The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-04-12

Religious Ceremony Before the Greeks
Crossed the Frontier.


ATHENS. April IL. Noon.-Accounts are
very conflicting TO what really hapI eneo
last Friday when the frontier was crossed
by the insurgents. A special correspondent
went TO Larissa last evening Saturday
and ascertained that the invaders num-
bered upward of three thousand. Among
them were Amilcare Ciprinia and his ltal-
ian volunteers The entire force was under
the command of three ex-officers of the
Greek army-Kapsalopoulas. Mylanos and
Ziepetros and four Macedonian chiefs -
Zermas. Davels, Vrakas and Sarantio-
The rendezvous was at Koniskos, a village
near Kalabaka The men were all fully
armed and wore the national costume. their
black fur caps bearing the badge and ini-
tials of the Ethnike Hetairia. embroidered
in blue and white, with the words. In
Tonto Nike" crossing the initials in black.
ON Friday a monk from Mount Athos,,
assisted by his abbot and two deacons,
held religious service at koniSkos, AT
which all members of the invading pody
partook of the sacrament and registered
the oath of the order, liberty or death
In addition 10 large quantities OF ammuni-
ton and provisions the force had three
night, following the service, the frontier
was crossed. the force moving III the di-
rection of Schuik.
While this movement was I'm progress a
second band, the number of which is yet
unknown. had a rendezvous at NeZeros. on
the frontier about thirty-five kilometers
north of Larissa and near the coast. This
band was similarly equipped, had similar
mission and took the same oath. 1t was
commanded by the Macedonian chief SIM
sinskios. 1t crossed the frontier on Thurs
day night, marching on karya- AS every
where in Vale of Tempe, this portion Of
the frontier, the roads and bridges are in
a condition of thorough repair
This Sunday morning the roar OF artil-
lery can be plainly heard at Larissa and
Ii -.
sinikos is evidently forcing matters. Cen
eral Makris and his staff, with some knowi-
edge of the movements afoot which they
were unwilling TO impart, left yesterday
for Tyrnavos, the most important Greek
position near ElasSona- Four batteries Of
reinforcements followed to-day for the
same point. AT headquarters they declare
that nothing is known as to the raid and
will say nothing as to the probable char
acter of the raiders. However, some addi-
tional light has been thrown on the subject
to-day by an interview with prominent
Greek. who is evidently in close touch with
the league and its plans. The Greek said:
THE movement of these bands is all in
accordance with very clearly defined
programme. For years thousands of Greeks.
even little children. on receiving a shilling
have been in the habit OF putting half of
ii into national box in the cause of
Panhellenism- For many months il has
been the plan of the league to stir up all
the Panhellenic peoples by means OF
armed bands. Now that a great moment
has come in Greek history, we have seized
upon IL. Our ann at present Is 10 get be-
hind Turkish lines and to stir up all our
brethren. Whether or not Europe insists
on the integrity of Turkey, Greece is not
animated by selfish views or with any de-
sire for annexing territory to the king
dom. She demands not only true and
complete independence for heroic Crete.
but the same Independence for Epirus
Macedonia and Thrace And she demands
this also for all the subjugated populations
of Asia Minor. Therefore Greece will face
any danger in order to reach that end.
Years of frightful suffering and unnum-
bered crimes and tyrannies have been
forced on those who are our kinsmen by
faith and blood in those countries and
we are pledged in the most solemn way and
inspired by the most sacred and ennoblng
principles OF liberty to do all in our power
TO lift from them the curse which burdens
them.'
When the attack began strict orders were
sent to all the Greek outposts on the from
tier to preserve neutrality and not TO
open fire until actually attacked by the
Turks. The only casualties reported here
are the deaths Of two leaders and of three
Italians.