The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-04-26
THE WAR IN THE EAST,

The Greeks have lost Larissa and fallen
| back in disorder to their second line of
defense at Pharsalos. The abandonment
of Larissa WAS the consq euence of a bat
| tie at Marti, in which the Greeks were
successful at FIRST but Ill which they
finally were beaten in consequence of
large reinfocrements received by the
Turks. The loss of Larissa is, of course,
very severe blow to the Greek cause.
If Prince Constantine's army could not
maintain itself at that place which is
supposed to have been well fortified there
is. little reason for believing that it can
do better at Pharsnlos. The fact seems
to be that the Greek army is badly out
numbered and its hnal overthrow is GER
ain. unless the Turks have to divert
some of their troops to put down insur-
rsctions inside the Snltan's dominions.
There are signs that relief may come to
the Greeks from this direction. Bull
Raria. which owes nominal allegiance
to the Porte shows symptoms Iof re-
pudiating even this, and proolaiming
absolute independence. The Albanians.
too. are FESTIVE and several companies of
Albanian troops in the Sultan's service
are said to have deserted to the Greeks.
There is not much question but revolt
would break out in both thexe provinces
as well as in Macedonia if Greece should
win notable success anywhere, but the
constant defeat of her armies tends, of
course, to greatly discourage outbreaks
elsewhere. There are rumors that a
Greek force has succeeded in getting
into the rear Of Edhem Pashn's army
and threatening his communication; ;
but the truth of them is very doubtful.
TheSGreek feet seems to have won GONE
small successes, but they are not impnrt-
ant enough to offset the defeat that has
overtaken the chief army of the Greeks
at Marti and Larissa. Ii insurrection
does not take place in the Turkish
provinces there is little chance that the
Greeks will be able to check the advance
of Osman Pasha's army before it reaches
their capital, unless the Powers inter-
vene and call halt. The contest has
proceeded far enough to demonstrate
gldU 0IrSCo Is III UtItUCu 4OL Iurkev on
the land. Rer troops are greatly out
numbered, and though they fight desper-
ately, their valor cannot make amends
for their lack of numbers. 1t Ia as useless
to speculate as to what the Powers win
do now. as it has been in the East
Probably Germany and Russia which
appear to be the dominating factors in
the so-called concert, have some definite
end in view, tut what it is is known
only to the auIocrsts that rule those
nations. IL can hardly be possible, how
ever, that either of them desire to see
Turkey strengthened, as she undoubte
would belt her troops were allowed to
pursue their victorious march to the
Greek capital. 1t is reasonable guess
therefore, that long before the Turks get
in sight of Athens they will have i'm
pressed upon the Sultan their views in
so emphatic way that he will find some
excuse for Bringing his troops to a halt
10 incite his provinces to threaten to re-
volt would be very effective way to do
this, and rs Russian influence is para
mount iu Bulgaria and Servia it would
be a very EASY Way Also