Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-19
BATTLE LASTS ALL DAY
Details Regarding the Losses Have
Not Been Reported.
NO CHANGE IN THE SITUATION
italian Commanders, It Is Said, Are
Preparing for an Advance
Into the Interior.

TRIPOL1, January 10 * A terrific at
tack was made yesterday by a large body
of Turks and Arabs on an Italian column
which was on the march about ten miles
from the town of Tripoli.
The Italian troops. which consisted of
detachments of all arms, left Tripoli early
in the morning on the way to Ghirgarish.
small oasis situated about ten or eleven
miles along the coast to the west of the
town, and surrounded by a number of
mud forts which had hitherto given shell
ter to Arab irregulars.
Suddenly, as the soldiers were marching
along the road which runs parallel to the
coast. they were attacked by large force
Of Turks and Arabs. The Italians imme-
diately took up position and threw up
field intrenchments. The enemy con-
tinued its attack throughout the day, but
finally retired.
Under Heavy Fire.
After the Italian army, which included
three battalions of line infantry. bat
talon of grenadiers. two batteries of ar
tillery, two squadrons of cavalry and
other details. had taken up position after
the first onslaught by the Turks in the
vicinity of Ghirgarish, a CALLING fire was
poured in on them.
The Turks and Arabs, who were in
considerable strength, were under cover
In the brush of the oasis. Artillery fire
from the Italian batteries caused the
enemy to withdraw for time. but they
returned later with heavy reinforcements
and succeeded in turning the Italians
right.
The italian commander succeeded In
rallying his force. and after several
hours fighting the Turks finally retreated
to the desert.
Details of the losses have not yet been
reported.
Situation About Same.
The military situation in Tripoli during
the last month has to all appearances
not undergone any change. All the
fighting that has occurred has been be-
gun by the Turks, who have repeatedly
attacked the italian troops at different
points and have just as often been re-
pulsed.
AS a matter Of fact, however, the
Italian commanders have been using time
as an ally. They have been busily en-
gagged in strengthening the positions
held by their troops and preparing for
an advance into the interior.
The only possible danger Of the plans
OF the Italian staff being upset is that
peace may be declared at an early date.
The Arabs do not understand the rea-
sons for the Italian delay and they are
impressed with the idea that the Italian
army Is unable to encounter effectively
the insignificant number OF Moslems OPP
posing it.
Under the circumstances, even should
the Turkish troops be withdrawn. the
Arabs are determined to continue the
fight against the Italians.
Purpose of Visit.
ROME. January 19.-Altkough 1t Is Of
ficially announced that the object Of the
visit of Herr Won Kiderlen Waechter, the
German foreign secretary, who is expected
to arrive Friday. is to meet Foreign Min
lister San Giuliano the real reason for his
coming is to discuss possible conditions
OF peace between Italy and Turkey and
the amount Italy is ready to pay as in
demnfty to Turkey for the loss of TripOli.