War between Greece and Turkey

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 256, 4 May 1897, Page 2

War between Greece and Turkey

DISASTROUS RETREAT OF THE GREEK TROOPS. HOPELESS CONDITION OF GREECE. (Per Press Association. 1 ) London, May 2. Tho fund started by the Daily Chronicle in aid of the Greek wounded soldiers amounts to £6000. The Times correspondent, describing the fighting which occurred at Pentipigadid, states that the outposts of the Greek army occupied a strong position commanding the Janina road, but, owing to some neglect, the reinforce ments were not sent. The Turks, who numbered six thousand, kept up a terrific fire, and subsequently scaled the mountain. While conducting this operation they availed themselves of the cover of bushes and rocks, and when the manoeuvres were accomplished the Greek Commander gave orders to his force to retreat. The troops walked away slowly, and with angry looks. Botzari, a Greek officer, vainly attempted to cheek the route, but discipline failed, and the strong outposts were abandoned until a sullen stream of seven thousand joined in the retreat upon Arta. The reads were filled with panic stricken peasants, and scenes similar to those enacted at the evacuation of Larissa were witnessed. May 3. Mr Blowitz, Paris correspondent of the Times, says the proposal of Lord Salisbury that a conference of the Powers be held in Paris for the purpose of discussing the present state of affairs in South Eastern Europe is not regarded as feasibleThe Athens correspondent of the Times confirms the news of the victory achieved by the Greeks under Colonel Smolenski at Vestino, over the Turks. An impartial eye witness of the engagement says that the Turks numbered 2000 men and two squadrons of cavalry. They lost thirty man. It is stated Greece is hopelessly unprepared to conduct the campaign, She has no reserve of cannon, rifles, cartridges, or uniforms. Athens, May 3. The Greek forces at Phersala aad Darnokas, about ten miles to the south, are drawn up in battle order. The residents of Phersala fled from the town.