THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

Hastings Standard, Issue 305, 24 April 1897, Page 2

THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

GREEKS ATTEMPT TO RECAPTURE MALUNA PASS. BUT ARE REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSS. THE GREEK SQUADRON DOING GREAT DAMAGE. LARISSA IN A PITIABE CONDITION. FUGITIVES ARRIVING FROM ALL QUARTERS <Per Press Association.—Copyright). Athens, April 22. The Greeks made a desperate attempt yesterday to recapture Maluna Pass, but were repulsed with tremendous loss. The Greeks have reoccupied Salagora, on the Gulf of Arta. Taking advantage of the present situation Sfervia is agitating for the cession of a Turkish port. •Prince Ferdinand, of Bulgaria, threatened to mobilise the Bulgarian army unless writs for the election of five bishops of the orthodox Greek Church were granted. The threat proved effective, for the Sultan has yielded, and is ordering the issue of the writs. Colonel Nassos states that the Cretan insurgents are likely to attack the positions held by the forces of the Powers unless the blockade is raised. April 23. The Greeks retreating from Maluna Pass rallied at Mati and repulsed the Turks with great loss. The ships comprising the Greek Eastern Squadron are bombarding Katinis, on the Gulf of Salonica. Heavy firing is going on. They have destroyed the telegraph-lines, magazine, and stores. The Western Squadron has sailed for Epirus. It is believed that its presence there will promote a rising of the Albanians in support of the Greeks. Larissa reports that 400 members of the Foreign Legion, including 26 Englishmen, have proceeded to the frontier, the English singing national

war songs. The town of Larissa is overcrowded and food is scarce, while the hospitals are fall of Greek wounded, who are arriving hourly. The roads are blocked by fugitives from villages, carrying their household goods, and many pitiful scenes are witnessed.

The London Daily Telegraph's correspondent states that no incident of the campaign compares with this scene for pathos and tragedy. The Greeks on Wednesday fortified Viritiri, but lost the summit.

In the retreat from Maluna Pass the Turks from the opposite side of the ravine kept up a terrific fusilade. The Greeks attempted to storm the Turks' position, but were repulsed with great loss, and Ojelal Pasha, 0110 of the Turkish generals, was killed. The struggle was renewed at other points on the plains, the Turks driving the Greeks ahead of the artillery at a range of 2000 yards most effectively. Severe fighting continues along the line of retreat from Maluna Pass.

The Turks have captured Ilezeros and Raphani, north of Larissa. The Greeks retreated upon Makycholi, half way to Larissa. The bombardment by the Greek squadron of Katerina caused large losses of stores and ammunition.

Edhem Pasha has detached 10,000 men to defend the Turkish rear, fearing an attack in that direction. The Turkish infantry find difficulty in attacking the Greek fortified position at Krateri, owing to the continuous artillery fire. The second Turkish squadron, which recently sailed with sealed orders, has joined the first squadron in Nagara Bay.