New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03
WOMEN INSURGENTS.
"Amazons" and "Deborahs' Not Lacking in
Macedonia-Their Fight for Liberty.

While the rieors of one of the most inhospitabIe
climates in the world have forced suspension of
active hostites for the time being between tho
revolutionists and the Turks in Macedonia, the
women whose heroism is proverbial. not idle
Several of them who have been in active service
for the last eight months have crossed over into
free Bulgaria and pushing their propaganda
o. 'deliverance from the Turkish oppressor."
Prominent among these women patriots is Mime.
Arnaudova, widow, who joined the revoIutionists
last spring. CARRIED IN the regulation insurgents
uniform her black hair shorn she shoui1ered arms
dIers their scanty fare. their bvouac in the open.
pillow fought side by side with them IN all their
skirmisheg, as well as in three heavy engagements
Nor is Nine. Arnaudova notable exception
among Bulgarian women or the women Of re
Balkans During the revolution against the I'll
by which Eastern Rumelia united 10 Bulgal.a
banner ana led the revoutonists to victory During
Balkans wives have joined their husbands and sis
tiers their brothers IN their various struggles for
qnentiy sharing their fate
death in their encounters with the Turkish troops,
they would return home and settle down TO do
never been oi,estioned even ra6d Turcophiiists
admitting that their morality is toleraby good for
Although it Is tho minority Of women who have
put on mems attire and served IN the ranks their
tons have been of mestimable value and an in
In this present e crisis the Women in Macedonia
have been Of the greatest assistance 70 me cause
flies and little holdings. they have managed to
often in hiding, have spun, woven and made their
clothing, have Dursed the sick and wounded, and
have been the means Of introducing nearly all the
arms and ammunition into the towns, and this
under the very noses OF the Turks Under cover
the night. messengers would bring tho ms
the edge of the village, and there conceal them
beneath some marked with a secret sign.
Then the going about their daily work.
TO the fountains for water. tn" river banks for
the forests for their firewood. would get them,
conceal them under their clothing in their bags
of household linen or bundles OF wood, and carry
ing them into the village adroltly manage 10
distribute them among the villagers.
II is upon the women OF that i'll starred country
that the Turkish yoke has pressed the heaviest.
For the men there might be death accompanied by
all conceivable brutalites For the women there
has been reserved a fate worse than death. No
bridegroom could be sure but that his bride would
be torn from his very arms; no father but that
his child might be dishonored over and over again
and he be Dowerless to interfere. This even in
normal times. In order 10 preserve beautiful girls
from permanent incorporation in Turkish
harem they frequently tattooed with
the forehead. A Mussuman IS entitled TO do
what he will with a Christian. Even the official
prayer OF Islam used throughout Turkey says,
TN the name Of Allah the Compassionate the
Mercful! . Allah destroy the infidels and poythe
lists. thine enemies. the enemies OF the religionl