The Birkenhead News and Wirral General Advertiser. — 1881-06-04 (Birkenhead, Merseyside, England)

THE HANDS OF BRIGANDS. Mr. Suter fell into the hands of brigands. He is a very valuable person, though we never heard of him until lately, and so £15,000 have been paid for his release. Fortunately we have an interesting story in return for the money which has been expended on him. On the night of the capture he was hurried off to a distance of twelve miles from Isvor, where he was hidden. For nearly a fortnight his hiding-place was changed every night. His arms. were kept bound, and two men were always standing over him with loaded rifles for two days after he was taken. The brigands were composed of two bands, one of thirteen, under Captain Axistida and Ghiorghi Katzara ; the other of twelve, tinder Captain Nicola. Some of the Brigands were Ottoman Greeks, some Hellenes, others Christian Albanians and deserters from the Greek army. There was always great discord between the two bands, and in their quarrels the captive's life was often in danger. Some days after his capture the Consul-General's messenger arrived with a letter for the brigands, which so infuriated them that ,Mr. Suter heard angry altercations between them, and Aristide shouted- " Let, us send the brute's head to that Blunt."  Mr. Bator and his captors slept on leaves upon the ground, and when released Mr. Bater was covered with sores and vermin. The days were mostly spent in dancing, drinking, and foraging expeditions, and part of their time wis passed in playing cards and in telling stories of murders and exploits. The brigands used most profane and blasphemons language; but they were superstitions, and were strict in their religious observances. They fasted the whole of Lent, and celebrated Easter ' Day with great solemnity, their salutations including kisses, which were also bestowed npon the captive. They burned incense, chanted an Easter hymn, and always crossed themselves before and after meals.  On Sunday, the Bth of May, Mr. Suter was allowed to speak to the consul's dragoman, Bizz ), who was corntniasioned to treat for his ransom. On the 19th he was informed that ConsulGeneral Blunt and Bizzo had arrived and wished to see him. The brigands refrured to allow him to see them until . certain money had been brought to them. On the nezt day, owing to the auspicious movements of the troops, the captive was detained in a hidingphase. On the 21st Mr. Suter was taken to hie bowie at Ism. The, =pont was leaded from the Cygnet after a long and anxious consideration on the part of the Consul-general. The brigands insisted on escorting the money themselves, and .!would not allow the presence of any troops. They declared they wetild bring .the prisoner down on no other condition, as they feared an attack from other bands infesting the place, but they guaranteed his safe arrival if allowed to escort the ransom themselves.  The boxes containing the money were carried by the villagers, the brigands not touching them. Bizzo and a representative of the Consulate General accompanied the brigands to the village. Mr. Baler's arms were than untied,. and brigands then proceeded to count the money. After it was paid they unecpectedly made a demand for clothes, arms, and ammunition, and insisted that if they were not given the ransom was not complete, and the captive would not be liberated. They declared that they would remain in the village till their their demands were satisfied. Bizzo entirely repudiated the demands and refused emphatically to comply with them, telling the brigands their conduct was most treacherous.