TURKISH STRONGHOLD FALLS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1582, 28 October 1912, Page 5

TURKISH STRONGHOLD FALLS.

THE TAKING OF KIRK KILISSE.

LOSS OF TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND IEN IN THE BATTLE.

) SERVIAN ARMS VICTORIOUS.

By Telegraph—Press ABSociation-Copyrfßht (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Sofia, October 21. From the fuller details of the battle at Kirk Kilisso it appears that General Ivanoff on Wednesday peremptorily ordered General- Dimitrieff to take Kirk Kilisse by Thursday morning . The Bulgarians advanced with alacrity in moonlight, and the successive positions were stormed at the point of the bayonet, in which work the Bulgarians excel. The Turkish position at ten o'clock in tho morning was untenable. Mukhtar Pasha, the Turkish Commander, Prince Abdul Halim, and a portion of the garrison, had already escaped to Bunahissar, 17 miles south-east, with a considerable amount of .material.. At eleven o'clock the remnant of the garrison hoisted the white flag, and surrendered. •The Bulgarian casualties total five' thousand. Reports from Tirnovo, 25 miles northeast of Kirk Kilisse, show that tho Turks fled before the Bulgarians arrived. Tho /Turks were in a miserable plight, and had been living on rations of H kilo (about 8 l-31b.) per head daily. The Bulgarians are pursuing tho fugitives south, past Visa. ' The authorities regarded Kirk Kilisse as 'the Port Arthur of the war. It is estimated that it was garrisoned by 80D0 men, while the outside support numbered 50,000. After 1 soveral days' manoeuvring the' Bulgarians had completely surrounded that force. Despite the Turkish courage, the Bulgarians rushed earthwork after earth- [ work upon tho fort, which crowned the hill, sheaves of dead marking their progress, Finally, the Turkish courage collapsed, and Kirk Kilisse fell. There is plenty of evidence of tho use of the sword and bayonet. Many famished Turks were found in Kirk Kilisse, indicating an inefficient transport system. HEAVY-TURKISH LOSSES. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 26. The Bulgarian bombardment caused a conflagration in Kirk Kilisse. There was a terrific struggle in the vineyards northwards, from which the Bulgarians entered masters after an hour of street fighting, and pursued the retreating Turks, whose losses amounted to 10,000. - , ' Tho Central News Agency states that I Mukhtar Pasha, commander of the Turk- , ish forces at Kirk Kilisse, and Prince Abdul Halim wero taken prisoners at | Kirk Kilisse. • '■•••■. ■■•'!■' "Constantinople, October 25. Ahmed Paslfa, a son of Mukhtar Pasha, commander at Kirk Kilisise, has been taken prisoner. BIG BATTLE IN PROGRESS. (Reo. October 28, 0.20 a.m.) London, October 27. The Bulgarians' booty at Kirk Kilisse included fifty-eight guns and two aeroplanes, The turning movement at Visa continues, and a big battlo was progressing all through to-day. Berlin, October 27. The "Lokal Anzeiger's" Eski Saghra correspondent reports that Ukhtar Pasha's retreat has been cut off. BULGARIAN BATTERY TAKEN. ( (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Constantinople, October 26. The Turks assaulted Djumaia Bala, on tho river Struma, and captured the'eentre position. The Bulgarians retreated with considerable loss. Tho Turks at Dospat captured a Bulgarian battery.

Kirk Kilisse is a town of European Turkey,. in the province of Adriauople, 35m. E. of Adrianople and 20m. S. of Burgarinn border. Pop. (15)05) about 16,000, of whom about half are Greeks, and the remainder Bulgarians, Turks, and Jews. Kirk Kilisse is built near the headwaters of several small tributaries of the River. Ergeiie, and on the western slope of the Istranja Mts. It owes its chief importance to its position at tho southern outlet of the Fakhi defile over these mountains, through which passes the shortest road from Shumla (Bulgaria) to Constantinople. END OF THE STATUS QUO. AUSTRIA EXPECTS GREAT CHANGES. TURKEY'S COLLAPSE. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Vienna, October 26.' The fall of Kirk Kilisse and the demoralisation of the Turks have caused a profound impression. Tho influential newspapers declare the rowers' claim for the maintenance of Turkish integrity cannot be upheld. Tho "Neue Frci Presso" says the status quo in the Balkans has been shaken, and the Powers cannot insist on confining tho victors to their former limits. "Die Zeit" says Europe must accommodate itself to revolutionary changes in the Near East. Tho Foreign Office, through (he "Weiner Gazette," declares that Russia and Austria will inform tho Balkan Kings at tho right time that Turkey's integrity must be untouched. The "Reichepost" declares that the •status quo in the Balkans is dead, and no diplomatic skill can revive it. Austria has neither the power nor the mission to prevent Turkey's collapse. Tho newspaper hopes that it will be possible (o reconcile Austria's inlcrests with Balkan expectations. / TURKISH INFERIORITY. GRAVE INTERNAL DISSENSION. NO-ENTHUSIASM TOR THE WAR. (Iter. October 2", 5.5 p.m.) London, October 20. "The Times" correspondent reports that Bulgaria's endeavour to cut off tho retreat of Alxlnlluh Pasha towards Constantinople was hampered by inefficient cavalry. Tho interest centres in .Abdullah Pasha, rather than in Nazim Pasha, Minister for War, who has assumed control. _ ' There arc indications of ft coming great battle. J

The Turks' organisation is inferior, and their artillery decs not compare, with that of the allies. Tho Turkish army is deficient in transport equipment and feeding arrangements, and there is a deficiency of horses. The Redif (territorial) regiments are badly un-der-officered, and it is rumoured that there are grave differences between Nazim Pasha and Abdullah Pasha. The- "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent refers to tho lack of Turkish enthusiasm, owing to the mis-rulo and distrustfulness between tho Old and Young Turk parties. The Asiatic reservists, who in recent months have been ordered to Albania, Tripoli, and other parts of the Empire, have lost heart. The Howja'6 priests havo endeavoured to work up some enthusiasm at Stamboul, but even in Stamboul tho Turks had to be forcibly enrolled for the army, and many of tho wealthier are paying the exemption fee. BOLD BULGARIAN PLAN. POINT OF ATTACK SHIFTED. ADRIANOPLE A WEAK SPOT. | London, October 25. i General von der Goltz, the German officer who reorganised tho Turkish army, some years ago bestowed much attention on Kirk Kilisse. Tho entire Bulgarian general staff in. 1911 wero for sixteen days studying the ground in the district. The' Vienna correspondent of "The Times" states that at quite a late period in tho mobilisation, the Bulgarians decided to attack at a point between the Jlaritza and Tttnja Rivers, instead of placing the bulk of the troops along the Hernanli-Adrianoplo line. The amended plan was a much bolder strategical conception, but involved grave risks. The Tnrks could- have attacked Mustafa Pasha. The "Reichpost's" correspondent suggests that the Bulgarians believe that Adrianople is tho weakest place in the eouth. ADRIANOPLE INVESTED. BULGARIANS TAKE RAILWAY STATION. FORCES LINKED UP. (Reo. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Sofia, October 20. The Bulgarians, besides capturing the railway station outside Adrianople, havo taken threo forts, one at Manask, with 1800 prisoners; one at Navaras, six miles north, and the third at Sufilnr, north-east of tho city. The Bulgarians have occupied Petchevo. In tho lighting nt Yurush, near Adrianople, the Turks; lost three hundred killed and five hundred prisoners, besides three quick-firers and twelve ammunition wagons. The Bulgarians havo reached Karadtch, which is within three and a, half miles of Adrianople. Their lwmbardment set on fire a, portion of the city. General' Ivanoff, commander of the First Bulgarian Army, is now completing the investment by linking up at Bosnakoi, two miles south of the city, with forces from the Arda Valley and tho Kirk Kilisse Road.

TURKS DKOWN THEMSELVES. Sofia, October 25. During the fighting in the Valley of tlio Arda, westward of Adrianople, on Tuesday last, 8000 Turks were attacked when retreating in. disorder. Maoy threw themselves into the Maritza Hiver and were drowned. They were under the- belief that the Bulgarians massacred prison-ers. GARRISON AT ADRIANOPLE. Constantinople, October 27. Tlio fighting continues along the Adrianoplo Kirk Kilisse line, where tlio Bulgarians are gaining some • ground, and endeavouring to out-flank the Tirrks and cut their communication with Constantinople. The Turks, after a heavy artillery night fire from Fort Marash, west of Adrianople, repulsed the Bulgarians with heavy loss. Sixty thousand men form the garrison at Adrianople and a similar number are protecting the lines from Adrianople to Lulo Borgas, 40 miles south-east where seven army corps are concentrated. The whole Asiatic force is concentrating at Adrianople. SERVIANS IN BATTLE. TURKS RETREAT AT KUMANOVO. LOSS OF 5000 REPORTED. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Belgrade, October 26. Details of the fighting round Kumanovo show that 25,000 Turks wore engaged in the conflict' which was continuous over Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday. The Crown Prince Alexander led the Servians, and captured twelve guns and an enormous quantity of ammunition. It is reported that the Turks lost five thousand men. The Turks began on the offensive nt Kumanovo by attacking the Servian positions five miles distant on Wednesday afternoon. The battlefield was shrouded'by fog and by dust. The Turkish onslaught was checked with severe loss on both sides. At one in the morniing the Servians approached tho Turkish entrenchment and ,fought for two hours. At daylight the Servian artillery covered a general advance. Tho country was open and exposed, and (he Servians were under henry fire, Nevertheless, they stormed tho Turkish earth-works repeatedly, driving out the Turks in a hand-to-hand combat. Many of the men dropped (heir rifles and used knives. The Servians before noon had cleared (he Libovkns Valley and Kumanovo, tho Turks withdrawing (o a point fifteen kilometres (!)i miles) distant. The Servian artillery annihilated three squadrons of cavalry. The Servians lost many officers. Some of tho Turkish officers who were wounded proved to be Germans. DESPERATE ENGAGEMENT. Belgrade, October 25, Three divisions of Turks defended Kumanovo, There was e. desecrate battle,

Tho Turkish artillery advanced in au attempt to destroy tho Servian artillery. They were defeated, and withdrew to Uskulj in great disorder. J UNCTION PREVENTED. Constantinople, October 25. Ifkki Pasha, whose troops were in esenolon on the plain of Kunmnovo, learned that n smaller Bulgarian forco was endeavouring (o effect a junction with four Servian divisions, lie attacked the Servians, who lied in confusion, leaving a battery of artillery, a general's flag, and many prisoners and wounded. Jlennwhilo the Bulgarians attempted a diversion by moans of a flank attack from tho Kosialc mountains. Ifkki Pasha turned a division round on tho Bulgarians, capturing four field guns. CAPTURE OF SIENITZA. Belgrade, October 25.. With the capture of Sientza the Servians claim tint they dominated tho Sanjak of Novi Bazar. Tho wounded taken in tho Battle of Prepolatz, on tho 18th, state that tho Turks wero moving in the woods acrosstho border. Tho Servians had barely reached a defensive position when the Arnauts (Albanians) and tho Turkish regulars opened heavy fire. Tho fighting continued for thirteen hours. Late in the afternoon the Turks were within fifteen, yards, and the Servian commander ordored a bayonet charge. A thousand Turks were killed, and the Servian losses were considerable. Tho Turks attempted to retake Novi Bazar, but were practically annihilated. The Servians have captured Viichitirn, six miles south-east of Jlitrovitza. USKUB TAKEN. IMPORTANT STRATEGIC CENTRE. SERVIAN ARMY ENTERS." (Rec. October 28, 0.20 a.m.) London, October 27. The Servians have occupied Uskub, in Macedonia, 20 miles south-west of Kumanovo. The Servian spoil at Kumanovo included fifty-five field guns, six mountain guns, and sixteen mitrailleuses. PROTECTION APPEALED FOR. (Rec October 28, 0.20 a.m.) Belgrade, October 27. Tho capture of Uskub was not resisted. The Consuls requested tho Crown Prince, commanding tho victorious army, to protect tho inhabitants. Tho Servian spoil at Sicnitza included thirteen field guns and nine mortars. Uskub is the capital of the provinco of ICossovo, in European Turkey, at tho junction of railways from Mitrovitza and Nish (Servia) to Salonika. Pop. (11)05) about 32,000, consisting chiefly of Serbs and Bulgers, Turks, Albanians, ami a few gipsies. The town occupies a strategically important position at tho foot of a valley which severs two mountain ranges. A main road runs E.N.E. through Kumanovo into Bulgaria. CREEK ADVANCE. TURKS MASSACRE VILLAGERS. PRISONERS SENT SOUTH. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Athens, October 20. After'three'days' fighting, tho Turks retired to positions at Kiaffffa. Tho Greeks are now marching on Piiiiippiada and Strebina. A reconnaissance discovered that tho village of Kounitsades had been looted and the young .males killed by tho Turks and Arnauts, while,tho women and children had been fearfully outraged. Eight hundred additional Cretan volunteers havo arrived. ■ Fighting continues at Pentcpigadia, 20 miles southwards o Yanina, and 30 milos north of tho Gulf of Arta.

The Crown Prince entered Kozani, H miles north-west of Serlijo, unopposed. Tho Turks subsequently attacked his forces, but were repulsed. The inhabitants of Kozani welcomed the Greek cavalry brigade, under General Dragomnis. The Crown Prince and his Staff attended the funeral of seventy Greeks who were massacred at Serfijc. Six hundred prisoners have been sent to Greece. Tho Greek successes in the defile of tho River Sarantaporos aro attributed to tho mobility of the troops and the long-range guns. HEARTRENDING SJGHTS. Athens, .October 25. Tho King and Queen of Greece, Princo George, and Princess Marie, have gone to Larissa, in Thessaly, 15 miles from the frontier. The King intends to meet the Crown Princo of Servia. Fifteen tljousand Turks at Taninn, Southern Albania, SO miles west of Larissa, were cut off. : There were heartrending sights when the Greeks entered Serfije. Seventy women and children were found lying dead on doorsteps and in courtyards. They were in every position, and there were abundant indications that they had died while trying to save their offspring. MONTENEGRO'S WAR. ATTACKS ON SCUTARI PRESSED. TOWN'BOMBARDED. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Cetinje, October 2G.' The Montenegrin infantry quitted their entrenchments and advanced on Scutari till a withering Turkish fire checked them. A shell fell within ten yards of the Crown Prince. In the event of the envoys' mission failing, preparations aro being made for nn attack on tho Turks on threo sides. The population in tho Turkish districts have become panic-stricken. General Vukovics has subdued the Arnauts (Albanians), and the road is nowopen to Ipek, fifty miles north-east of Podgoritza. NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER. Cetinje, October 25. The Montenegrins surrounded Scutari, and bombarded, it for a quarter of an hour without doing any damage. Envoys havo proceeded to the town, to endeavour to negotiato for its surrender. ' The bombardment of Tarabosch by tho Montenegrins continues. General Martinovics has captured (he heights of Shiroka, a new point, from which (o shell Hie Tarabosch batteries. BATTERIES SILENCED. Vienna, October L»'>. A portion of Ihe defenders of Scutari on withdrawing to the Zabrina heights to the southward were interrupted. The Turk aro preparing to retreat. The Montenegrins have silenced three batteries at Tarabosch. ' FALL OF TOWN IMMINENT. London, October 25. I*te teltgrams indicate that the Montenegrins were I'Ofiuhed at Scutari. Vienna

telegrams state that tho fall of the town' is imminent; also that the Balkan League intends to resist deprivation of the fruits of the. conquest, and will establish a Confederacy, with a Customs Union. The Montenegrin Army is within five miles of the .Servians at Sienitzn, a Turkish town 27 miles W.N.W. of Novi Bazar. THE POWERS ANDTHEWAR. BERLIN EXPECTS INTERVENTION, WHAT THE ALLIES WANT. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, October 2G. In official quarters the belief is expressed that the Powers will intervene ufter the first decisivo battle. Sofia, October 28. The Premier, If. Tasks, in commenting on the fall of Kirk Kilisso, said tho Allies had no intention of exterminating tho Turks. If tho Powers were sincerely desirous of pacifying tho Balkans peace can soon bo concluded. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 20. The Balkan League proposes that no State shall conclude peace singly. The Balkan diplomatists describe tho primary aim of war to bo to secure tho Balkans for tho Balkan people, adding that tho League is favourable to the interests of the Triplo Entente, inasmuch as it will always prove an obstacle to Germanic expansion. • ANNEXATION OF CRETE. GREEK GOVERNOR-GENERAL ARRIVES. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Athens, October 2". The Greek Governor-General of Crcto received an oration on arriving at Canao to take control of Hie island, in pursuance of the Greek proclamation of annexation. INDIAN SUPPORT FOR TURKS. RED CRESCENT FUND. (Rec. October 27, 5.5 p.m.) Simla, October 26. Moslems in the chief centres of India, including Delhi and Bombay, have subscribed .£15,000 for a Red Crescent fund to assist the Turks. AUSTRALIAN NEUTRALITY. Melbourne, October 20. The Federal Government has issued a proclamation of neutrality in connection with tho Balkan war. A supplement to tho Gazette has been issued by tho Government, giving formal notification of British neutrality during the war -between Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, and Servia on the one side, nnd the Ottoman Empire on the other.