and Tarkey ¢ made a granary of Wallachia and Moidavia for two centuri d, In spite of thetr depletions, the country 1 W rich. Revoarka—If greatly benefit th Mr. Peixorto—[mmensely, and every way, in point our national finances, aod in the vast supplies we will bo culled upon to furnish. Kevoxtkk—How old ts Prince Charles? Mr. Peixarro—He 1 just past thirty-seven. Ho is the second son of Prince Antoine of Hobenzoliern- Sigmaringen, who {9 @ distant relative—very distant— of Emperor Wilham. His elder brother, Prince Leo- pold, Was talked oft for the Spanish throne, and hia suggested Gaudidacy was the ostensible cause of tho ‘al war ensues this country will ¢ Franco-German war. He has a younger brother, Prince Frederic. Both are oifleers in the German army. Prince Leopold is a superior man. ‘The whole family are Roman Catholics, walike the Hobenzolierns of Brandenburg, and no love is lost between Lismarck Prince Gharles’ father. The sister of Princo Charles ts the wie of the Count of Flanders, brother of King Leopoid of Belgium. Prince Charles’ idea ia to make Roumania a second Belgium. Here visitors interrupted the conversation and the reporter took his departure, THE CZAR’S BIRTHDAY. IMPOSING CEREMONIES ON BOARD THE VESSELS OF THE RUSSIAN FLEET—A TE DEUM ON THE YLAGSUIP—"“LONG LIVE 11S MAJESTY THE EM- PEROR AND SUCCESS TO THE ARMS OF RUSSIA ! Fifty-nine vears ago yesterday, 17th April (otd style) and 20th new style, Alexander Nicholaievitsch, Czar of all the Russias, was born, fhe anniversary of tho bunting tho three vessels of the tinporial Russian in the North Kiver, by the firing of eannou and by a solomn Te cers and crews on each of the three vessels. On board the flagship Svetlana, commanaed by Captain His Lm. porial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis, the ceremonies | wore especially brilliaut and were foilowed by « State | breakfast in the cabin of the Admiral. At etght o'clock yesterday morning the vessels were dressed, Many colored signal flags wore stretched in jines from the tup- masts to the ends of the yardarms, to the bowaprits aud tothe gail, On whe mainmast of each of the threo suips floated the pavilion of the Emperor, an orungo yellow flag, in the centre of which is the double-headed | black eagle of Russia, At the fore and mtzzen masis of the Bogatyr and Askold were the Russian national ensign, the woll known blue barred white flag. Admifal’s penpant at the mizzen, while, as on the ovner vessels, the largo nationalensiga was flung to the breeze irom tho gail The United Minnesota baving becn invited to join in the celeora- tion was also dressed in honor of the day. As usual, at the rvising of the flag on board the Hagship Svet lana, tho baud played a musical saluto as the flag was run Up, and then the Russian national anther, all on the deck uncovering during tts perlormance, Alterward, In compliment to Amorica, ‘Hail Colum. | bia’? was played, At ball-past nine o'clock the Sunday inspection of the fagship began. The oilice: in fud Gress, with swords, epaulettes and cocked b und wearlog their various orders, were ranged in or of precedence on the starboard side of the quarter deck, while the crew Were on the port side, Captain French. Revouter—Why doce Russia delay? Mr, Paixotte—To compivte her plans, Every hour His Imperial Highness tue Graud Duke Alexis firet paseod wlvog in front of tho officers, accompanied by All the | Besides, Roumunia | t, now lying | Deum chanted before the assembled offl- | On tho | | Svetiana the Rassian ensign was at the fore and the States Magatip | Captain Novossiisky, executive officer, and wished them good day. The offlcers having returned the sa- lute of their Captaim be greeted the crew and passed | On to the inspection of the ship. Alter this was over | the ceremonies tn celebration of the Emperor's birth- day commences, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, Shortly ufter ten o'clock Russian offctals from the | shore who were to take part in the ceremonies com, | menced to arrive. First came Admiral Krown, of the Russian Navy, who lets the shore tor the flagship at ® quarter pastten A. M. {pa barge in command of En* siya Prince Bariatinsky, and was receivea on board with the honors due his rank. Shortly after M. Nicholas Shiskin, tho Russian Minister at Washing” | ton, who had come on from the capital to be present at the celebration, arrived at the landing stage with his wife, With bim were also M. de Bodiseo, Ru Consul General at this port, and Mme de Bodisco, The magnificent argo of Admiral Boutakomf, with ite sixteen rowers, of Midshipman Prince Doundakot! waiting. board U were r in command orsako® was im j apd the distinguished party wore soon on Svetana, The Russian Minister and party y Admiral Boutakof, perial High’ the Grond Duke Aj tenant His Imperial Highness the ( Stantine, Baron Schilling and the officers of the deck. The marine guard, drawn up on the port side of the | quarter deck, presented urma as the party reachea the deck, THE TH DRUM, At half-past ten o'viock the call to prayers was heard over the tlagshyp, and the worshippers were soon | ussembied ou the gundeck 1 front of the riebly framed | picture of St, Nicholas, The “fe Deum’? was chanted | | by the Kev, Father Pahome, chaplain of the frigate, assisted aé Usual by the sailor choir. The assemblage, like that of the midnight Easter mass, was a brilliant one. Behind the holy tather, in his rich robes, m the centro, stood Admiral Boutakoff, wearing the woitorm of the’ suite of the Etmperor, dark green embroidered with silver, This uniform was worn also by Captain His Iinperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis und by Captain Baron Schilling, The Admiral wore the star and across his breast the broad crimson ribbon, edged with yellow, of tho Order of st Anne, A step or two behind and to the right of the Admiral stood =Mme, Shiskin and Mme, Bodisco, Next to the lutter lady, slightly in front, stood Captain His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis, wearing the star and broad hight biue mibbon of the imperial family, Order of Saint Andren: aud the Cross of Salat Anue. Near His Imperial High- hess stood the Russian Minister, tu bis rich diplomatic uuiform resplendent with gold embroidery; the Ad- miral Krown, wearing the uniform of bis rank and the red ribbon, edged with white, of the Order of Saint Stanislaus, and Count General Bodisco, iu hia consular | unitorm. ‘To the mght of the Admiral stood Captain Hobiov, Navization Otticer, and next Captain Novoss- fisky, Executive Ofticer of ‘the flagship. Be. hind stood the lHeuteuants, sub-leutenants and other olticors of the Svetlana Sub-Lieutenant His Imperial Highuess Grand Duke Constantine, wearing | the cross of the family Order of St Audreas, stood directly betiiod the Admiral in the live with the ober sub-licutenants, Captain Shatroil, of the Bogatyr, and | | Captain Tirtofl, of the Ascold, Were present, ns was | sito Captain Koueachakewitseb, military attaché at | | Washington, who wore the unitorm of the artillery of the guaru, ‘Behind the brilliant assemblage of otficers, with their rich uniforms and brilliant orders, stood the sturdy crew of the flagship in their Sunday rig. ‘The service commenced with a litany, the priest anting aod the choir responding. A prayer for the Czar and bis family was read, of which the following is 4 translation :— FAYE FOR THM IMPERIAL FAMILY. or ' Grant, O Lord, unto the most relis ‘Christ lovi most dlonous wid great mouureh— nely crow highly exalted and anointed Aloxunder luiwitseh, Auto of wil the Russias—aud unto Her Lime j Perla Siuesty, the relizious and pious, the crowned, ulghty exulted and auvinted Empress Mary Alexandrowna, wid parent, the orthowox Lord Cwsarewitseh, bodox Lord aud Grand Dake Alexander { And unto the orthowox Lord aud Graud oxiy Aloxaudrowitsch and unto the orthodox Le ct Her Tnperial High Mary redonia and a Duke Nicolai Alexand house & lappy and quiet ite, bealth and wealth a j verity ia wil things and defence and victory ovor their en mies wad preserye them many years. ‘Yo this prayer the reader responded, “Preserve them tany years.” A chapter trom the Gospel was then read, and the “Toe Deum’’ was chanted with tine effect. ‘Tne holy tatber Wen extended the cross toward the congregation, Wishing tue viessing of God aud many years of ile to the Emperor, tae kmpress, the Czarewitsch and all the imperial tatuily. ‘To tiis the choir responded iu song, repeuting (he wish that God should protect the impe- rial family. The congregation then savanced and rey- erently kissed the cross, crowsing themselves as they did so, First came Mme. Shiskin, wife of the Russian Minister, Who Was followed by Mme, odisco. ibe Admiral next kissed the holy embiem, aud, crossing Limsel!, gave way to Hie Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis, next to whom came the Russian Min ter, Admiral Krown and the other oificers in ori Alter the officers bad all kissed the cross the crew ad. vanced one by one, und, alter they had all Kissed tho golden ombiem, the service was finished, SALUTING THE NATAL DAY, Shortly after the “te Deum” was over, the crew of the flagsbip being assembied on the deck torwara ot the bridge, Aumiral Boutwkolf! made a short address to them and to the officers, who, headed by Captain His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alex:s and Cape tain Novosstsky, stood with the diplomatic and naval guesis by kim. "Admiral Boutakoll suftt, “this is the day on which, in all the Ru: wish good health, much happiness aod the Emperor, and we join them tn wishing our we beloved Emperor-Liberator success in ail bis ent prises nnd long prosperity." As the Admiral fluished, the air resounded with hurrahs and the report of the urst yun of un imporial salute of thirty-one guns broke upon the air, At the second gun from the Svetlana the corvettes Bogatyr and Ascuid commenced tring and fora few minutes the cannouading was sharp, The gunsof the United States frigate Minnesota joined in the salute, the Rus- Sian bational ensign being broken at the main at tho first gun. The Navy Yurd also fired a sulute of thirty- | one guns in Lonor of the occasion, Alter the canuon- ading bad ceased on board the Svetlana the band Struck up the Russian national byma, ali uncovering reverently during its performance. Sbortly after the saluting was over an excursion steamer passed tue Svetlana bound up the river Those on board hurrshed apd waved their handker- chiels, aud io return tbe band played **Hail Columbia.”’ THK UREAKVAST. A fow minutes alter cieven o'clock a state breakfast commenced in the Admirai’s cabin on the gun deck, The principal table was placed in the large cabin and | two smaller oues in the wo adjomiug cabins, The tabie Was handsomely decorated with siiver epérgces, holding fruits wud boubous. At the centre of the table on one side Was Captain His linpetial Highuese the Grand Duko Alexis; ut bis right was Mme, Sniskin, while Mme. Bodisco sat on the leit, The Admiral sat opposite the Grand Duke, tog on bis right Mine jeter Shiskin and on by vit Consul General Bodisco, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Con- | stantine sat on ihe right of Sime. Shiskin, huving on | his right Lieutenant Blagodorof, executive officer of | the Ascold, At the ieit ot Mime. Bodiseo was Admiral Krown, Next to him was Captain Novosilsky, ex lve officer, who bad on bis lett Lieutenant ‘Uleroil, executive oflicer of the Bogatyr. On the opposite side | Of the table Miaister Shiskin bad at his right Captain Shatroif, of the Bogatyr, while on tho rigut of Cons General’ Bodisco was Captain Tirtoff, of the Axcold, | | Baron Schilling beaded ouo end of the table, while Dr, | | Coudrine was ut the other, The remaining’ seats wero filled vy the officers of the Svetlana, as were the two smaller tables. The following was the menu:— Qrcccccercccersserecssecceereoe-vecessresieerecoee re ® | DEJ KUNBR, LE 17 AVRIL, Soups Rasolinie et petite patis divers. 3 Saumou & I'Iteilenne, ‘sauce provencale et horse- | | i combres. oeoe Sivasercrinconnes sncaeecotrectetecodeonecertocesesedy During the broakfast the Gne band of the flagship, under the direction of Herr Beyer, stationed oa the quarterdeck, played the foliowing selections — the torlowing toast: —"Long ilve His Majesty tho Emperor, aud success to the arms of I | All being on’ their feet the toust wes gr prolonged burrabs, and drank with enth As the toust was given the frst gun of an imperial | mulute was fired from the saluting ordnance on the bridge of the Magstip and tue band siruck up the national anthem. The breakfast lasted uotil uearly | one o'clock, and some hall an hour afterward the guests from the shore leit the flagsuip, At w quarter | pant one His Imperial Highuess tha Grand Duke Con- | stantine Went on shore, aad at two o'clock Captain the | Grund Duke Alexis loit his ship tur che eity, There were a number of people on board the Svetlana | during the atternoon, and a largo crowd watched the | wayly decofutod fleet trom the suore, SHKVICKS LN THR RUSSIAN CHAPRIa There are two forms of iiturgy used in tho Greek | Church, which are Koowm by the names of st. John Curysostom und St. Basil, The former is that in most | general use; the latter Is reserved for special occasions | and Coureh festivals. St. Chrysostom's was that which | was used yesterday by the Rev, Nicholas Bjerring in tho Russian Chapel, on Second avenue, nowt Filet Street, Hut the service, except the Gospel, was in the Sclavonie language, The Greck and iuesian residents | of tis city Were present and aw small sprinkling of Americans, The #eFVice Occupied avout two hours, trom eleven A. M. ull one PM. Atior pray for the imperial family, a “Le Deut’ was tntoued wud prayers were viferoa for the success of the Russian urins in the present | war with turkey. Father Bjerring was attired in tho | rich vestments presented to bim by the Caar at the in- stance of the Synod of St Petersburg at the timo of | bis last visit to the Russian capital, The vestments | are of rich velvet, beavily embroidered with yold tili- gree nud symbolic work. The chi doors dividing | the holy place trom the congregauion were opened | aod suut 4s they are usually at (he Sabbath servicer, close of the prayer given above, and while whe Was responding, Father Bjerring, holding a golden Grucitx at his breast, leased the congregation three Uwes with it by raising tt to his head and hen | to each shoulder, theroby muking a sign of the cross, | He ulso presented it tor symbolic adoration at the close, THE TURKO-RUSSIAN COMMISSION, The sending abroad of a commission from the | the full orchest | Street Theatro, Philadelphia, is to sup) rt Mi | almost beyond imagination, and Russians {s agitating the minds of army and navy officers gencrally throughout the country at this time, and the anuouncement of the commission ts looked for daily, It is stated in military circles that the commission will no doubt consist of General Sherman and Admiral Porter. AMUSEMENTS. SIGNOR OPERTI'S BENEVIT. Booth’s Theatre was well filled last nigat on the oc casion of the testimonial benetit tendered to Signor Operti, the well known cbief of Booth's orchestra, An excellent programme was prepared, whieh lett little to be desired on tho score of variety and interest, Clas. | sical and popular music were agreeably alter. nated, so that though the periormasce was @ pretty long one it was listened to through- out with pleasure. It opened with Gounod’s grand marcb ‘‘La Rete de Saba,”’ which was given by Selections from Operti’s new Enge lish opera of “Daniel Druce’’ were performed and were heartily received. The religious element was supplied by Signora Salvotti, who sang Rossini’s | “Ioflammatus” in a very effective manner, which won for her a very hearty recall. Signor Bertolas! sang admirably Mattei’s romance, e Ver.” Miss Annie Borie contributed lea?’ and M tar-Spangled Banner,’? tor both of which rewarded with generous applause. Tho programme was relieved by the introduction of two readings—“Sberidan's Ride,’ which was given {pn a Spirited manner by Mr. Thorne, and ‘tbo May Queen,’* which wus read with deep feeling and touch- ing expression by Mr. Prederick Warde, who was re- warded by a hearty encore, In acknowledgmont he read Teouyson's “Charge of the Light ™rivader’. ae appropriate dash. The performance Totus Artistic Success, and the audience @)) you heartihy & most delightful evening's amusement. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC » The Soldene English Opera Com; Arch Streot Theatre, Philadelphia, th ‘ Migs Lotta, in her familar play: opine ap ment at the Walnut Street Theatre, Pistia week. “Slander, or the Iron Cro: new play, is to be produced this wee Street Theatre, Philadelphia, for the McKee Rankin, now Jeading man oi tiv e ah tbo . engaxes phis, his a Toy im May, and 18 studying up “Macbetl'! ena heavy tragedies. Byron's new play, “The Crushed Traved ten for Mr, Sothern, was produced, in this country, at the Arch Street phia, on Friday night last, upon the Sothern’s benetit, The play ts the # + Of a provincial actress andthe son of an © banker, and the Crushed Tragedian ninor Champoe ter only, & fault much to be regreties, & 6 18 & lee hheious piece of burlesque and is a part new tothe stage. Mr. Sothern, in his make-up, resembles the Count Joannes, and was so solemnly comical in hie beavy tragedy speeches that the new play made a groat bit, WAS HE MURDERED? JOHN RYAN FOUND IN THE GUTTER IN BEDFORD STREET WITH HIS SKULL FRACTURED. The quict Ninth ward adds its quota to the list of bloody mysterios so numerous nowadays, The police reported yesterday that a cooper, named John Ryan, aged forty-one, and a resiient of Leroy street, nad been found im the gutter, at the corner of Car- mine and bedford streets, in a dying con dition, Officer Scanlon, who discovered him, conveyed him to the station house, and there the man died in a few minutes. The Coroner was notified and visited the station bouso with bis deputy in the afternoon. Dr, Goldschmidt made the post mortem, and discovered that deceased had not died of hemorr- hage of the lungs, a8 the police at first suspected; but that death had been caused by @ fracture of the skul on the crown of the heaa, how sustained no one could say. There was also a wound made with some sharp instrument in the dead man’s right eye Ollicer Scanlon related that about half-past two yesterday morning be saw Ryan coming along the street, followed by Joseph Font, of No, 2 Congress place, who bears a very bad charactor, and, thinking nothing of the matter, he did not watcn them, The circumstance of Foot’s being after Ryan was painfully brought to his recollection later in the morning, when he found the unfortunate Ryan lying im the gute ter on his beat in a dying condition. This testimony led the Coroner to order Joseph Font’s arrest, which was effected last night. It appears thas Ryan had only $40n him when be left his wife gud two children carly in the evening, and ull of this ho must have spent in tho various liquor stores be vimted during Saturday night. Scanlon vestified at Font seemed to be under the inilucace of liquu: when he w him following Ryan. The prisoner denies all knowledge of the uffair, DISHONEST CARTMEN. On the 17th of March Charles E, Baker, accompanied by atruckman namod John Broderick, went to the Hudson River Railroad freight depot, in Laight street, and presented ap order, signed by William Warren, of Monroe county, for three cases of goods, Broderick month the pair, who had become quite woll known ta and familiat with the employds of the depot, managed to get afew more cases of goods ina similar manner. The superintendent of tho depot discovered after « while that the order in Warren’s name wat a forgery. Baker, who had formorly been ia his employ, was believed to be a swindler, and Broderick, the carman, his accomplice, Superintend- ent Walling was acquainted with the facts, and the loss was estimated at $2,500, Chief Walling put detectives Ferris and Williamson on the case, and these men have bee! ber word was sent, and was arrested in that place. Simultaneously, hiahome at No. 10 Grove street, whero he war cap- tured on Saturday night. The prisoners were taken to Jefferson Market Court aud remanded yesterday. TARGET SHOOTING. A target tournament for tho benefit of Mr, J. 8. Conlin, whose shooting gallery was burned out in March last, was tendered him by bis friends, aod was held at Zettler’s gallery. During the last four weeks the shooting has been tn progrese, some of the com- potitors shooting as many as fifty targets, Forty prizes wero furnished, to be won under the following condl- tions:—Three shots per target, string measurement, ata three-inch buil's eye; pusition of hand; distance 100 feet, entries not limited; winners to choose prizos in order of merit, The shooting closed on Saturday at midnight, The winning targets were all ver fine, the first measuring owly 1 11-16 inches. The following 2 the winner Ay fr Chas, Judson, C. C, Blydenburgh, Leon Back fobn 1 dared, bree Maguire, Robt. O'Docnell, M. L. Riggs, P. Fenning, J. & Velee nin ipteureite.” 1, Blydenvurgh, Wa, jn, Fred, Kessler, GA. 4. L'Overture du Prinvemps, Cheover, J. Noone, A. Seitz, L. V. Sone, Mr. Candee, 5. Potpourri, Kalio in Masebera.” M. UB. Engel, Wm. Hayos, BB. Gray,G. A. Schurman, & Quadrilie, “Lu Jolie Partuinew. J, Kellner, T. Kiet . D. Miller, . Robinson, 2 THR KMPRROR'S MRALTH. } Kennen, Frank Patterson, J. F. Murch, D, L. Beck, Just at twelve o'clock Admiral Boutakod rose and | Wm. Weigundt, A. Miley, Dr. F. Wildes, J. RB. Groh- man, A. Brmisch, H._D. Biydenbargh, H, Mason, Joha Datil, W. ¥. Banks, T, Fenton, W. Kraber, R, Duff, | Keine, FIENDISH OUTRAGE IN JERSEY. There is pow undergoing treatment at St. Michael's Hospital, Newark, © young woman who, it is alleged, 1s the victam of a series of outrages at the hands ot og of young ruifians in East Newark, diabolical It appears that several evenings ago the girl, who was inclined to bu way- ward, was induced to visit East Nowark bya young man resident there, He took her to Kearny town- ship, and in «a wood on General Halstead’s estate stupefled her with liquor and then subjected her to gross criminal indignity, Leaving th wretched girl in the wood the young rufian repaired to the town, told what lad happened to a couple dozen Youths of his owu class, and twenty-three of them Visited the gitl, kept her in the woods all might, dosed with liquor, and subjected ber to treatment, as alleged, fiendish and brutal beyond description. An effort was maie to hush up the whole affair by some of the town officers, Thoy proposed to get rid of it and the girl by consiguing her to the Hudson County Alm: house, Upon being told by a physician, howev that the girl would most likely dio 1i_remov they desisted and she wag placed in the Newark Hos- pital It was feared that she would die, but last might kho showed sus of improvement, and it is now hoped may recover. [un the ineantine not a single step has been taken by the authorities to bring to juatice the fends who, if they have uot murdered the girl, have terribly injared her tor lite, STABBED IN THE KNEE. During an altercation at the residence of Christopher Kelly, No. 101 McKibben street, Williamsburg, yoater- day alternoon, Kelly was cut in the loft knee by Joho McCloskey, ot No. 6 Troutman street. Both men had been arinktog and during their quarrel McCloske: threw bis open penknite at Kelly, the biade of whic penetrated the Knee of t! latter and intioted a very mintul wound, He wi nded by Police Surgeon United States to observe the movements of the Turks urpby, aod bis assailant was locked up,