Cretan Trouble.

Opunake Times, Volume VI, Issue 268, 2 April 1897, Page 2

Cretan Trouble.

MOSLEMS AND CHRISTIANS STILL FIGHTING. POSITION GETTING WORSE. London, March 27. A later telegram states that the Czar sent 55,000 roubles to Cretan refugees, instead of the amount first stated. Great Britain has made a proposal to the Powers that Turkey and Greece be induced to form a neutral zone, and that troops be withdrawn from the Thessalian frontier. The Admiral in command of the British fleet has been instructed to acquiesce in the action of the other Powers in the event of a blockade, but the British warships are not to take an active part in the blockade. Athens, March 27. Christians attacked the garrison at Malaxa, but sustained heavy losses. A Turkish warship fired on the insurgents in order to cover a retreat of Moslems. Fighting of a desperate character lasted many hours, during which warships bombarded Malaxa, despite shells thrown amongst them. Christians succeeded in blowing up a portion of a Turkish blockhouse. The remainder of the forts were burnt down. Mountain guns stopped an attack made upon the Turks at Halepa. Prolonged fighting has taken place at Keraticli. Christians hold the Turkish forts at Canea. The Turks lost sixty in a fight at Malaxa and the insurgents two hundred. Athens, March 29. The Moslems and Christians are still fighting in the interior. Greece admits that she will reoccupy Malaxa, being the key to the Suda Bay. The fleet fired on the insurgents, preventing the erection of earthworks. March 80. The Cretan insurgents fired upon the British admiral’s launch at Suda Bay. The Crown Prince of Greece has started for Turkish frontier to take command of the troops. The British warship Dryad sank two caiques and captured two others for landing contraband goods at Crete. Seven hundred Cretan refugees seized a steamer loading at Piraeus threw overboard the provisions intended for the Moslems in Crete and the British and Russian warships. The situation is growing worse, the action of the Powers having increased the fanatacism of the combatants. The Christians are furious at the frequent bombarding. Athens, March 80. The blockade of the Gulf of Yolo, Thessally, is regarded as imminent. The Powers regard the proposed neutral zone on the Thessalonian frontier favorably. The Europeans, in conjunction with the Turkish troops, are protecting the water supply at Canea. The Greeks iu Cyprus have boy cottod the German exports in revenge for the attitude of Germany towards Crete. Athens, March 31. The admirals of the foreign fleets have applied to the Powers for reinforcements in Crete. They report that Colonel Vassos has declared open war against the Powers, and that it will be necessary to treat the insurgents as enemies if they persist in their attacks upon Canea. St. Petersburg, March 30. In consequence of the unsettled position of affairs iu South Eastern Europe, Russia is massing 200,000 troops in Southern Russia.

Edhem Pasha commands the Turkish quarters on the Greek frontier. They number one hundred and fifty thousand, including 800 cavalry and a large body of artillery with 200 Krupp guns. The discipline and health of the troops is excellent. There are fifty thousand Turkish troops at Elassona, near the Greek frontier, and a strong column is posted at Gravina and Caterina. Columns are also at Jamina, in Albania. The Turkish position is superior to that of the Greeks. Athens, March 31. The Cretan Central Committee has appealed to the Rulers of Europe not to starve 300,000 Christians into accepting a scheme of autonomy. The Greeks attacked Port issedin which dominates Suda Bay. The Admirals came to the relief of the garrison which occupied the fort and shelled the Greeks. It is announced that the Powers will send an additional 600 men to Crete. In spite of the blockade, revictualling is extensively carried on. London, March 31. In consequence of orders to the Cape Squadron to prepare to proceed to sea. Admiral Rawson, who recently commanded operations in the Niger expedition, returns to the Cape immediately. In the House of Commons the Right Hon. S. M. Ourzon stated that Britain was supporting the proposals of the Powers with reference to appointment of a Governor of Crete, and the Turkish troops would withdraw as the Admirals directed.