THE BALKAN WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 65, 25 March 1913, Page 5

THE BALKAN WAR.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

(By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Rome, March 23. Naval preparations are progressing on a large scale. A squadron has been fitted out. It includes six transports. Troops are embarking j rapidly. The newspaper Tribuna states that Austria decisively asserts that it will not permit Scutari to bo taken from! Albania, even if .the town is captured before peace is -proclaimed. ■ Belgrade, March 23. One of the six Servian bipianists at Scutari capsized in descending and was killed. The bombardment continues day and night. Several minor forts nave been destroyed. \ ienna, March 23. The newspapers are irritated over Montenegro’s reply, which refuses to allow non-combatants to leave Scutari, though it promises that lire in future will ho directed on thd fortifications. The newspapers demand that Austria suould send an ultimatum. Eye-witnesses at Diakova state that] irregulars bound three hundred Catholics, including tire Franciscan Father Angelas, and ordered them to embrace too Orthodoxy or lie soldiers. They were surrounded with rifles ready. All Orthodox priest asked each Catholic to sign a paper. Father Angelus, who was the last in the row, alone refused. The priest signalled the irregulars, who tore the father’s habit ana beat him to death with tneir rifles.

Other messages state that the Servians near Uskub are committing indescribable outrages on women after the men and boys arc sent away. Hundreds of farms have been burnt. Cettinje, March 23. The Montenegrins state that Father Angelas was arrested for rebellion and sent to Diakova, where he died. Paris, March 23. The Austrian Ambassador has informed M, Jonnart of the attitude of Montenegro and the position of Catho lies in Scutari and the determination of Austria to voice its protest and send a naval division to cruise oil Albania. Advices from Vienna forecast that Austria will give Montenegro a time limit. The situation is daily becoming more strained. Constantinople, March 22.

A direct message from Adrianople declares that perfect order prevails. The garrison are holding out heroically, whilst the Allies are making no progress. London, March 22. The Ambassadors’ Conference met unexpectedly on Saturday. It is understood that they are engaged in important pourparlers and will re-assem-ble on Tuesday. Sofia, March 26. The Powers’ identical note has been handed to M. Gueschoff. It confirms the terms already cabled, with the addition of the Turkish abandonment of Crete. Belgrade, March 23. The Servian outrages at Uskub and Prizrend are officially denied. The denial is supported by the sworn testimony of the Catholic priests.