, 1897-04-16
GREEKS ARE Y|CTORS..
IN MANY SMALL SKIRMISHES IR-
REGULARS DEFEAT THE
TURKISH TROOPS.
And Gain Possession Of Several Strate-
gic Positions-The Greeks Receive
Italian Aid-tBad Roads Handicap
the Movements of the Regular
Troops of the Sultan.

the Movements of the Regular
Troops Of the Sultan.
Canea, Island Of Crete. April 15.-Aus-
trian torpedo boats were fred on today
by the insurgents near Kissamo while
chasing Greek blockade runner There
has been sharp fighting around Gambia
between the Turks and the insurgents.
NOT DRIVEN OUT.
Larissa, April 15.-There is no truth
in the Turkish reports that the Greek
irregulars have been driven out Of Mace
donia. 1t is true that a few Of the irreg-
ulars who formed part OF the expedition
airy force have returned into Greek ter
ritory, but these IRE men who for some
reason have been unable to keep up with
the main body Of the Greeks, and con-
sequently they have retreated across the
frontier.
The main body of the irregulars is
continuing it's successful operations
against the Turks with a view Of cutting
the Turkish lines Of communication, get
ting in the rear Of the Turks and rails
ing the Macedonians against the rule
OF the sultan.
The report of the capture Of Kipur,
north Of Barsino, by the Greeks Is con-
firmed, and in addition the main forces
of the irregulars OF the expeditionary
force have advanced as far as Pigavitza
where there is an important bridge
across a mountain torrent.
From that point Chief Davelis, who is
directing the operations. has sen a de-
tachment consisting OF the Italians I'M
der Colonel Cipriani. the well-known
socialist leader, to the left Of Pigayitza
with instructions to attack and capture
Zolovof, a small town occupying an i'm
portant strategic position. The Italians
accomplished their task in due time
with considerable skill. They are now
holding Zlovof and placing 1t in a posi-
ton to withstand an attack from the
Turks.
ITALIAN AID.
simultaneously with ordering the
movement against Zolvof, Chief Davelis
sent another column Of irregulars to the
right, from Pigavitza under orders to
invest and capture Sitovon, annther
town occupying a strategic position OF
Importance. This movement was also
successfully carried out, the Greeks
killing five Turks and capturing five
Turkish prisoners during the assault,
which was brilliantly conducted and
brought to an end by blowing up the
Turkish blockhouse with dynamite.
After the capture of Zlovof the Greek
irregular force operating in that direc-
ton continued its advance as far as
Kritudes, Plisia and Kourduzie. The
Greeks have been instructed to hold
the latter place at all costs. as it COM
mands the right approach to Grevena,
which is held by a strong Turkish force
Of infantry, cavalry and artillery, and
which is the objective point Of the Greek
expedition.
At kritudes, Pisa and Kourduzie
heavy fighting occurred between the
Greeks and Turks before the places
mentioned were captured, but the invad-
ing irregulars of Greece proved them
selves more than a match for the trained
Turkish troops and drove the latter be-
fore them from place to place.
TURKS DEFEATED.
Another column of Greek irregulars
started for Macedonia from Zarkes, half
way between Larissa and Trikhala.
Shortly after crossing the frontier the
Greeks were confronted by strong forces
of Turkish regular troops, stationed in
well-defned positions in the villages OF
A.naKoutra and Kanakoutra. Sharp
fighting followed at both places, but in
spite Of the stubborn defense OF the
Turks, the Greeks carried both villages
by assault, the Turks retreating from
Cleutherokari. This route into Greek
territory is being placed in a state Of
defense and is now regarded as being
safe, the nature OF the country making
1t almost impossible for q Turkish force
to advance in the face Of the opposition
Of the irregulars and cut the line OF
communication between the Greek
forces at Larissa and Trikhala, which is
believed to have been the plan of the
Turkish commanders. The Macedonian
frontier opposite Zarkos extends U
shape into Greek territory, having the
Greek positions OF Tyrnavo and Larissa
on its left and Kalabaka and Trikhala
on It's right.
This formed a sort Of entering wedge
through the middle Of the Greek forces
by way of the Macedonian villages just
captured by the Greek i%rregulars. and
zarkos, In Thessaly. from which point
one expedition started into Macedonia.
1t will therefore be seen that the Greeks
have achived another success In occu-
plying strategic positions, by means Of
the irregulars. within Turkish territory,
before war has formally been declared.
The Greek irregulars now hold all OF
the four roads leading from the Thessa-
Ian frontier in the direction Of Grevena.
which may be looked upon as the Turk
- center.