The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-28
AIM ED TO KILL.
Nine Shots Fired at King George of
Greece.

Athens, February 26.-An unsuccess-
full attempt was made today to assassi
nate King George of Greece.
The King was returning from Pheler-
UNI at O'Clock in the evening in a
landau, accompanied by the Princess
Maria when two men, who were hidden
in q ditch alongside the road, opened
fire with guns upon the occupants of the
carriage The first shot missed, but
the second wounded footman in the
arm. The coachman whipped up his
horses and the royal party dashed away
at gallop. The miscreants fred seven
more shots after them. none of which
took effect and the King and Princess
returned to the palace unframed. The
WAS dressed in gray clothing and His
Majesty declares that he could easily
identify him.
The news of the attempt upon the
Kings life caused a great sensation.
When the second shot whizzed past the
carriage the King rose and stood in front
of his daughter in order to shield her.
One of the horses was slightly wounded.
One of the assailants knelt In the mid
die of the road and aimed straight at the
King, who roticed that the mans hand
was shaking The shot missed and the
King had clear view of the man who
His Majesty says, was barely 20 years
old. He continued to fire after the car
riage until they were out Of range. His
companion, who was more cowardly, did
not leave the ditch.
AS soon as the news became known all
the leading politicians fastened to the
palace to express their congratulations
over the escape of King George and the
Princess
The action of His Majesty in shielding
the Princes ut the risk of his own life
has aroused great enthusiasm.
When the carriage arrived near the
snot where the assailants were concealed,
one of them rose to his feet, crying in
Greek, ''Stop, your majesty" The King
cody rose and standing in front of his
daughter, brandished his walking stick,
CRYING "Begone.'' The first shot WINS
fired at distance of 30 yards. The King
saws that he perceived third individual
further away and several persons who
we're We Ell in the vicinity during the after
noon, report seeing suspicious looking
men in field beside the road.
A cadet, who was on horseback some
distance behind the royal carriage, heard
the shots and galloped to the scene in
time to see the Kings assailants fleeing
in tho direction of Hymettus Strong
patrols arc securing the districts in search
Of the would be assassins.
NJ. Delyannls and M. Bali, former
premiers, were among the first to arrive
at the palace to offer their congratula-
tions. At half past nine O'Clock the Me-
tropolitan held thanksgiving service
in the palace chapel. The Queen knelt,
sobbing throughout the service A
solemn TIE Deum has been fixed to be
held in the cathedral tomorrow morning,
at which all the members of the royal
family will attend. All the diplomats
and personages of prominence have
called at the palace. His Majesty said
tn them that the subversive propaganda
of certain journals had brought about de-
plorable results.
shortly after midnight the police were
on the track of the club of which the
King's assailants were members. The
aosassins were chosen by lot. II is ex.
nected that several arrests will shortly be
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