Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-04-12
IT MEANS WAR.
Fridays Crossing Frontier Was
|nitiatory Step by Greece.
Force Numbered 5000 Men, Com
manded by Ex-Greek Officers.
Sound Of Artillery Still Heard, Sunday. At
larissa, from Kaya.

Athens, April I.-Aceounts are very
conflicting to what really happened.
last Friday. when the frontier was
crossed by the insurgents. whose care
fully planned invasion is accepted by the
Athenians as inaugurating war. The
Turks evidently share the view enter
tanned at Athens that the movement was
one of great Importance. Advices from
Elassona indicate the belief there that
the invasion was simply L precursor to
action by the Greek army.
A special correspondent of The Asso-
ciated Press went to Larissa, last even
ing. Saturday and ascertained that the
invaders numbered upwards OF 1000.
riani and his Italian volunteers. The en-
tire force was under the command of
three ex-ofiicers of the Greek army. The
rendezvous was at Koniskos, a village
near kalabaka. The men were all fully
armed and wore the national costume
ON Friday. a monk from MouitathOs
assisted his abbot and two deacons at a
religious service at koniskos. at which
all members of the invading body par
took of the sacrament and registered the
oath of the order Liberty or Death
In addition TO large quantities of am
munition and provisions the force had
300 pounds of gold. During Friday night,
following the service. the frontier was
crossed the force moving in the direction
of Schuik. While this movement was in
progress. a second band had rendez-
vous at Nezeros on the frontier, about 81
kilometres north of Larissa and near the
coast. This band was commanded by the
Macedonian Chief Sinsinikos Ii crossed
the frontier. Thursday night, marching
on karya. f-a
This Sunday morning, the roar of
artillery, ii is believed. was plainly heard
at Larissa from the direction of Karya.
where Sinsinkos was evidently forcing
matters. 7E
General Hakris and his staff. with some
knowledge of the movement afoot which
they were unwilling to impart left. yes
terady, for Tyrnayos. the most important
Greek position near Elassona- Four bat
teries Of achievements left. today. for
the same point.
ing is known as to the raid and will say
nothing as TO the probable character of
tho raiders. However, some additional
light has been thrown on the subject. to-
day. 10y an interview between the repre-
sentatiVes of The Associated Press and
a prominent Greek who is evidently in
close touch with the league and its plans.
The Greek said: The movement of
these bands is all in accordance with a
very clearly defined programme. For
years. thousands of Greeks even little
children. ON receiving a shilling, have
been in the habit of putting, half of 1t into
national box IN the name of Pan-iiel-
lenism. For many months il has been
the plan If the league to stir up all the
Pan-iiellcHi" peoples y means of armed
bands. Now that great moment mas
come in Greek history. we have seized
upon 1t. our aim at present Is TO get be-
hind the Turkish lines and to stir up All
our brethren.
- w hetnef or not ECs SDe Insists On the
integrity of Turkey. Greece is :ot ami
mated hy selfish views or with any de-
sire for aLnexing territory 10 the king
dom. She demands not only true and
complete independence far heroic crete
but the same Independence for Eprus.
Macedonia and Thrace. And she de-
mands this also for all the subjugated
populations of Asia Minor.
Therefore. Greece will face any dam
ger in order to reach that end. Years of
frishtful suffering and unnumbered
crimes and tyrannies have been forced
upon those who are our kinsmci. by faith
s,nd blood in those countries: and we are
pledged iii the most solemn way and in
spired by the most sacred and emo bling
principles of liberty TO do all in our power
to lift from them the curse that burdens
them.
When the attack began. stric: orders
were sent TO all the Greek outposts on
the frontier to preserve ceutrality. and
not to open fire until actually attacked
by the Turks. The only casualties re-
ported here are thesdeaths of two leaders
and of three Italians