Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-04-12
MOTTO OF THE GREEKS WHO IN
vADED TURKISH SOIL.
ARE NERVED TO DESPERATION.
THEY MEAN TO FIGHT, REGARDLESS
OF THE CONSEQUENCES.
A Prominent Greek Says the Move
ments of These Bands Are Not
Spasmodic, hut According
10 n Clearly Defined
Programme.

Athens. ApriI I1-CNoon.) Accounts are
very conflicting as to what really happened
last Friday when the frontier was crossed
by the insurgents. special correspondent
of the Associated Press went to Larissa
last evening saturday. and ascertained
that the Invaders numbered upward of
SOOO Among them were Amilcare Cipriani
and his Italian volunteers. The entire
force was under the command of three ex-
officers of the Greek army, kapsalopoulas,
Mylanos and Ziepetres. and four Mace
donian chiefs, Zermas, Davelis, Vrakas and
Sarantio.
The rendezvous was at Koniskos, a vii
lage near Kalabanka. The men were all
fully arme<l and wore the national costume,
their black fur caps bearing the badge and
initials of the Ethnike Hetairia embroid-
cred In blue and white, with the words
''En ton to Nika' crossing the initials in
black.
On Friday a monk from Mount Athos.
assisted by his abbot and two deacons, held
a religious service at Koniskos, at which all
members of the invading body partook of
the sacrament and registered the oath of
the order, Liberty or DEATH"
In addition to large quantities of ammuni-
tion and provisions, the force had 5000
pounds Of gold. During Friday night, fol-
lowing the service. the frontier was crossed,
the force moving in the direction of Schuik.
While this movement was in progress a
second band, the number of which is yet
unknown, had a rendezvous at Nezoros on
the frontier, about thirty-five kilometers
north of Larissa and near the coast. This
band was similarly equipped, had a similar
mission and took the same oath 1t was
commanded by the Macedonian chief, Sim
sinikos. II crossed the frontier on Thurs
day night, marching on karya.
As everywhere in the Vale of Tempe, the
roads and bridges are in condition of
thorough .nepair. This Sunday morning
the roar of artillery can be plainly heard at
Iarissa from the direction of karya. where
Sinsinikos is evidently forcing matters.
knowledge of the movements afoot, which
they were unwilling to impart, LETT yester-
day for Tyrnavos, the most important
tcries of reinforcements followed to-day for
the same point. Al headquarters they de-
clare that nothing is known as to the raid,
and will say nothing as TO the probable
character of the raiders. However, some
additional light has been thrown on the
subject to-day by an interview between the
representative OF the Associated Press and
a prominent Greek, who Is evidently in
close touch with the league and its plans.
THE movement of these bands is all in
accordance with a very clearly defined pro-
Fr3mme For years thousands of Greeks,
even little children. on receiving a shilling
have been in the habit of putting half of IL
into a national box in the cause of Pan
Hellenism. For many months IL has been
the plan of the league to stir up the Pan
Hellenic peoples by means of armed bands.
Now that great moment has come in
Greek history, have seized upon 1t.
Our aim at present is to get behind the
Turkish lines and to stir up all our breth-
rem.
whether or not Europe insists upon the
Integrity of Turkey, Greece is not aninat
ed by selfish views or with any desire for
anrexing territory TO the Kingdom. She
demands not only true and complete in
dependence 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 fright
full suffering and unnumbered crimes and
tyTannies have been forced upon those who
are our knsmen by faith and blood in those
countries. and we are pledged in the most
solemn way and inspired by the most sa-.
cred and ennobling 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 'front.'
Ser 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.