Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-09-17

n;ay be said TO be three. First, there are the
captains who look to power and plumber. They
generally lean to the democratic interest, as a
means of preserving these advantages, and of
voling a master uuder kingly government.
This party have riches and courage, but they
have powerful opponents, and can only pre-
serve their interest by ranging themselves on
the side of the peopie--a fact which they begin
to appreciate. was always pouring this into
their ears, and the Military Chiefs considered
me t.,cir friend, whereas was merely consult
ing the good OF the mass. Secondly, there are
the Prmates and Ohgarchs: these too, are for
power and plunder. They look 10 Il foreign
king the means Of supporting their influence.
The third may be called the national party.
They consist of those who not subdaed by
the military civil O1garChs. l mean the
peasantry, the merchants, the towns people,
some of the islanders, aud few fine spirits.
When invasion has been near, the national par
ty have inclined towards the Military Chiefs;
when at a distance, they have risen against their
extortons. By degrees they gain strength.
EducdtioR.-From what has been stated, ii
appears that there is a great want Of educated
men in Greece. This is felt in the representa-
tive body, in the administrations of justice, in
the procedures, In the army and navy--in short,
in every department of the state. BY the ,es-
Enlistment of schools and publicity, by court
ing the ngress of settlers and travellers, the
turn of enlightened Greeks 10 their country, this
desirable end may in time be obtained.
The defence of Greece now claims your at
teution.
.Nucy.--The Greek navy is composed chiefly
of merchant briggs from Hydra, Spezzia, and Ip-
Sara. They amount to about 80 sail. These
vessels have been maintaned partly by private
contributions, and the sailors are s1ii,iul and
brave. The Greek fleet is of the same charac-
ter as the army. tits not equal to cope with the
combined Turkish feet. but has gained mas
terry over it by its superior searnen and tactics
When / say tactics, allude not to those of an
highly organized navy, for in these they are de-
hcicnt, but there are tactics for irregular fleets
as well as arinies-for corsairs and priyat cers as
for guerillas, Pindarcs, and Stratists. This
too, is the true military and naval policy for
Greece to pursuc--she cannot cope with the
Turks IN regular warfare, but she can harrass
and worry them to death. Greece should have
four good irgatcs, sixty of her own briggs, three
or four steam vessels. some prvateers, and "a
few gun boats in commission: she mrht then be,
secure against every maritime power. with The
exception of Engla Perhaps the Commit
tee iBighe DC able TO procure for Greece some
prfpateers, a steam vessel, and gun boat AS a
model. One or two good naval officers, who
could bend TO native prciu,lices, and could sub
nat with serene mind TO all sorts of crosses,
could be most useful auxiliarics i'm the cause
sIJWD---- ne N'ttyt~OilS are Oh DufnDiO OTrgln.
and macy of them are descended from shep-
herds. they or their forciathers have distin-
gnished themselves by flying from the tyranny
OF the Turks, by having recourse To arms, and
by their light fugitive movements and dcpreda-
tions, which eventually obliged their oppressors
to court their alliance. These are the men
=; their courage and Constancy have kept
up spirit of resistance and of martai enterprise
in the people, till the nation being highly excl
nv
a mad hlsuareetion, and contrary TO all calcula-
ton, emfed I'll erAancpathlg rhrmsclves. The
horrid massacres committed by the G reclls have
been urged against them with truth. but most
uDJustly against this cause. Because the object
of their struggle to put down vice, and 20 cs-
tablish government that would promote virtue
These irightful slaughlers have prev ented the
Turks from treating with their enemies on vari-
ons occasions; but on the other hand they have
struck them with terror, and have cleared the
country Of savagcs that never could have been
.s;eir friends, and would always have cndaager-
&C dr@ir freedom. TO palase Or 20 deny these
croclties is however, false policy. The Greeks
lave therefore been openly accused of want
Of Christian charity; they have passionately de-
ended their conduct; they have nutwiihstand-
ng been condemned, and gradually becoul-
ng less sanguinary: witness thcr conduct at
corutsl.
'Fhe Captains are generally uReducated, and
simple in their manners intelligent, brave, and
excellent mountain warriors.
he soi'icrs partaSe of the vices and tie vir-
mes oftilcir superioTs, with whom they live on
:asy terms, and are rarely punished. They are
aid very irregnarly, and when dissatisfied with
heir Captains either rebel OF leave them. The |
troops arc better disciplined than at the com /
OF the rcvoiution-but are said TO
'-e less daring, 6ecauSc the excitement occa- /
ssexed by wrongs, the love OF liberty, the e1tl,a
siasm Of religion, ard the hope Of plumber, are /
more family felt. The Greek soldiers are ex- |
treniely bardy--caD make long marches, carry
heavy weights ontheir backs, live constantly in |
he open air. proceed without magazines, suffer
great pryations, endure dirt and vernin, and
stu preserve their high spirits. They are swift
as horses, and scarcely tangible; and If love of
liberty can ensure perseverance,, almost uucon-
luerable III their wild iortrCssrs. Every sol
licr's mind IS bent on success; no Greek ever
admits the possibility of being again subjected TO
he Turks Ifyou talk Of millions that are a.
bout to pour down into their country, stll they
never appear disrnayed. TIey eH yoa calrdy,
that as more come, more viii be farnisIIcd or
moved down by the IIclcuists. This gallant
feeling is universal. My opinion is that the
struggle however protractcd, must succeed, and
must lead to Improvement in tie condition
not only ofGreecc, but of Asia.