Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-17
A GREEK VICTORY.
CAPTURE OF FORT AGHIA AND 400
MUssULMANs PRISONERS.
ONE HUNDRED TURKS AMONG THEM.
pctaiIs of the Engagement, How
ever. Arc LaclSing-rhe Christians
I'm Frenzy Of ENcitement-Powers
Nlay Vow Acquiescc.


ATHENS. February l6.-The first de-
finite news Of a Greek victory IN Crete
WIS received this evening. and the Wild
est enthusiasm followed the Intelligence
The Greeks. It is said attacked and
captured Fort Aghia, taking 400 Mussul-
mans prisoners Among the number are
100 Turkish troops. the remainder Of the
prisoners being Moslems. who had re-
fucel in the fort.
Details Of the engagement are lacking
one report states that no fighting oc-
cYrrcd the garrison surrendering upon
+ro demand Of the Greek commander
AS no mention Of any losses is made in
any Of the dispatches. it is surmised that
this report is true.
Notwithstanding the reports that the
Powers would not take concerted action
10 prevent Greece from taking further
hostile action i'm Crete, warlike prepara-
tlons are being made with all possible
dispatch.
In addition 10 the Corps OF Occupa-
tlon" already in the island. which corps
numbers 1000 men of all arms. one other
rcciment embarked upon transport and
sailed for Crete tonight. Another regi-
ment win sail thence tomorrow.
NAVAL RESERVES SUMMONED.
The government is preparing for every
possible contingency. and has summoned
two classes Of the naval reserve for ac-
tive service.
The people are in a frenzy Of excite
ment and demand that the Cretan ques-
tion be settled now for all time. 1t is
popularity thought that when the Pow
ers ind the annexation OF the Island,
which Greece has In view, an accom-
plished fact they will readily acquiesce
In this spoliation of the Turk.
CHRISTIANS WILD WITH DELIGHT.
The Cretan Christians are wild with
delight over the manner i'm which Greece
has come to their aid. When the Greek
troops landed on the island they were
received with the greatest enthusiasm
men. women, and children hailing them
as delivercrs from their long bondage
10 the hated Turks. Everywhere the
deepest anxiety was displayed to swear
loyalty to King George, the Christians
taking IL for granted that they were to
become at once subjects Of the Hellsnes.
The temper Of the people is such that
they would scarcely hesitate TO under
take the foolhardy task Of defyng the
combined Powers in their effort 10 secure
their liberty.
POWERS HAVE SENT A COLLECTIVE
NOTE
LONDON, February 16-The CONSTANT
nople correspondent Of the Daily News
telegraphs that the Ministry of Marine
has been ordered TO prepare six vessels
for sea service.
The Daily Mail will say tomorrow that
the Powers have sent "a collective note to
Greece stating that unless the Grecian
forces are withdrawn from Crete within
forty-eight hours the piraeus will be block
AIDED and hosulities begun against Greece.
She is tired of bothering about distant
island. and would Willingly surrender it to
Greece IL the latter would undertake not
10 meddle In Macedonia
The Times has a dispatch sent from
Cauea Tuesday evening. stating that the
Greek Commodore has not replied to the
ultimatum of the commanders of the
fleets. presented to him Monday, requiring
him to withdraw.
The dispatch adds that firing was heard
an day Tuesday i'm the western districts.
The situation at Retimo is alarming. The
Consuls urgently demand that troops dis
embark to save the houses Of Christians
from pillage.
LONDON. February 16.-A dispatch from
Athens to the Evening News says that
Greek troops have landed at the bay of
KOlymhari.
Colonel Vassos. the commander Of the
Greek forces in Crete. has issued the fol-
lowing proclamation:
"Cretans.-You are suffering from the
present state Of anarchy and are exposed
10 the excesses Of a fanatical populace-
eXcesses which have awakened the ma
tional sentiment and have deeply stirred
the Hellenic people. This lamentable situ-
alton Of a people Of the same race and the
same religion. having common destinies
with ourselves. could not any longer be
allowed TO exist. The King of the Hell
lenes has resolved 10 end this state OF
things by proclaiming a Greek occupation
O. the island
"In making this proclamation, / promise
in the name Of King George to protect
the lives. honor and property Of the IN
hsbitants without distinction OF rehgloh
or nationality. and TO respect the religious
convictions Of the inhabitants while bring
iug TO them peace and law
SYMPATHY IN ITALY.
ROME. February 1.-THE bold action
NJ Greece I'm attempting 10 solve the ere
tan question with the sword has eXcilel
popular admiration everywhere IN ltaly
and "a great philio-Crete agitation is belns
carried ON throughout the country Ihe
ympathies Of the people are entlfeiy
with the Cfetan Christians I'm their strug-
Gle % throw off the yoke Of Moslem
rule. and the sympathy is taking prac-
ucal form. Enthusiastic mass-meetings
have been held I'm several cities. at which
the speakers have traced the whole his
tory of Turkish misrule I'm Crete. and
have dwe,t upon the promises Of the Porte.
broken time and again. TO inaugurate
reform in the island. At these meetings
subscription lists were opened for the
benefit OF the struggling ISLANDERS, and
go01y sums have been realized
Many young men. whose enthusiasm
has been aroused by the heroism Of the
Cretan Christians and the bold defiance
OF Turkey By the Greeks, have yolun-
teered 10 serve with the Christians. ana
numbers Of them have already started
for Crete.
MUST BE a MISTAKE.
LONDON. February 16.-In the House
o. Commons to-day Mr.. George NJ Cur
z'n Under Foreign Secretary, stated
that the rumor that the admiral
commanding the British feet in
Cretau waters had menaced Prince
GEORGE Of Greece with the use
q force. should the latter attempt TO
execute the orders he had received from
The King and Government Of Greece
could not POSSIBLY be true. No British
commander. he said. could have been
capable Of using the threats alleged to
nave been