Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-26
FIGHTING ~ CRETE.
Turkish Garrison barely Escapes
AnnihiIation-Wnrs saves II.

Turkish Garrison barely Escapes
AnnihiIation-Wars saves II.
CANEA, March 25.--The artillery cf the
insurgents surrounding the town Of Ma
laxa having rendered that place un-
tenable to the Turkish troops comprising
the Malaxa garrison, the latter began a
retreat to Suda bay last evening. They
were pursued by the insurgents. who
kept up a heavy fire upon the Turks, in
hicting heavy loss upon them in killed
and wounded, until IL Turkish warship
opened fire upon the insurgents. causing
them 70 retire 10 the interior But for
the timely assistance Of the warship the
Turks would have been well-1igh an
initiated.
The attempt to revictual the garrison
al Malaxa. which was made last night,
was as disastrous to the Turks as was
the effort they made yesterday. The
detachment Of troops carrying a supply
Of provisions was met by a strong force
Of insurgents. and compelled to retreat,
with considerable loss.
THE FIGHTING DESPERATE
CANEA. March 25.-The fighting IN
the vicinity Of Malaxa continued through
out the day. 1t was especially desperate
at o'clock this afternoon in the VIII
lage Of Tselaria, where the insurgents
set fire 10 a number OF Turkish houses.
The insurgents are now occupying Ma
laXa. The European warships sheled
them this afternoon. the firing lasting
ten minutes. The insurgents. however
held their ground close 10 the ruins Of
the block-house. from which they drove
the Turkish garrison last night. and did
not seem TO greatly mind the lombard
ment. When the Turkish troops -evacu-
ated the block-house they set fire to IL,
i'm order that it might not furnish a
shelter TO their enemies. II was. how
ever. badly wrecked by the fire Of the
rebels
a body Of insurgents madesan attack
upon the Turkish Gordon at Halepa. The
Turks had a number Of mountain-guns,
and the fire from them prevented the in
surgents from coming into too close
quarters. 1t was this alone which saved
the Mosems from defeat Montevalara
and Halepa are both in fighting range Of
the guns Of the insurgents. who continue
to shell both places.
PART OF MALAXA BLOWN UP.
This evening part of Malaxa was
blown up with dynamite. MalaXa IS one
Of the towns mentioned by the foreign
admrals In their proclamation. issued on
Tuesday, that must not be attacked by
Greek troops or insurgents. The adj
mirals declared that the fortifcations.
which were needed to maintain securi-
ty and quiet" must not be fred upon;
otherwise. they would use force against
the attackers. IT was the dis0bedience
OF the insurgents to this proclamation
that led the foreign warships TO lombard
them which they are now doing, but
without apparent effect.
After the place had been evacuated by
its Turkish garrison, which numbered
sixty-four men, the troops scattered In
every direction that led to the coast. In
order to escape. Three Of them reached
Nerokouru. and eighteen managed TO
make their way TO Suda. The others
have not been heard from, and II Is sup
posed that they were killed. The Mus
sulmans here, and they comprise almost
the entire population are in state Of
great excitement They fear the in
sureents. elated by their capture Of Ma
laxa. will attack Keratidi
BRITISH TROOPS CAUSE ALARM.
4 force Of 800 Highlanders were landed
AZ Gambia to-day. and their appearance IN
the city caused the most intense excite
ment. The populace was evidently igho-
rant of their coming until they were IN
the town The Turkish troops were also
at a loss to account for their presence
and apparently thought they were ABOUT
10 be attacked. The Turkish officers had
much difficulty in preventing their men
from firing on the British troops. Inc
garrison troops rushed to the shore from
an directions. loading their rifles as they
ran and uttering threats against the
British The latter remained perfectly
cool. and eventually the irritation was
calmed. r,,o
An danger, however, Is not over. Ihe
Turkish troops do not appear to grasp |
the fact that the presence of the foreign
ans is practically the only thing that saves
them from annihilation. Swarms OF !
turkish soldiery, armed TO the teeth are |
parading about the streets giving voice
TO their fierce hatred Of all inhdels. Ihe
slightest spark may at any moment pro-
5uce a fatal outbreak. II would be |
meer commentary on Turkish gratitude |
10 find the Moslems and their Christian /
allies engaged in a bloody religious feud, |
md if would further complicate the sltua- /
ton.
A number Of Itslian troops have also
arrived at Gambia.