The national Republican., 1867-05-23
CAN TURKEY KEEP ITS HOLD
ON CRETE ? .- It..

The civilized world Ia looking on with
much interest and some concern at the
contest going on between the Oretans and
the Turks for the possession Of the island
Of Crete either by the Sultan Of Turkey
or its cession TO Greece and its consequent
independence. ....
A few days ago cable dispatch On
nounced the defeat Of the Turkish forces
by the Cretans; but close upon the heels
Of this telegram came another, that the
Turks were victorious.
It is also announced that the great
Powers Of Europe have recommended to
the Sultan to cede Crete to Greece, bui
that he has given an unfavorable answer
This, then, is now the situation. The Sui.
tan Of Turkey may refuse to comply with
the recommendation Of these Powers, but
is he able to make good his refusal! We
doubt it. For the best part Of year he
has put forth his best endeavors to subju-
gate these people, and though his sresources
have appeared to be ample, yet he has not
succeeded. The Cretans have been able
TO bring only small number Of soldiers
into the field to fight for the maintenance
Of their rights and establishment Of their
independence. The Cretans have exhib,
tied rare bravery, and they are certainly
entitled to the respect, admiration, and
sympathy of the liberty.loving people all
over the world.
Our sympathies are entirely with the
Christians, as against the Mohammedans;
and when the contest, a. in this instance,
Is waged between the Christian soldier who
is fighting for liberty, against the Moslem
hirelings OF decaying dynasty, we do not
hesitate long in identifying ourselves as
on the side OF the Cretans,
There is one grand difficulty in the way
which the Sultan is shrewd enough to see,
and that compels him to refuse compIi-
ance with the recommendations Of the
great Powers Of Europe. It is this. if he
comedies this little island, now occupied
by his Christian subjects 1t is not the end,
but only the beginning Of the disintegra-
tion and downfall Of his Empire. Almost
one half Of the subjects Of the Turkish
Empire are Christians. 1t is not, there
fore, the Cretans alone that will give the
"siek MAN" trouble; but once conceded
10 them. and rebellion among the Sultan's
Christian subjects will spring up, and the
Empire must go to sure and speedy
decay. ,...-. ...,.
The reigning Emperor of Turkey there
fore means to subdue Crete, and thus put
an end to rebellion among his Christian
subjects In this attempt he can hardly |
expect any sympathy from the Christian |
Powers Of Europe. Doubtless he looks,
however, for neutrality on their part. He
will ask no more at their hands than diplo-
matte silence. VIII this be conceded to
him on the part Of those Powers now he
refuses to accept their recommendation
We shall soon see.
We see 1t stated within few days that
there has been concentrating Of Russian
troops upon the Turkish frontier. What
may not this mean? We think the indi.
cations are that those great Powers will
insist upon still further Intervention in be. |
BALI Of the independence of Crete, and if |
they do it must come, in which event the
Turkish rule must cease in Europe, and
the days of that Empire are numbered.
There seems to be providential interposi.
ion in this movement, and we think we
an see in it this, that the unreasona BILE !
FACTIONS of Moslem domination Of al 2
people must cease. 1t is time
or the power of the false prophet to be,b
ast down. that He of Calvary may reign.
'ur sympathies and our best wishes, as
veil as our material aid, should, tAerefore
'e extended to the suffering Crssaps, God !,
'rosper the right.