Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-10-02
ALEX ANDRTA VA MONDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 2, 1911
TURKISH FLEETS
FATE UNCERTAIN
American Admirals Resign Com
miss iOns---MOre Talk of a
Holy War.


vinced the European chancellories
more firmly that Turkey must yield to
Italy's demands.
Led by German Ambassador Baron
Mareschal Won Bieberstein, tue for
eign representatives in Constantinopie
are bringing strong pressure upon the
sultan to give up Tripoli and end the
war. The diplomats do not deny that
they think 1taly's course was wrong,
but matters baye gone 80 far, they say,
that what has been done cannot be un-
done.
It is pointed out to the Turkish
ruler that he has lost in every en-
campment thus far with the Ital-
ians and that his neighboring pow
ers already show signs of determine
ton to take advantage of his pre- occu-
patton with the Italian war for still fur
ther encroachment upon his territories.
II this goes on, the Diplomats urge,
there will be nothing for the greater
powers to do, in defense CT their own
interests, but to take hand in the
despoilation and the complete dismem-
!, berment OF the Ottoman empire must
speedily follow. The ambassadors do
nat disguise that the jealousies attend
ing such division would probably be
attended by general European war,
which they frankly admit they do not
want.
No definite reply has yet Eeen made
by the sultan's advisors to these
counsel srom the foreign represen-
tatives at court. Lest Italy, flushed
by victory, make its peace con-
ditions harder than the Turks can
endure, Germany and Austria are
understood to have represented Jointly
to the King Victor that he must exercise
moderation or humiliation" for Italy
will result.
Constantinople, Oct. 2.-The Turkish
garrison of Preveza, which evacuated
the town when 1,600 Italians landed
from the Duke OF Abruzzi's fleet, has
been reinforced from Janina, and is re-
turning tsjay TO engsge the invaders.
News OF battle is momentarily ex
pected. Nothing is yet known as to the
damage done by the bombardment of
Reschadie.
London. Oct. 2.-The Turkish fleets
fate is still uncertain. Correspondents in
Rome OF outside European newspapers
stick to their story that it was practi
cally destroyed in an engagement With
an Italian squadron at the western en-
trance to the Dardanelles, only one
of the Sultan's ships remaining ahoat.
The Italian marine miuistry's version,
which may be as strong as the facts
warrant, has it, however, that the
Italians met only one division of the
Ottoman fleet, sinking three battleships
and damaging the others SO seriously
as to amount to the complete annihi-
lation OF the division. The Turkish
ministry OF marine admits the loss OF
only one cruiser, reporting the rest OF
the fleet at Constantinople.
1t is understood here that Admiral
Ransiord D. Buckman, the American
who was ip command OF the Turkish |
naval force, and Admiral w. H. Led
better, also an American and the next |
officer under Bucknam, have thrown
up their commissions rather than re-
nounce American citizenship as de-
manded by the sultan.
From Malta comes an unconlirmed |
report that the fanatical Mohamedan
natives OF the Tripolitan interior, are
marching on Tripoli and will probably |
soon be within skirmishing distance OF
the Italian force in possession OF the
town. Massacres of the Italians at
Drrna and Bcngazi are also reported,
but unconfirmed.
Austria is massing troops along the
frontier of the Turkish possession of
Nnvibazaar and sho 'ing every symptom
Of contemplated grab. Russian ships
remain on guard of Trcbiz3nd and
the St. Petersburg government is said
to have protestc,! 10 the sultan against
the letters Of aggressive movement into
the Greek province Thessaly. Bulgaria
Seryia aud Monte Negro, all Of which
have territorial designs which can only
be realized at Turkeys expense, are re-
ported on good authority to be prepar-
ihg for mobilization of all their avail
able troops.
In diplomatic circles throughout
Europe it is agreed that Turkey is in
imminent danger of dismemberment
and divisions among the powers. 1t is
entering upon the struggle for its exis-
tence, too, with only $1,000, 900 cash
in its war chest.
Vienna, Oct. 2.-Italian warships
are securing the Adriatic today, accord
ing to critical advices here, for the
Turkish destroyers which are reported
to be threatening Italian commerce
there.
Constantinople, Oct. 2.-Owing to
the difficulty the sultan has had in
forming a permanent new cabinet,
there is talk here today of a dictator
ship under War Minister Chefket
Pasha. Said Pasha could not get men
to complete to his ministry and Kiamil
Pasha disclaimed the premiership be.
cause the Young Turks opposed him.
Turkey is greatly cieered by the report
of the sinking of two Italian ships near
Smyrna.
Corfu, Oct 1.-Two Turkish destroy
ers are reported sunk and one captured
off Comenzetza.