The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-02-17
TURKISH SOLDIERS SURRENDER
WITH FORT.


it is believed here that the powers recog-
nize the right Of Greece to intervene in
Crete
The first definite news of Greek VIC
tory in Crete was received this evening,
and the widest 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 remainer of the
prisoners being Moslems, who had refu-
geed in the fort.
Details of the engagement are lacking
One report states that no fighting oc-
CURED, the garrison surrendering upon the
demand OF the Greek commander. AS no
mention of any losses is made in any. OF
the dispatches, it is surmised that this re-
port is true.
Notwithstanding the reports that the
powers would take concerted action to
prevent Greece from taking further hos
TIE action in Crete, warlike preparations
are being made with all possible Dispatch
IN addition to the Corps of occupation
already in the island, which corps numbers
l,5O0 men of all arms, one other regiment
embarked upon transport and sailed for
crete Tonight. Another regiment will
sail thence tomorrow.
The government is preparing for every
possible contingency and has summoned
TWO classes OF the naval reserves for active
service
The people are in a frenzy of excitement
and demand that the Cretan question be
settled now for all time It is popularity
Thought that when the powers find the an
in view, an accomplished fact they will
readily acquiesce in this spoiliation of the
Turk.
The Cretan Christians are wild with de-
light over the manner in which Greece
has come TO their aid When the Greek
troops landed on the island they we're re-
ceiVed with the greatest enthusiasm men,
women and children hailing them as de-
liverers from their long bondage to the
hatred Turk. Everywhere the deepest
anxiety was displayed to swear loyalty
to King George, the Christians taking it
for granted that they were to become at
once subjects of the King of the Hellenes
Ihe temper OF the people is such that
they would scarcely hesitate to undertake.
the foolhardy task of defying the conbin-
ed powers in their effort to secure their
liberty.
London Feb ia dispatch from Athens
to the Evening News says that Greek
troops have landed at the bay of Kolym
hari
Col 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 to the excesses of a. IA
natical populace, excess which have
awakened the national sentiment. and
have deeply stirred the Hellenic people.
This lamentable situation of a people of
the same race and the same religion. hav-
ing common destinies with ourselves.
could not any longer be allowed to exist.
The King of the Hellenes has resolved to
end this state of things by proclaiming
Greek occupation of the island.
In making this proclamation I promise
In the name of King George to protect the
lives, honor and property of the inhabi-
tants without distinction of religion or
nationality. and to respect the religious
convictions of the inhabitants while bring
ing to them peace and law"
In the House of Commons to-day. George
~. Curzen, under foreign secretary, stated
that the reports that the admiral COM
manding the British fleet in Cretan wa
ters, had menaced Prince George OF
Greece with the use of force should the
iaUter attempt to execute the orders he
had received from the king, and govern
ment of Greece, could not possibly be true
NO British commander, he said could
nave been capable of using the threats al
legged TO have been made.
The Constantinople correspondent of the
Daily News telegraphs that the ministry
of marines has been ordered to prepare
six vessels for sea service.
The Daily Mail will say tomorrow that
the powers have sent collective note to
Greece stating that unless the Grecian
forces are withdrawn from Crete within
forty-elght hours the Piraeus will be
olockaded and hostilities begun against
Greece.
The various reports received here indl- |
Gates that Turkeys qnescence regarding |
the progress of events in Crete arises
from indifference. She is tired of bother |
ing about a distant island, and would |
willingly surrender 1t to Greece if the
latter would undertake not to meddle in |
Macedonia.
The Times has dispatch sent from
Canea tuesday evening stating that the |
Greek commodore has not replied TO the |
presented 10 MN Monday, requiring him |
to withdraw |
The dispatch adds that firing was heard |
a dnNr fiIrF In Ht...
The situation at Retimo IS alarming. The |
consuls urgently demand that troops dis |
embark to save the houses Of Christians |
from pillage.
Canea. Feb. 16.-Gen Bor, who is in |
command OF the gendarmerie at Canea. |
formally notified Col. Vassos, commanding |
the Greek troops at Akrotirie, yesterday |
OF the JOINT occupation Of Crete by the |
powers. To this notification the Greek |
colonel REPLIED "I am ordered 10 occupy
the Island and must carry out my orders |
until / receive other Instructions" All |
business in Canea suspended except that
OF a manufacturer Of collins, the demands
upon whose wares have largely Increased |
and Selino. but is confined TO conflicts
between Turks and Christians The Greek
troops, which were landed on the island,
have not yet been engaged In battle |
The Christians hold all the districts
around Canea.
Rome, Feb 1e-The bold action OF
Greece In attempting to solve the Cretan
question with the sword, has excited pop
ular admiration everywhere In Italy, and
a great Philio-Crete agitation Is being
carried on throughout the country The
sympathies of the people are with the
Cretan Christians in their struggle 10
throw Off the yoke of Moslem rule and
this sympathy Is taking practical form |
Enthusiastic mass meetings have been
held In sevreal cities, at which the speak
er8 have traced the whole history Of Turk
ish misrule IN Crete, and have rwelt up
on the promises Of the porte. broken time
and again, TO inaugurate reforms IN the
island. At these meetings subscription
lists we're opened for the benefit OF the
struggling ISLANDERS, and goodly sums
have been realizel.
Many young men, whose enthusiasm has
been aroused by the heroism OF the Gre
tan Christians and the bold defiance Of
TURKEY HW fhe (trpqIra haNa vrInufaar1d Il