Cited:
“Turkey: Regarding the skirmish that took place on July 24 between Albanians and Montenegrins in the Zeta region, the Politische Correspondenz has published the following report from Scutari, dated July 25. Early on July 24, a Montenegrin battalion crossed the border at Cemerica, put the Albanian outposts to flight, seized a large herd, and made off hastily with the booty.
Hodo Bey, commander of the Albanian forces concentrated near Tusi [Tuzi], ordered three tabors (battalions) of Christian Albanians and one of Muslim Albanians—approximately 900 men in total—to pursue the Montenegrins. The latter were overtaken right at the border, a quarter of an hour from Cemerica, and a three-hour battle ensued, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.
The Albanians lost 14 men killed and 26 wounded; among the dead was the standard-bearer (barjaktar), a relative of the well-known chieftain Kolas Aga [Kolë Aga]. According to Albanian accounts, the Montenegrins—despite receiving reinforcements from Podgorica—were decisively defeated and suffered disproportionately heavy losses. This incident occurred yesterday; today, complete calm prevails near Tusi [Tuzi].
However, all indications suggest that this lull will be very brief. Reports from the Montenegrin border today state that dense masses of Montenegrin troops are concentrated not far from Motagosch [Mataguzhë]. It is asserted that there are at least four Montenegrin battalions, and there is reason to believe they intend to launch an offensive.
The Central Committee of the North Albanian League, based here, issued an order today to Hobo Bey to dispatch all the Shkrel, Kelmendi, Hoti, and Gruda contingents, as well as the Muslim Mirdita forces under the direct command of Kolas Agha, to the aforementioned border points.
Captain Manaib is to assume overall command of this force, while the individual tabors (battalions) would be commanded by Kolas Agha, Augjel Bey, and Jacob Effendi. Serious developments are therefore to be expected in the area of Motagosh, Fundina, and Kosizi.
According to a report in the Bohemia, the League in Prizren instructed the municipal leaders of the region to ensure that every Muslim household kept one man ready to march at a moment’s notice. The Sultan sent 18,000 gold pounds to the League. The populace is beginning to drive out officials; the Mutessarif of Üsküb has already been expelled. The movement is directed exclusively against Serbia and Montenegro, not against Greece.”
Source
Südostdeutsche Tageszeitung Heimatblatt für das ostmärkische Grenzlanddeutschtum. Volume 13. 1880.
