War between Greece and Turkey.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 260, 8 May 1897, Page 2

War between Greece and Turkey.

TURKS CAPTURE PHERSALA. | Per Press Association! Athkns, May 6. On Friday last the Turks were reported io have lo»t twelve hundred men during reckless assault on a ctrong position held by the Greeks «t Velpstmo. Con tinuona fighting has eince taken place and extended to Phersnla. General Smolenski declares that the country in the vicinity iB deluged with blood, and that he has lost a thousand men. The Duke of Sparta has retreated upon Dumoku, to the southward of Phersula while the forces under Smolentki were retiring towards either Valoor oi Almyro to the eastward. The news of these retrogade steps has thrown the populace of Athens into denpair. The Turks, to the number of thirty thousand, descended from the heights above Phersala. and their infantry ad* vanced under cover of artillery and suc> ceeded in reaohing the enemy's lines. The artillery occupied a strong position and ■harp fighting was maintained for fifteen hours, when the Greek troops were completely routed, and the Turks occupied the town. Volo has been left without protection, except from the fleet anchored in the Gulf of Volo. The Turkish cavalry punned the Duke of Sparta's forces and are now closely pressing the Greeks at Dumoku. It is reported in Athens that Britain, France, Russia and England propose mediation between Turkey and Greece. Further details of the battle at Phersala show the Greek centre was cut, and the Greeks just escaped being outflanked. The Duke of Sparta bad thrown out no scouts. It is doubtful whether Rmalenski's brigade which retreated upon Almyro, will be able to rejoin the main body of tho Greeks. At Domoku Edhem Pasha, with sixty thousand troops, has left Phersala, and is rapidly advancing on Domoku The residents of Domoku aro fleeing from the town. The Greeks retreating from Pbersala bad to cross the river on a single bridge, and suffered fearful havoc from the Turkish artillery. The Turkish cavalry is occupying Karditza, abont 20 miles south-east of Trikhala. Asbmead Bartlett has been released.