Now while this looks very badly for the Greeks, and at this time it seems as if their ultimate defeat were sure, it is too soon to offer any very decided opinion.
It may all be a part of a very deep-laid plan of the Greeks.
It must be remembered that the weak points of the Turkish army in regard to provisions and transportation are as well known to the Greeks as to us. The farther the Turks can be enticed away from the place where they keep their stores, the weaker they grow. The Greeks may have planned to lure them over the border, and away from their supplies, and then fight them when they have them at a disadvantage.
This looks the more likely when it is taken into consideration that the Greeks have been successful in invading Turkey and reaching Elassona, the Turkish headquarters, and that they also hold the Pass of Reveni.
The Greek navy has been doing some very fine work, bombarding and destroying towns on the east coast, as well as the west.
The Greek army which was pressing on to the Turkish city of Janina in Epirus has met with a severe reverse.
With information of the defeat comes news that is of such great importance to the Greek cause that the present check may prove to be of very little importance.
This news is that the Albanians have risen against their masters the Turks, and joined with the Greeks.
Albania was at one time a part of Greece, but that was in the early history of the Empire. It at last secured its freedom and became an independent country.
In 1478 the Turks conquered Albania, and it has been under Turkish rule ever since. The Albanians have no love for the Turks, and though they are supposed to be obedient to the Sultan's wishes, he does not dare to appoint any but native Albanians to govern them. The people have always contrived to give him all the trouble possible.