New-York tribune., 1907-09-05
FRENCH PRESS SOUTH.
SCATTERING THE MOORS.
" Wdrshtp en- 4chon-NdtiUes NOT
Beaten, Desmte Losses.

Paris. Sept "A dispatch was received To-
day from Vice-Admiral Philibert. at casa
blanca, reporting a engagement yesterday
September B. about seven miles south Of Casa
blanca The French cruiser Glore took part
IN the fighting, firing one hundred and hfty
shells at the Moors, who were dispersed ana
fed to the hills. This engagement followed a
forward movement on the part of the French
forces
The admiral added that the other ports of
Morocco were quiet. At Ell Araish the French
cruiser Forbin has taken on board a number
Of refugees from Fez.
Premier Clemenceau said tonight that the
scene OF the fighting Of Monday was in the di-
rection of Tinelill, and he therefore concluded
that the engagement on Sunday had effectually
cleared out the Arab camp at Taddert. The
Premier loud in his praise of General
Drude, who, he said. to be congratulated on
having dispersed the most formidable Moorish
army which had appeared before Casablanca.
General Drude had total of seven thou
sand men. This force was considered ample,
and was indeed, larger than he had asked for
THE DETENTION OF ARMS.
Asked about the arms at Mazagan. Premier
Clemenceau said that the matter was extremely
complicated. AS far as he could gather. the
consignment amounted to 1000 rifles and 1900
GOO pounds of ammunition. 1t had been sent
from Mogador TO Mazagan, and was on its way
to the Sultan. at Fee. The native customs
thorities had taken possession of the arms and
declined to deliver them TO either the delegate
sent by the reigning Sultan to Mulai Hafg the
Sultan who has been proclaimed in the south.
TO the commander of the French cruiser
Conde. The townspeople of Mazagan the Pre-
mier continued. in favor of Mula Hafig.
and were clamoring that the arms be given
to him.
The Premier said he hoped it would not be
necessary TO land marines to settle the affair.
as that would be most serious step. He added
that the matter was entirely in the hands of
Fice-Admiral Phibert. in whom he had the
greatest confidence.
In conclusion the Premier said: Il have told
you all that there is to be known. and for good
ness sake don't say that General Drude has
checked the Moors. They have done they
always do They are brave. and. beaten at one
point. they will reform and return TO the at
tack General Drude is an old African cam
paigner; he is thoroughly conversant with their
methods and is not to be surprised by them"
The Minister of War. General Picquart has
received a telegram from General Drude report
ing that eight Frenchmen were killed and seven
teen wounded in the engagement on Monday
He gives no fresh details OF the encounter.
BLOODSHED SHOCKS FRANCE.
The news OF MOnddy s neTCS engagement t1fii
Casablanca has shocked well as surprised
France The fighting demonstrated that the
Moroccan situation IS steadily growing more
serious and that, although France is con-
stantlv victorious the dogged. fanatical resist
ance Of the Moors. who appear 10 he mooi!lz-
ing in larger numbers, may make necessary
much larger force OF the allies in order TO bring
the fighting to an end The fierce assaults OF
the enemy are believed TO be due to Frances
failure 10 annihilate the Moors In the early
stages of the expedition. a result which France
WAS unable to accomplish on account Of the
restrictions imposed on her by the Algeciras
Convention.
Nj Regnault tho French Minister at Tangier.
left Paris to-day for Spain. where he VIII con-
fer with the Spanish officials on the subject or
the enlargement of the action and cooperation
of Spain and France.
The "Iibre Parole" says that the cabinet
has considered a proposal made TO Genera
Drude commanding the French forces at Casa
blanca by Mulai Hang that If the signatories
Of the Algeciras Convention recognize Mulal
Haf7e as Sultan he Will undertake to restore
order He asks. as a pledge of good faith. that
the powers permit him TO have the arms and
ammunition which are detained at Mazagan.
and saws if his offer Is not accepted he will
preach holy war.
The Cabinet the "Libre Parole" adds has
resolved to place the matter before the powers
but at the same time II was decided TO send
General Drude further reinforcements OF artil-
lery and Of colonial troops from Senegal