New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-05
THE BATTLE AT VELESTINO.

a DELAYED DISPATCH DESCRIBES THE FIGHT
ING OF LAST FRIDAY
Athens. May 4-The following is the first story
from a correspondent with the Turks OF the
fighting which took place near Velestno between
the forces of Turkey and Greece
Turkish Position before Nelestino, Thessaly.
April 80 delayed in transmission Fighting
has been in progress here since D O'Clock this
morning The mountains form sem-circle, Of
which Velestino is the centre The Greeks occupy
strong positions the hills in two wings The
Turks began the attack under the cover OF sus-
tanned artillery fire. The Greeks at first re-
sponded feebly. Our troops gradually cameo
ground. a battery planted on our right where
the ground not so steep covering the ao-
vance.
Although the Turks were met with furious
frsulade they pushed forward and gained sum-
mil after summit, and al the present moment
they are occupying a strong position while
awaiting the coming UP Of the rest Of the troops
Our left had difficult task. The Greeks were
boldipo a precipitous mountain, but the TURKS
,aiening an attack in front, turned the Greek
nosi,ion and forced the enemy to retlre 10 MS
second line Of defence, which ne Is no" NOUNS
Our centre remains quietly before one oI inc
enenv's earthworks while a Greek battery Is
beginning a duel with battery planted Oh oui
right wing The heat is intense ana constant
supplies Of water have 10 be sent 10 inc 'ioopS
engaged. . .,,o ,ast match
Tho creek fire slackened and gradually ceased
I, had heen met by the Turkish LETT WIN al
lnirable steadiness and courage Strong GIc IL,
reinfOicemcnts were brouShl up pu' '''' ~
ism left resisted the onslaught. . Ia
During the battle the Turkish centre was hiu
den behind a thick wood. which proved an au1
quate defence. In the morning TWO III 80 re-.
squadrons charged the Greek posltion, n, ~
they were successful, but, meeting WIN iai So
force. strongly entrenched they suieieu ,'raas
1t was impossible not 10 admire thclr couIase'
d They appeared absolutely indifferent 10 oaIsel
visited the trenches when an attack WaS eA
pected. and found all except the sentiheis sieeP
irg quietly
At : o'clock last evening strong Greek rem,
forcements were brought up from Noio anu
Pharsdlos. that the Turkish force Is now iiiuci
inferior The distance between the i'snt IL
left wings has been greatly extended anu nv !
general ia command has decided 10 cohce ilia1
his troops on a more favorable position further
back
London May 5--The special correspondent OF
The Times" with the Turkish forces at VeIes-
tho tclegraphs under date Of April 30. that the
Turks have captured the village of kephaIo' At
the foot of the pass. adding that win the re-
Inducements then on their way from Lalissa
the Turks would undoubtedly be able TO force
the defile. and, II necessary, capture Velestino.
Athens, May "a dispatch from Pharsalos
says that the Turks have avoided making any
further attack upon Velestino, contenting them
selves with accommodating the neighborhood or
that place The Greeks. II is announced. occupy
strong positions which enable them TO repulse
superior forces.
NEUTRALITY FOR BRITISH SUBJECTS
London May 4-Royal proclamation was ga
zstfed this evening eujoinng all British sun"