Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-03-26
THE FIGHTING IN CRETE.
The Insurgents Seem to BE Getting the
Best of Their Moslem Opponents.

Best OF Their Noslem Opponents.
Copyright 1SS7. Associated Press)
Cauta. March Z5.-Ihe insurgents
made a determined attack upon the
block house, or fort, at MalaXa, outside
of Suda. to-day. During the night the
iusurgeut forces were pushed forward
until they occupied convenient posi-
tions for attack and about q. m. the
artillery opened fire upon the Turkish
hiCckhOuse. The pieces of the Chris
tians We're served with such admirable
prOmpnoSS and precision as that in q
short time nothing remained 10 the
Turks but determination or eydcUa-
ti0n The NusSulmans, preferring the
latter. LETT the fort and commenced q
retreat upon SUda. relying upon the
Turkish warshipS i'm the bay TO save
them from the Christians. The Sui
-an's fleet opened badly-judged fire
upon the insurgents. in order TO cover
she retreat from the blOCkhOuse. The
shells fell either short or far beyond
the irsurgent forces. Consequently
the Christians pushed forward steadily,
pressing hard upon the rear of the
Turks and keeping up a continual Skin
mish FIRE The Turks made stand
now and then, pouring few volieys IN
the direction of the insurgent skirmlSh
lines. The insurgents succeeded in
pushing ON as far as the VILLAGE of
Tsfkalaria. where they set fire to some
houses.
While this fighting was in progress,
a detachment of Turkish troops beng
unaware of the fact that the garrison
of the fogt at MainXa had evacuated
that place and was retreating upon
Suda. closely pursued by the Chris
tians made a sortie from Cauea with
convoy of provisions intended for the
garrison of N1laXa. From the route
followed by the Turks nothing could
be seen of the fighting in progress be-
tween NolaXa and Suda. and the Otto
man troops advanced half way mp to
tho heights upOn which the blOckhOuse
cf Eeratidi is situated. But while the
Turks were unaware Of the insurgents
doings the latter had closely followed
the movements of the Turkish column.
cscorting the provision and ammunition
train. Near Keratidi the Turks were
met hv a body of insurgents who. from
well-selected positions, opened a herce
fire upon the advancing troops. Inc
fire of the Christians stopped the ad-
yancing of the column and the turkish
commander took up the best position
pcssible in order to protect the convoy
and send il to the rear if necessary.
At noon as this dispatch is sent, the
fghting between the Turks and Chlls-
tians near keratidi was still IN progress
and the result was uncertain.
The Turkish garrison at MaiaNa loS'
heavily during the retreat from JhaJ
place.
The Insurgents are numerous ana oc-
curv an the heights in the vicinity OF
C9rea rs far rs Perivolia, having cap
tured the TWO last Turkish fortresseS.
only the fleets of the powers prevent
the entire success Of the insurgent
POLITICALLY there is no change in the
sf+uation. The Cretau chiefs have deli
rit-lv decided to refuse autonomy and
viii continue the struggle ur'll the
,,nfon of the island with Greece IS IN
Acknowledged fact
The blockade is in progress all along
tho Crctan coasts; but this has not pre-
,-e,+ed several small Greek vessels from
landing ammunition and provisions.
mr. Greek vessel which was accident
DIV canrured by an Austrian gunDoat
which put into a harbor owing 10 the
severity of the weather. had on board
sivt,- volunteers and quantity OF am
muuitiOn.