The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-09
CHRISTIANS I, ARE KILLED Fierce BraWl Occurs at
 Beirut. CONDITIONS ARE SERIOUS
American Squadron's Pres ence is Irritating to Natives.
Reported That Thousands of People Have Met Death and That Thou
 sands More are Pertaining Turks Very Active.

Constantinople, Sept. s-A consular dispatch from Beirut received at one of the embassies here states that a fierce brawl occurred there between parties of Musulmans and Christians. It was due to shot fired by Mussulman upon a Christian employed at the American col lege. The Christian was wounded. The fight broke out while the vali was on board the United States cruiser Brooklyn. returning Admiral Cotton's visit. No further details have been re- ceived. In diplomatic circles here the affair Is regarded as being serious and | a renewal of the disturbances is feared. An official version of the Beirut affair ltelegraphed later to the Ottoman ann bassadors abroad for communication to the powers. says that Christians were the assailants. they having fired upon four Mussulmans. A fight ensued during which Mussulmans and Christians came to the assistance of their respective com panions. This, says the report. compell- cd the troops to intervene and they suc- ceeded fin restoring order. Three soldiers were wounded and one was killed, while one Christian was killed and one wound ed. The figures evidently are incorrect. as the rioters must have lost more heav- fly than the military.
 The British consul at Beirut imme- diately after the riot called upon the vail and threatened to ask Admiral Cotton to land marines from the American squad ron in the event of renewal of the dis turbances. In official circles here the disturbances are attributed to the arr rival of the American squadron and the belief Is expressed that the Christians at Beirut are endeavoring to bring about the landing of marines from the war ships.
 Conditions Serious.
 This was the first information receiv- ed here showing the really serious con- dition prevailing at Beirut. It caused much. apprehension in official circles. The presence of the United States cruisers Brooklyn and San Francisco at Beirut is. regarded as a fortunate circumstance.
 It Is expected that four other foreign warships will gather there. The official reports further show that Beirut is one of three places which are now centers of great animation. Smyrna. which hitherto had been comparatively quiet. Is on the eve of outbreak. Great excitement pre- vails there. The authorities are in con- stant fear of an outbreak, but fortunate ly they have been able thus far to pre- vent an encounter between the Christians and Mussulmans.
 The Salonica advices are also again very disquieting. It Is expected that general revolt throuSnouI the province of Salonica will occur next week. It is the understanding among the foreign of- ficials at ssllonica that a general in- surrection will shortly be announced by the Macedonian committee. In view of this expectation rigid police measures have been taken by the vail, who Is showing much energy. Reports from Monastir say the insurrection in that district has been practically crushed by the extreme measures taken by the Turk ish troops.
 The officials here attach significance to the report showing that a number of Serbes have crose the border and joined the Macedonian revolutionists.
 Reports from various points through out Bulgaria show there Is a strong feel ing against Prince Ferdinand owing to the fact that he left the country dur ing the crisis. It is not expected, how ever that the agitators will succeed in carrying out their plots against his life.