The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-21
WAR IN EUROPE.
The Present Greco Turkish Trouble
 May Involve All the Great Powers.
FIERCE FIGHTING REPORTED
Turkey Apologizing for Inaugurating the Confiict-How the European Powers May Be Aligned Should They
 All Be Drawn Tn.

LONDON, April 20.-The utmost con fusion prevails in regard to the present situation of the Greco-Turlxish war which opened Saturday night, each side claiming successes and the inflic- tion of heavy losses on the other. It is impossible at present to determine just how the opening conflicts have re- suited, but it seems certain that the Greek warships have distinguished themselves by destroying the Turkish forts at Prevesa, on the Gulf of Arta, and dislodging the Turkish troops in that vicinity, while the Turkish sol diers have captured the important pass of Mllouna, one of the keys to north ern Greece.
 The Greek soldiers on the frontier, generally, have undoubtedly fought bravely, and, according to Greek ad- vices, have carried number of Turk isk positions. One report has it that the dead so far numbers only about 200, but, according to others, at least 1000 Greeks and 200 Turks were killed in the Milouna pass. and the losses at other points were heavy. These latter reports would seen~t to be nearer the truth, for, according to all accounts. 50,000 soldiers were engaged. Mace- donian Greeks are reported to be rising and the Turks may be surrounded by hostile armies.
 There is at present little excitement in any of the European capitals, and no one expects general trouble just ,,ox., h.r4 4ha,.o ;e r,o r,,,ectiOr, that o,xr moment there may arise conditions which may infiame all Europe and lead to general war. The sympathy of the masses of England, France and Italy is undoubtedly with the Christians of Greece and great pressure will be brought to bear on the governments of those coun tries to assist the Greeks in the straits in which every one soon ex- poets them to be. The feeling of the masses Of Germany, Austria and Russia cannot be expressed so freely, but the monarchs of those three nations seem to be determined to uphold the sultan, the oriental type of despotic absolut- ism.
 Thus the liberal powers may be ar rayed against the autocratic at any time, and the most gigantic conflict of history may be started. In such an event, Great Britain. France and Italy may be arrayed on the side of Greece, and Russia, Germany and Austria on the side of Turkey. The strength of these opposing powers is undoubtedly nearly equal, though vastly dissimilar, Great Britain's navy overshadowing those of the three imperial nations combined The smaller Christian re- gions of eastern Europe are being watched closely, for it is felt that they may make such moves as will preoipi- tate the general conflict.
 Turkey is making the most profuse apologies for inaugurating the war, and declaring to all the powers that it had no idea of territorial conquest or an advance to Athens, and the Turkish fleet has not left the Dardanelles. That Turkey fears Russia more than all else is undoubted, for there is no question that Russia would seize the slightest excuse to take possession of Constanti- nople and the Bosphorus, the key to her immense grain and oil traffic, ffiici pays t.; t ss,,;sst te 4'ss nnder present conditions.
 Germany is actively aiding Turkey in several ways, German general be ing now on tour of inspection of the Turkish troops. Turkey is bankrupt now, but was bankrupt in 1877. and still fought. Whether German capital is at the sultan's disposal is question.
 
 lserea, O.. Swept by Fire.