The Indianapolis journal., 1897-04-16
WORK OF THE IRREGULARS
What the Greek "Brigands" Have Ac-
cOmplished in Macedonia.


LARISSA. April 15.--The main body of
Greek irregulars which crossed into Mace
donia is still harassing the Turkish army
and melting the Macedonians to revolt.
The report of the capture of Kipur, north
of Baltino. by the Greeks, is confirmed
and in addition, the eXpeditonary force
has advanced as far PigavitZa, where
there is an important bridge across the
mountain torrent. From that point Chief
Davelis who is directing the operations,
has sent a detachment consisting of the
Italians under Colonel Cipriani, the we'll
known Socialist leader. to the left of PiGa-
vita, with instructions to attack and cap
ture Zlouvof, a small town occupying an
important strategic position. The Italians
accomplished their task i'm due time and
with considerable skill. They are now hold
ing Zlouvof and placing il in a position to
withstand an attack from the Turks. SIM
ultaneously with ordering the movement
against Zlouvof Chief Davels sent another
column of irregulars TO right from Piga-
vita with orders to invest and capture Sit
ovon, another town occupying strategic
position of Importance. This movement was
also successfully carried out, the Greeks
killing seven Turks and capturing five
Turkish prisoners during the assault which
an end by the blowing up OF the Turkish
blockhouse with dynamite. After the cap
ture of Zlouvof the Greek force operating in
that direction continued it's advance so far
as Kriudes. Plisia and Kourdouzi. The
hold the latter place at ali
costs. as it commands the right approach
to Grevena. which is held by a strong
Turkish force. infantry. cavalry and artil-
lery, and which is the objective point OF the
Greek expedition. At Kreudes. Plisia and
KourdonZa heavy fighting occurred between
the Greeks and Turks before the places
mentioned were captured. but the invading
more than a match for the trained Turkish
troops and drove the latter before them
| from place 10 place.
SHARP FIGHTING.
Another heavy column of Greek irregu-
lars started for Macedonia from Zarkos.
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
defended positions in the villages of Ana
koutra 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 Cleuthorokari. This route
| into Greek territory is being placed in a
| state of defense and is now regarded as be-
]
il almost impossible for Turkish force
to advance in the face of the position Of
| the irregularS and cover the line OF COM
munication between Greek forces at LariS-
sa and Trikhala. which is believed to have
| been the plan of the Turkish commanders
| The Macedonian frontier opposite Zarkos
extends shape into Greek territory. hav-
| ing the Greek positions OF TyrnaVo and
Larissa on its left, and Kalabaka and Trik-
| hala it's right. This formed a sort of
! entering wedge through the middle of the
| Greek forces by way OF the Macedonian viii
| lagos just captured by the Greek irregu-
| lars and Zarkos. in Thessaly, from which
| point the expedition started into Mace
dOnia. Ii will. therefore, be seen that the
! Greeks have achieved another success in
occupying strategic positions by means of
| the lrregulars within Turkish territory be-
| fore war has formally been declared. The
1 Greek irregulars now hold all OF the four
| roads leading from the TheSSalian frontier
in the. direction of Greyena, which may be
| looked on the Turkish center.
Another feature of the operations which
| looks favorable To the Greeks Is the fact
| that. according TO reports received here
| from the leaders of the irregular forces. at
! least loo mountaineers of the country
| irregular forces. and. il is further stated
| the Albanians are deserving from the Turk
| ish forces near Mount Olympus are ess-
/ Gaping into Thessaly and are joining the
| Greek forces. The whole campaign was
we'll conceived and has been executed with
| skill.
The roads in Thessaly are I'm excellent
condition for military operations, but on
/ the Turkish side of the frontier the reverse
Is the case, and the Turks are experiencing
/ the greatest difficulties in transportation of
war material and i'm the mounting of guns
frontier presents warlike appearance.