The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-03-05
The ITALIANS GREATLY EHRAGED
At the Defeat of Their Army in
Abyssinia.,
MODS Traverse the City OF Rome Demand
Ing the Downfall ofthe Crispi Ministry
attempted Demonstration at the Pal
ace Prevented by tho Police-Arrosts
Frequent-Grcst Excitement In Other
oities-Alsrning Rumors About the
Army.


received to- night concerning the defeat
OF she italians at the battle of Adowa,
and they tend to confirm the most
alarming reports circulated. although
the exact number Of men killed is not
yes snnounoed1
General Baraslesi's forces consisted OF
sixteen battnlions OF white troops
Qsalians) six battslions OF native
troops and Twelve batteries OF artillery. 1
Since the defeat no news has been "a.
ceived from General Dabormids's
brigade, which WAS composed of seven
white battaliops and four batteries of
artillery.
1t Is almost impossible to describe the
state OF Excitement in Rome this even
ing ana no aIch scenes have been witt
messed since the occupation of this CITY
by the Italian troops. The whole pop
ulation seems to be in the streets and
ohe entire police force as we'll as ell
the troops OF the garrison are on duty.
The cabinet ministers have been
holding meeting throughout the day,
but, 80 far as known, the king has not
yet accepted Premier Crispi's resigna-
tion. The whole country appears to be
aB excited as the inhabitants of the
capital and IL Is reported that rioting
occurred during the day in several
cities.
The Offices and residences OF all the
ministers are guarded. In the main
thoroughfares shouting crowds assem-
Bile every now and then calling for ths
downfall of the ministry. Numerous
arrests have been made and tho police
escorting the prisoners to the different
depot have been in several cases roughly
handled by the mobs.
1t 3ereported in the cafes that dis
patches have been received announcing
serious rioting OF Naples and other
places. The government officials are
maintaining the most strict censorship
over ell press dispatches between Ital-
Ian points, and news can not be sent
from here except under strong psessure
from influential quarters.
Late to night there was serious con.
f1ics between the police and q mob,
which seemed bent upon. making o
demonstration before the palace. The
national flag was carried draped with
crepe and there were cries of Down
with the Minister'S" down with
Crispi," death to Baratieri."
One rumor to- night has it that the
entire Italian army WAS practically
wiped out and that only battalion or
80 succeeded in reaching Asmara. At
the war office, however. 1t was stateu
that this is an exaggeration.
All the opposition deputies who could
attend were present 1t q meeting to-
day, and while it was decided to sup
port all the measures necessary to sus-
tain the honor of Italy. 1t is understood
that the government will be subject to
the most fierce attacks, and that its
colonial policy will come In for the
strongest condemnation.
In several districts. it is reported, the
government officials in charge OF super
vising the calling out of the reserves of
1879 have telegraphed thst they are
having q great deal OF trouble, and that
further disturbances are imminent.
General Bsldissera has arrived here,
and has assumed the governorship Of
the colony and the command of the
army. he will arrive ct the front on
Friday, when he will meet General
Barattert and consult with him on the
situation.