LIFE IN ALBANIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4984, 14 March 1877, Page 3

LIFE IN ALBANIA.

A correspondent, writing from Scutari on the 12th inst. to the Pall Mali Gazette, says;— “ Now that there is no fighting with the Montenegrins, tho Albanians are keeping their hands in by settling accounts of old blood feuds, which had somewhat accumulated before the war, by tho interdiction which had arisen to their carrying complete arsenals of arms around their waists. They say if the war has hitherto not been very successful, it has, at all events, restored to them tho great privilege of sporting their jewelled yataghans and daggers and silver-hilted and gold-en-crusted pistols. These people are practical iu the matter of killing, and have therefore given their warmest adhesion to six-shooting revolvers; but as these arms, such as are used by civilised people, are inaignrficant-looking, ihe Albanians have them made of a pattern after their own heart, at least half a yard long in the barrel, and with butts of solid chiselled silver. Two nights ago an affair of Scutarine honor came off in the most frequented street of the place between four of tho hereditary beys—two on each side. There was a momentary feu clejoie at a short distance, when the bullets flew about in a mischievous way against lamp-posts and house shutters, and then there was a rush at close quarters, which brought one of the combatants to ground. Three shots were delivered into him by his assistant to make quite sure of the job, and then the other two decamped. Presently a squad of police, with a bugler at their head, made their appearance. The victor was there, standing over the body of his victim, with a revolver in each hand ; and after he had allowed the police to admire him, he slowly sauntered off. The public were enchanted, and praised the police for having captured the dead body. This is a representative but not an isolated case, and the police are quite aware that if they meddled they would only come in for blood feuds too. Five years ago the Turkish Government sent eight battalions to effect the disarmament of the North Albanians, winch was not carried out until several severe engagements had been fought with the Imperial troops. The Pasha here has received telegraphic orders to embody the very last man of the reserve. The Tanks do not believe in peace. Among other little evils that have sprung up in Podgoritza Dm doctors note scurvy. Limejuice was siiggested by some one unacquainted with Turkish economy, but he understood his mistake on being informed it was a costly article. Nevertheless, it appears that the evil has so much increased these last two days that an order has been sent to Trieste for the necessary remedy. Although the armistice exists, we still feel that we are only enjoying a lull, such as it is. Troops crowd Scutari. They are not troubled by their commanders with any military exercises, although they are sadly in want of being formed into real soldiers ; but, on the other hand, they have plenty of moving about seeking for comfortable quarters, and in acting as a transport corps, of which this army is entirely deficient.”