The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-01-28
ALLIES EvACUATE
Withdraw Forces From Albania
Before Austrians.
Center Armies at ValOna for
Wars FierceSt Battle.
BY HENRY WOOD.


Rome, Jan. 28.-Albania, with the
exception of the port of Nalona and
the immediate hinterland, is being
evacuated by the allies. Italian forces
hold strongly fortified positions at
Valona Heavy Austrian and Bur-
garian detachments are closing in
upon the seaport from the north and
the east. They are meeting with lit
tie resistance.
Official dispatches received here to-
day indicated that the attack on
Valona and one of the most important
battles of the Balkans struggle, may
begin within a fortnight. The Aus
trian fleet, in all probability, will at
tempt to participate in the engage
ment by Smelling Valona from the
Adriatic.
Warships Will Take Part.
In this event an encounter with the
allies squadrons is certain to bring
perhaps the greatest naval fight of the
war. The conquest OF Montenegro and
the capture of Albanian towns of
Scutari and San Giovanni Di Medua
by the Austrians, made further resist
ance by scattered Serbian forces in
northern Albania useless. All Serbian
troops and all Montengrians and AL
banians who would not surrender to
the Austrian invaders are being trans
ported to the Greek Island of Corfu as
rapidly as allied transports can reach
.
kjotnp the Italians at Nalona.
T Within ten days the Austro- G erman-
Bulgaro occupation of the entire Bal
kan peninsula to the Greek frontier
will be complete. The allies. however,
are determined to hold Valona as they
now hold Saloniki on the eastern side
of the peninsula. Both are strategic
points of the greatest value. They will
be retained at all cost as military and
naval bases from which future cam
paigns for the conquest of the lost
cause will be directed.
Find No Resistance
| Paris Jan. 2S.-A dispatch from Milan
says that several sections of the army
of General Koevess, having met no re-
/ sfstance at San Giovanni di Medua and
! Alessio, are now marching on Durazzo
according to the Athens correspondent
of the Secolo. Their advance guards
were reported on Wednesday near
troia. 1t is said that General Koevess
/ tries to enlist Albanian volunteers and
when they refuse to join, offers to buy
| their arms, thus hoping to disarm the
population and protect himself against
attack. Few however, consent to par
with their weapons.
! BulgarianS are said to be marchins
from Berat to join columns at Lake
Ochrida. The Greeks have sent rein
forcements to Goritsa and Argro.
Castro.
French Occupy Town.
Paris, Jan. 28.-A dispatch to the
Matin says French blue jackets have
occupied the small town of AntiphiIlC
on the coast of Asia Minor opposite
Castelorizo.
A Havas dispatch from Saloniki say!
French landed from a ship supported
by two armed trawlers, and took pris
oner the local garrison, consisting of
captain and Is men. They destroyed
the telegraph wires, seized a number
of documents. and Greek families wht
We're driven away to return to thei
dwellings.
Belgian Cardinal to Return.
Rome, Jan. 2S.-Cardinal MERCER
primate of Belgium, who has been il
Rome for some time, paid a forma
visit to the vatican today to take leav,
of Pope Benedict.