Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-03-31
PRINCE CONSTANTINE ASSUMES
COMMAND OF THE GREEKS.
DECISIVE STEP EXPECTED SOON
POWERS AGREE TO SEND ADDITION.
Al ,TRooPs no CHETE.
Rumored That Russia Has Said She
Would Not Help Blockade Greece
1t Is Dimcult to See
How War Can BE
Averted.

LarlSSa. Marc0 gSl.-Ine CrOwn Prince
Constantine has issued the following order
TO the Greek army on the frontier, of which
he assumed command to-day:
'It has pleased his majesty, King George,
to entrust me with the high command of
tho army in Thessaly. In taking up my
duties at critical hour, when great re-
sponsibilities are resting upon our father
land, feel convinced that you will all 10
your duty. Remain faithful to your oaths,
and be patient and firm in order to over
come all difficulties. By obedience to the
laws of your commanders you will show
that you possess that discipline which
makes the strength and the greatness of
armies. CONSTANTINE"
1t is believed that the arrival of the crown
prince at Larissa will entail an immediate
decisive STEP. His first object is to COM
plete the military preparations for a move
ment which will probably come from the
direction of Arta.
London, March SO-The following semi
official announcement was made this even
ing: In consequence Of the request of the
admirals, it has been decided that a fur
ther battalion of 600 men be forthwith sent
to Crete by each power. The Welsh fusil-
ierS at Malta have been ordered to be ready
to sail Immediately. Otherwise the sit
uation as regards the action of the powers
is unchanged.
l. has not yet been decided to demand
the withdrawal of the Greek and Turkish
forces from the frontier, such a course ap-
pearing impracticable at the present mo-
ment.
A dispatch to the Times from Salonica
to-day says a panic ensued there last
| night when it was reported that the Greek
cruiser had boats fishing for torpedoes off
Cape Cara. The boats were discovered by
the searchiight of an italian battleship,
but apparently the search was not sue
Athens, March 30.-It is rumored here
tonight that Russia has intimated that
she will not participate in blockade of
Greek ports. This apparent change Of
frcnt is viewed with suspicion in Greek
official circles. 1t Is understood that the
admirals have called on their respective
governments for more warships, as well
Ccnstantinople. March 3O.-If the reports
just received here from the Turkish head
at are tSa ghsng dg
of the frontier of Macedonia. 1t is said
that the Greek leader. Alexis Taxi, a
name, crossed the frontier into Macedonia
on Sunday last. accompanied by about
twenty-five of his followers. Near Grey
vance post of Turkish troops commanded
by German officer. In the fighting which
followed the Turks lost a, twelve men killed
the German officer. The loss of the insur-
gents is not known. The latter subsequent
" returned across the border into Greek
The situation is about as critical as 1t can
be. and it is difficult to see how war pc
Strcng efforts in that direction are still be-
ing made, but it is rumored in diplomatic
circles here that King George has sent a
possible for Greece to yield to the powers
regarding Crete, and that it is equally i'm
to rsfs ssM the eseted
of the public mind It Is believed that
even the annexation of Crete would fan TO
the war fever that nothing short Of severe
blood-letting will cure them. .
AS to the Cretan situation proper, Is
understood that the admiralS in command
of the foreign fleets in Cretan waters are
of the opinion that. now that Greece mas
virtually completed her war preparations
on the frontier of Thessaly, blockade OF
the principal Greek ports would be use
less. thus bearing out the forecasts pre-
viously made In these dispatches that the
refusal of Great Britain to take active part
In the blockade of Greece might lead to
the collapse of that scheme to prevent an
outbreak of hostilities: Under M I these cir cir
dors of the powers are now being directed
toward prevailing upon the Turkish gov
ernment to advise the sultan to withdraw
the Turkish troops from Crete, as another
sop to Greece. and as another attempt to
prevent war, and. in addition. the ambas-
sadors are endeavoring to prevail upon
Greece and Turkey to agree to the estab-
lishment of a neutral zone between the
opposing Turks and Greeks on the two
frontiers.
resentations to the porte in favor of per-
mitting the immediate departure of those of
the Mussulmans in Crete who have ex-
pressed a desire to emigrate. This will
probably be agreed to: but as to the with
drawal of the Turkish troops. the sultan
has not yet shown any disposition to SUBJ
NIT to that demand.
The Austrian government upon the rep
rcSentation of the porte. has prohibited the
exportation from Trieste of 100000 cart
ridges which were in course of shipment to
Greece. The representatives of Greece
have protested against this action upon the
part Of the Austrian government. claiming
it Is Illegal and arbitrary, as no state of
test will have any effect. The work of pre-
pairing for the defense Of Salonika is now
said to have been completed. and all danger
of an attack upon this Turkish base of
supplies is believed to have passed.
Canea, Crete. March 30.-The Greeks to-
day attacked Fort Izzed1n, which dominates
Suda bay. The foreign ironclads lombard
ed the attacking force In support of the
Turkish garrison. which had twelve can
non and one mitrailleuse. Finally detach-
ments Of the foreign troops occupied the
fortress.
There was sharp fighting to-day at Spin
alonga. The CretanS succeeded in dislodg-
ing the Turks and seized vessel which
was landing ammunition for them, Fight
ing continues at Heraklion and Retimo.
Several shots have been fired at the for
eign occupying forces at Putsunaria The
French commander has obtained reinforce
ments to replace the Turkish outposts,
which are said to be absolutely unreliable.
The fighting at Spinalonga lasted three
hours The Turkish garrison mot with a