BUTCHERY IN ALBANIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 2, 27 June 1911, Page 5

BUTCHERY IN ALBANIA.

.OLD MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN PUT-TO DEATH. THE MURDEROUS TURK. By cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received 20. 9.40 p.m. London, June 26. The Times' Vienna correspondent reports that an experienced American traveller Btates that, under cover of the amnesty armistice, the Turkish troops are systematically destroying houses and erops and other means of sustenance of the Albanian Highlanders. Old men, women and children who have not escaped to Montenegro are being butchered, the women being previously outraged. Troops are now encircling several hundred women and children. Their escape is impossible. ~ TORGUT PASHA INTERVIEWED. Early in May Torgut Shevket Pasha) issued ft proclamation to the Malissori, and proclaimed a state of siege. The proclamation invites them to lay down their arms, make complete submission, and receive nardon—except as to eisht chiefs, including one Moslpm—within five days, after which all traitors will be severely punished. The correspondent of the Nenes Wiener Ttgb'att in Skutari had an interview with Torgut Pasha on May 14. The general declared that he did not expect » much-result from the proclamation issued to the Albanians: the Malissori could not Tead. arid the agitators would "jJerpret the proclamation wrongly. He had resolved, however, that, if the proclamation remained without effect, and if the rebels did not give up their arms before the expiration of the five days' rrace. he would proceed against them with 20,000 regulars and surround them so that it would be impossible for them li- escape. Later on Torgut Pasha dec'ated his conviction that Montenegro was maintaining a perfectly correct attitude; if, however, at the last moment nic should take the side of the rebels, he was prepared for all eventuality, c.cr- for a war. Within a week, he said, a second corps from Rortcstn and Gallipoll could reach Skutari. He was convinced, however, that he would be mastc of the situation within two months. I!ir suppression of the revolt was (tie onlv solution that the Turkish Government considered possible, for the Porte valid not be induced by any other ii.cans to grant autonomy to Albania.