The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-03-04
Caused by Defeat OF the Italian
Forces in Africa.
THEIR LOSS WAS GREAT
Over 5000 Soldiers and Two
Generals Fell.
INTENSE EXCITEMENT IN ROME
Large Crowds Parade the Streets
Shouting "Down With Crispo" and
the Cabinet May Be Forced
to Resign.

Rome, March 3. 1t is reported that
General Baratiera, commander of the
Italian forces in Africa, who has suf-
tered another severe reverse at the
hands Of the Shoans, while advancing
on Abbacarima, was wounded during
the engagement. Full details of the
battle have not yet been received but
it appears that defeat of the Italians
was complete.
The Italian army was divided into
three columns under Generals Alber-
tone, Arimondi and Darbormida, with
a brigade under General Elena as q
reserve. The Italians captured the
passes leading to Adow, the capital Of
Tigle, and General Albertone's column
then advanced on Abbacarima. 1t was
soon afterwards attacked by the Shoan
army and compelled to retreat. The
other columns were unable to render
him any assistance as they were short
ly afterwards engaged in defending
themselves against large numbers of
the enemy and eventually retired be-
hind Beliesa.
According to the correspondent in
Africa Of the ''PopoloR oRomano, half the
Italian artillery and all the ammuni-
ton and provisions were lost.
Other adyices report that 1900 Of
the Italian soldiers engaged in the
battle were killed and that among
| them were Gens.Albertone and Darbor
bacco Trust, has been fired by one of
the three columns. The number of
wounded is not stated.
IT is reported this evening that the
| entire army reserve of the class of
1872 is to be promptly modified and
that the government is taking steps
| to charter a number of extra steam
ships to send reinforcements to Mas
| sowah, where, according to dis
patch received here this evening, Cen
eral Baldissera arrived to-day.
Nothing but the terrible defeat of
the Italians is talked of in the cafes
and other public places The Schoans
are said to have been well-armed with
modern rifles and cannon, and the en-
tire force opposed to the Italians is
estimated to have been over 10000.
During the evening a rumor spread
through the city that General Barat-
tiera, when ne became aware of the
full extent Of the disaster. wrote a
letter to his successor, Gen. Baldissera,
and then committed suicide.
AS the evening wore on and the very
worst news of the Italian defeat was
confirmed, the feeling of despair which
first seized upon the inhabitants gave
way to one Of the greatest excitement
and rage against the government.
Bands Of young men began parading
the streets shouting, Down with
Crispo," but they were promptly dis
persed by the police.
The demonstration, however, at
tracted still larger crowds Of people
to the streets and for a time serious
trouble was anticipated. All the troops
at the different barracks throughout
the city were placed under arms, and
patrols of mounted gendarmes We're
ordered to the leading thorOughfares.
Among the rumors flying about the
city is one that the Cabinet has decid-
ed to resign.
MORE TROOPS FOR ABYSSINIA.
London, March 3.A despatch TO
the Pail Mall Gazette from Rome says
the greatest excitement prevails there
The troops are under arms in their
barracks and in readiness to occupy
the streets in anticipation of order
1t is added that the government has
decided to send further reinforce
ments of 10000 troops TO Abyssinia
Immediately.