THE EASTERN QUESTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10417, 15 April 1897, Page 5

THE EASTERN QUESTION

FIGHTING IN TURKISH TERRITORY, CAPTURE OF A TOWN, TURKS DEFEATED WITH HEAVY LOSS. Press Ai joclatlon.-EUetrlc Telegraph.—Copy riiht. Athens, April 13. Baltko was captured by the Greek irregulars after a desperate resistance. The Turkish garrison escaped during the night. A battalion sent to relieve the town was surrounded and routed with heavy loss. The Greeks have cut the telegraph Jines communicating with Grevena and Jauiari, in Albania. A force of a thousand Greek volunteers evaded the efforts of M. Delyauuis to intercept them, and crossed the frontier. It is their intention to endeavour to occupy Janiari. London, April 13. In the House of Commons, Sir W. Harcourt moved the presentation of an address to tlieQueen urging that Britain should not employ force against either Greece or Crete. Mr. Balfour said that Britain by acting in concert with the Powers had done more for freedom and peace than would otherwise have been possible. If the Opposition proposed a policy of isolation, the Government would offer facilities for debating the question. Sir W. Harcourt's motion was negatived by a majority of 161. The House has adjourned till April 26. London, April 14. In connection with the fighting on the Turko-Grecian frontier it is currently believed that Greece, fearing that after the warning given by the Powers, she may appear to be the aggressor, is utilising irregular troops raised by the National League to compel Turkey to declare war. Constantinople, April 14, The Sultan has issued orders to mobilise fourteen thousand Albanian irregular troops, Athens, April 14.

The maintenance of the army is costing Greece half a million drachams daily, and the financial strain is too heavy for the country to bear.