The record-union., 1896-03-04

ems to become one of the most disas-
trous in which the italian armies have
ever taken part, and what the final
outcome will be it would be hard to pre-
dict. 1t was rumored to-day that the
latest defeat Of the Italians by the
forces of King Menelik had compelled
the Ministry to resign, owing to the
popular disapproval of the Govern
ment's policy, but tonight this report
is denied.
Details received here to-day of the
defeat on Sunday of the Italian army
show that the Italian losses were very
heavy, they being placed by some at
5000 killed.
1t is still impossible to ascertain the
precise losses, but popular opinion cred
its the report that the number killed is
not overstated. Thus far the reports
make no mention of the number of
wounded. Among the dead are Gen
eral Albertone, commander of the right
brigade.
The news of this latest disaster has
caused the greatest excitement
throughout Italy, ana the opposition
party is taking advantage of it to
make violent attacks upon the Gov
ernment's policy in attempting to ex>
Abyssinia
The scenes in the streets to-day were
very exciting, the populace being great
ly incensed against the Government.
Denunciations of the Ministry could be
heard on every hand. The Pope is
greatly disturbed by the news. He has
ordered the suspension of the te deum
and also the diplomatic banquet that
were to be given in connection with the
anniversary of his coronation.
A meeting of the Cabinet was sum-
moned last night Immediately upon the
receipt of the news of the Italian re-
verses. The Ministers met at midnight,
and sat in closed session until late this
morning discussing the situation. They
will meet the Chamber of Deputies to-
morrow and make a statement regard
ing the position of affairs and their in
tentions. A persistent rumor circu-
lates that the Cabinst will retire
King Humbert to-day 6ad interviews
with Prime Minister Crispi and Signor
Farini, President of the Senate. The
subjects discussed at the interview
were presumably the Italian defeat and
the course to be pursued by the Govern
ment, but what. if any, decision was
arrived at is unknown.
patches last night, General Baratieri,
Governor of Erythrea, and at present
commander of the Italian forces oper-
ating against the Abyssinians, made an
attack on the latter on Sunday. The
reserve Italian force took possession of
the passes leading to Adowa without
any opposition from the enemy. This
force was commanded by General AL
lima General Albertone, with four bat
talions of native levies and four
mounted batteries then engaged the
Abyssinians, but was soon overcome by
overwhelming odds and was forced to
retreat
General Arimondi, the commander of
the center brigade, was ordered to
cover the retreat of the last brigade,
but his position was such that he was
prevented from carrying the order out.
In the meantime the Abyssinians,
flushed with success, made an energetic
attack upon the whole Italian front,
and enveloped both wings. The Ital-
ians made a desperate resistance, but
could not withstand the attack and
finally orders were given for them to
fall back. Their positions were speedily
abandoned. The fighting lasted all
day. General Baratieri, with the
mand, together with the men under
General Arimondi, retired to Adecajo,
100 hlometers from Adowa.
Since General Baratieri returned to
Abyssinia from his visit to Rome, on
which occasion he was decorated with
the Order of the Red Eagle by Emperor
William, his conduct of the campaign
has been very harshly criticised in GER
tain military circles. His decision to
break his line in this last battle, and
the tactics pursued by him, are re-
garded by military experts here as in
explicable.
The Italians are said to have lost
sixty guns and all their provisions.
Even the Government acknowledges
that when General Baratieri was COM
PEELED to order his army to retreat, he
was forced to abandon many of his
guns. The nature of the country pre-
vented guns being used against the en-
emy, and later prevented the Italians
from taking them with them in their
retreat. These, of course. have fallen
into the hands of the Abyssinians. who
viii now undoubtedly use them against
their former owners.
The captured guns viii enormously
aid the artillery forces of the Abyssin-
ians. already factor that has had to
be taken into account by the Italians
The situation is regarded as being so
serious that the Government has called
out all the reserves of 1872. All efforts
will be made to hasten the dispatch of
reinforcements to Abyssinia. Orders
have been issued for all the available
transport steamers to assemble at Ma
pies on Saturday next for the purpose
of taking on board troops for immedi-
ate dispatch to Marsowah.
General Baldessera, who was recently
appointed to succeed General Barati-
eri in the chief command Of the Italian
forces in Abyssinia, has arrived at
Marsowah
1t is reported that General Bara-
tieri's attack on the Abyssinians sun
day was the result of his desire to make
a grand military coup and rehabilitate
his reputation before he was SUPER
seded by General Baldessera
Among the many reports current to-
day was one to the effect that General
BarEtieri had committed suicide be-
ing unable to endure the humiliation of
bis defeat.
This is the second crushing defeat
that the Abyssinians have inflicted
upon the Italians since the latter at
tempted to extend their power in the
domain Of King Menelik. Three months
ago five companies of Italian troops un-
der command OF Major Tosselli was
surprised and surrounded by a force of
F74r- =,