The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-07
Further Demonstrations Against the
Action of the Government I'm CALI
ing Out the Reserves.
CAsSALA NOW SURROUNDED
AND THE POSITION OF THE ITALIAN
FORCES VERY CRITICAL.
Dervishes Have Occupied the Country
About the Town and Cut the
Telegraph Wires.

ROME. March s.-Rumors were current
late tonight that the government had de-
termined TO withdraw the Italian forces
from Abyssinia in difference to the wishes OF
the people. There may be good basis for
the reports. but they could not be confirmed.
owing to the lateness Of the hour. One re-
port is that King Humbert has ordered
Signor Franzoi to undertake special mis-
sion to Menelek. the ruler of Abyssinia-
Signor Franzoi believes. according TO the
report, that 1t is best to conclude an honor
able peace with the Abyssnians and aban-
don the country.
IL was rumored this evening that Premier
Crispi had been assassinated-that he had
been stabbed to death in his residence, eight
wounds having been inhicted-but investi-
CATION showed the rumor to be untrue. The
report probably grew out OF the announce
ment that the Socialists had determined TO
hold a monster demonstration tonight and
that threats had been made against Crispi
by the radical element. The workingmen
held a meeting, but the demonstration
proved to be Insignificant. A few speeches
were made by radical leaders. but TO only
a sparse audience The police prevented
any one from obtaining an entrance to the
Capitol, where. II was announced, the meet
ing would be held.
Dispatches from Massowah TO the Italian
papers show that the Italians fought bravely
at Adowa and obeyed orders wherever they
were we'll led. But they were badly organ
lied, and there was no direct control over
the distribution of the forces. The men lost
heart when they saw their officers fall Sew
eral desperate rallies were made, which
might have saved the position IL they had
~t,o fu1f ~fI Irnr
reddened with shame and anger when the
Shoans demanded their surrender, and
| fought to the last with sword in hand Gen.
Arimondi and Colonel Gallano. with three
hundred white soldiers. are reported TO he
prisoners in the hands OF the Shoans. 1t Is
reported that Cassaia is now surrounded by
the Dervishes. The Italian vessels at Mas
| sowah are prepared to act in the event OF
| the Shoans making descent upon Arkike
| According TO the Italia Militaire. the Italian
| losses amounted to 400. Of whom 1900 be-
| longed TO General Albertines column. II is
positively ascertained that General Da,or-
mida is dead The only thing known OF Gen.
| Albertine is that he fell wounded in the at
| tack.
The Opinione states that General Baidis-
sera has telegraphed to the government that
! the situation is very serious and that he can
do nothing to relieve Adgrat. He has means
to strengthen the position of Asmaria- The
government has replied. leaving him liberty
| of action, but begging him not to engage the
enemy except in case of extreme necessity.
! There were a number OF meetings In Rome
| last night of opponents OF the government,
but nothing definite was decided on. although
! group of members of the Right party
passed a resolution demanding the complete
abandonment of Abyssinia. as its retention
would only involve a waste Of money and
| men.
The Marquis Di Rudini is now looked ON
as likely to yield TO the representations OF
| his friends and consent 10 undertake the
formation OF new Cabinet, with General
R.cotti as Minister of War. The latter has
already held that portfolio three times-flrse
In 1870, again in 1873 and lastly In 1885,. Gen.
Ricotti is credited with having greatly in
creased the efficiency OF tiss Italian army
by the introduction OF new armaments and
reforms Of various natures. He was born
in 1872, and resigned his command In 1882 in
| order to have more freedom of action. after
| having been chosen leader OF the Right party
in succession to the late Signor Sella Nat
urally, in view of the extensive military op-
erations undertaken by Italy. the Minister
for War. at least for some time 10 come.
will be hardly second In Importance among
the italian ministers.
| Cassnla Isolated by Dervishes.
LONDON, March IA dispatch 10 the
Times from Cairo. says: THE Abyssinians.
or the Dervishes. have cut the wires be-
tween Cassala and Massowah. and Il is
| feared that they have isolated Cassala by
1 occupying the intervening country. The lat
| est advices which are dated Saturday. state
that two thousand Italians had left Asmara
to reinforce Cassala, which had already a
| garrison OF two thousand Italians and na-
| tves. 1t is feared that the Dervixhes. who
| are within rifle shot OF Cassala, have inter-
cepted the Italian reinforcements The
| prestige and strengthen the MahdIst pow
ers."
The Times also has dispatch froan Rome
which says: The Tribunals Massowah fele-
| grams clear General Baratieri o< the charge
| OF disioyalty and show that the retreat 10
| Adlgrat was begun three days before tho
battle or Adowa, but was delayed on ac-
count OF the reported movement OF the
| Shoans The troops were short OF rations.
| and vent Into the action fasting. after a
nights march. General Baratieri telegraphei
/ on Saturday thar the Shoan positions were
1 .mpregnable. IL remains 10 be seen whether
| tie Ministers ordered the attack. believe
that Il would be found that they advised
| delay"
| dispatch to the Chronicle, from Nice.
contains an interview with Ar Gladstone,
| IN which ne expressed himself deeply gr:eyed
| over the italian defeat. and said he feared
that II the present adventurous policy were
| persisted in IL may cost Italy the loss ok
| her constitutional unity.