THE MILITARY SITUATION OF TURKEY. [To rila EDITOR OF THR
"SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The military situation of Turkey is hardly as black as pictured in current issues of the Spectator. Adrianople was organized like German fortresses of the first rank, which means a minimum of six months' provisions regularly stored, to be doubled immediately at the beginning of the war. In their past history the Turks have never failed to pile up vast stores of provisions in their strongholds. Not even Plevna, which was no real fortress, was starved into surrender. Siege operations on a scientific base are the weak point of the Slav nations, and the Bulgarians have notevenenough heavy artillery for a regular siege of Adrianople. The fortress is at least good for four more months to come, and how little Shukri Pasha is in danger you can see from the mere fact that he has not yet
expelled the Christian inhabitants and commandeered their provisions. For the coming campaign the Turks will probably stick to the Tchatalja lines and wear out their enemies, who cannot hold the field far beyond February unless they want to lose a whole harvest and risk famine and bankruptcy. If the Turks choose the offensive, they need not attack the Bulgarian entrenchments at all, but can issue from their strong position in Gallipoli and the lines of Bulair to threaten the rear and flank of the Bulgarian army.—I am, Sir, &c., GERMANICITS.
Previous page
