The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-03-23
POWERS FIRED ON INSURGENTS.

POWERS FIRED ON INSURGENTS.
Doing All They Can to Retain Crete
for Sultan.
Two Forts Likely to FAN Into Hands of
Christians-Leaders VIII Only Accent
Annexation.
Canaa, March 22.-The outlook in this
city and Vicinity is not very reassuring.
The situation of the Turkish garrison in
the fort at Malaxa is very critical. The
place IL besieged by insurgents. The
Turkish troops have not enough pro-
visions to last them more than two days.
Attempts have been made to revictual
the fort, but the insurgents have rendered
the efforts fruitless. If the Christians
capture the fort, Malaxa and Kereatda
which now appears probable they will
do, Canea will be virtually blockaded
landward.
Malaxa is without the limits of the
Turkish Gordon drawn by the admirals Of
Che feet. Bodies of Turkish troops who
were trying to convey provisions to the
fort at Malaxa were held in check
throughout the day by Christlans. The
troops finding they could not reach the
fort signalleu to the gun boats in Suda
bay requesting aid.
The gunboats opened fire upon the in
surgents, but could not drive them from
the positions they occupied. As far a.
known the fire from the warships did no
damage. The insurgents reitefats their
refusal to accept autonomy from the
Powers and declare II the island is not
annexed to Greece they will declare war.
Ii 1t We're not for the rupport afforded
the Turks by the Powers, they would
soon be driven from the island 1t is be-
heved here that the leaders of the In
surRents would not hesitate to assume
hostilities against the troops OF the
Powers.
THE BLOCKADE BEGINS.
War Ships of the Powers Surround
London, March 22.-The Times's 8
Athens correspondent telegraphs that the
blockade of Crete began with strong
gale prevailing, which rendered the task
of the torpedo boats and other small ves-
sells employed in blockade duty very diff
cult. Three vessels laden with pro visions
and ammunition have started for Crete
during the last few days. It is stated
that one Of them landed her cargo at
Akrotiri almost within sight Of the
fieets which, it is supposed purposely
did not interfere with her. The corres-
pondent again asserted that it Is urgent
ly necessary that the Turkish troops be
withdrawn from Crete at the earliest
possible moment. Nothing else will In
duce tho islanders to believe the promises
of the powers.
He predicts that if the Turkish troops
are withdrawn King George will be will
| ing to recall Col. Vassos and the troops
under his command.
Athens. March 22.-The Greek war
ships Alpheos and Peneus which were
recently recalled from Crete have arrived
at Salalnis.
The insurgent chief, Manouli, declared
that the Insurgents misto0k the Austrian
warship Ssbinioo. which lately fred upon
and sank q Greek schooner OF the island
OF Or0Go, IOr xuEKlhn vessel, ana Tor
that reason fred upon her.
He adds that the schooner had landed
three cases Of ammunition before she
was sunk. Ono Ohristian was wounded
by the fire from the warship.
Vienna, March 2o.-The Neue Treie
Preesse. says that England, with a view
of preventing collision between the
Turks and Greeks on the Thessalian and
Turkish frontier, will propose to the
powers that q temporary neutral zone
bs established.
Greek Government Doesn't Want War,
London, March 23.-Ths Times pub.
fishes a long despatch from Athens the
gist of which is that the Greek govern
ment real zina the gravity of the situa-
tion and not sharing In the war fever,
prevailing In the army and populace. ID
sincerely seeking solution of the
present troubles. 1t Is doing everything
In its power to check the troops and pre-
vent an outbreak on the frontier.
Will Take No Notice Of Blockade.
Washington. March 22.-The United
States will take no action at present re-
garding the blockade Of Crete. Secrstary
Sherman says that he will simply ac-
knowledge the receipt of the notes from
the representatives in WASHINGTON OF the
powers which were delivered to him
yesterday.
Germany Proposes To Quit.
Berlin. March 22.-The Post, known az
the Ambassador organ," says semi
officially today that IL seems that an agree
ment bet ween the Powers on the Cretan
question cannot be reached. It adds that
II Germany's efforts to maintain peace
do not meet with the support Of ths other
Powers she will not further lend her
disinterested services to that end.
Cretans Want Annexation.
London, March 22.-In, the House of
Commons today Mr.. Curzon, pnrlia-
mentary secretary of the foreign office,
stated that Sir Alfred Biliotti, British
consul at Canea, reported to the govern
ment.the text Of an interviewhe had ridny
by the admirals Of the wn.ships in Cretan
waters, with the ohiefs OF the insurgents.
The chiefs did not approve of she scheme
Of the Powers to grant autonomy to the
islapd, and declared that nothing but an
nexation to Greece would satisfy them.
King George Has Cabinet Meeting.