Italy declared that she, for the same purpose as set forth in the Greek note, namely, the maintenance of order and security, was taking similar steps at Valona, and that she had adopted this course while fully respecting the decisions of the powers. She raised no objection to M. Venizelos's proposal. ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF AVLONA. [From the Messaggero of Rome, Dec. 28, 1914.] AVLONA, Dec. 26. _The following proclamation addressed to the population was posted here:_ The grave disorders that become apparent from time to time in this country have paralyzed commerce, work, and initiative, and are endangering the life and property of the inhabitants. The Italian Government, a watchful guardian of Albanian fortunes, desires that your tranquillity, so cruelly tried, shall be assured. Invoked by your wishes the marines of Italy are disembarking from the ships to establish order and defend you. (Signed) ADMIRAL PATRIS. THE LAST WORD. [From the Messaggero of Rome, Jan. 6, 1915.] DURAZZO, Jan. 4. Yesterday the rebels by a letter signed "The Mussulman Committee" demanded that the Ministers of Servia and France be consigned to them. At 6:30 o'clock the attack against the city began. Essad Pasha visited the trenches, notified the Italian Legation that there was great danger, and demanded all possible assistance. At 2:30 a few cannon shots from the Misurata and the Sardegna made themselves heard, defending the city, silencing in this way the rebel musket fire. The Italian colony and the legations of Italy, France, and Servia are embarked on the ships Sardegna and Misurata. TO BELGIUM By EDEN PHILLPOTTS. [From King Albert's Book.] Champion of human honor, let us lave Your feet and bind your wounds on bended knee, Though coward hands have nailed you to the tree And shed your innocent blood and dug your grave, Rejoice and live! Your oriflamme shall wave While man has power to perish and be free-- A golden flame of holiest liberty, Proud as the dawn and as the sunset brave. Belgium, where dwelleth reverence for right Enthroned above all ideals; where your fate And your supernal patience and your might Most sacred grow in human estimate, You shine a star above this stormy night, Little no more, but infinitely great. [Illustration: The Balkan States, After the Second Balkan War.] The War in the Balkans General Aspect of the Near East on Aug. 1, 1914. By Adamantios Th. Polyzoides, Editor The Atlantis. The opening of the great European war found the Balkan Peninsula in the political shape given to it by the Treaty of Bucharest, Aug. 10, (old style, July 28,) 1913.