The Race Feud LIFE IN ALBANIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1164, 3 November 1917, Page 10 (Supplement)

The Race Feud LIFE IN ALBANIA.

feUV most in the l )llDlic e >' e is not she who figures r^aa/^ l -) among those present iKlriivJc>j and presides at pomcgranate teas. The greatest respect is accorded the lady who can boast the most notches,"on the butt of her rifle. Miss Dcmctra Vaka, a Greek girl, who went to America, and was married there, has just published a book called "The Heart of the Balkans," telling her experiences when she explored that wild region with a brother who was acting as commissioner for the Turkish Government. The earnest conversation of her hostess with her little son attracted her attention:! "I was telling Stathe you were | from the Government, and showing him this." She pointed to a dark blotch on the wall. "What is that?" "That is his father's blood. He was cornered here by 10 soldiers. He killed all he could, but they finished him." I shuddered. "You saw your man. killed before your very eyes!" She looked at me with the utmost disgust. "If I had been there it J would have been an equal light—lo j Turkish soldiers to two Albanians—and my man would have been living! to-day. He killed six and disabled one before they finished him. I was telling Stathe that there were four soldiers of the Government you represent who must die for his father. The rest he kills will be for Albania." "You will not clean this spot?" "Not till Stathe takes blood that is owed us." I sat down limply on a low stone that served as a stool, feeling quite weak. "Have you ever shot a Turk?" I asked presently. "What do you think I am—a cripple? All of us women fight when the men are in the mountains and we arc surprised. Those are my guns.