The New York herald., 1869-01-01
TURKEY AND GREECE.
The Past and Present Conditions OF Crotan
Affairs.

CoNsTANTINoPLE, Dec. 5, 1868
have at various intervals during the past year
given you what believe to have been a correct and
honest statement OF the condition OF affairs in Crete
and have endeavored to show that by q system OF
moderation without precedent in the history Of re-
bcllions IN any country the Ottoman government
has patiently labored TO restore peace and quiet to
the Heterogeneous population OF Crete portion OF
which, less wise than their Bulgarian corelgionists
ana fellow subjects. permitted themselves to be made
the instruments and dupes OF Greek and Russian
revolutionists.
The wise aud generous measures recommended by
the Grand yZier and approved of and adopted by
the Porte involving no more bloodshed than what
was caused by the armed opposition OF the lnsur-
gents the sultan's forces gradually drove them to
their last strongholds, where, longer encouraged
by receiving regular relniorcements and supplies
and almost entirely deserted by the population OF
the island, many Of the chiefs Of the insurrection
returned 70 Greece. and the remainder, desparng OF
success, only awaited an opportunity to escape, or
an amnesty which would permit them to lay down
their arms
In the meantime the ottoman government, under
the impression that no further attempts would be
made to revive the disturbances, and in answer to
the numerous petitions OF the men OF the island
whose wives and children had been transported 10
Greece determined to take upon itself the charitable
homes, for which purpose several steamers, French
and AUSTRIAN were chartered, at a heavy expense.
Notwithstanding the great opposition Offered by the
Greeks 70 their departure thousands OF wo-
men and children have already returned TO Crete,
only too glad 10 escape ifom their hospitable enter
tainers. Even at the Pircus men engaged IN con-
veylng their families to the steamer beaten and
1hrown into the sea by the mob; others have been
arrested on tile eve OF tner departure and payment
demanded Tor the shelter and nourlshment extended
10 their families by the Creian Committee rom funds
contributed In Europe, England, and America for this
A
steamer sent to embark several hundred families
who, having no means OF their own. had pettioncI
The ottoman minister az Athens for aid TO return to
Their homes, was not permitted 10 communicate with
tie shore, and forced 10 leave Them behind mus
the Sulians subjects de.aiGed prisoners upon
Greek territory ard this laNles proceeding does not
stand alone a. wherever the refugees aftsmut to
for their native land ever, obstacle Il thrown
IN the way OF their departure although | have not
heard OF another instance exhibiting such utter dis
regard oi the commercial rights OF the flag OF a
friendly Power.
But the crisis which every observer OF the frequent
acts OF open hostility that have been committed by
the Greeks, m aid Of the insurrection in Gambia have
long expcctea nas at last arrived, and patience mas
ceased 10 be virtue. AZ the moment when II was
thought the ns, ERECTION at an end and portion
OF The army mad already been withdrawn--the pre-
sece o 80 strong force not being deemed necessa-
ny TO cope with the few remaining insurgenis-the
news arrives that army OF niibustera is on the
point o. leaving for crete composed in part OF SOL
who have resigned and supplied with munitions OF
war taken from tine Greek arsenal. all OF which has
been done with the tacit approval of the Sublime
government. Seeing this the Porte made d pereinp-
tory demand upon the government OF King George
10 put a stop 10 any further hostile proceedings
against Crete, demanding q categorical answer
which reply is said TO be that, however mncn the
Athens government may regret what has occurred
It connot control the action OF the people which Il
4 UNDERSTOOD las been communicated by tele-
graph through rhuieates Boy, the Ottoman Minis
Ter NJ Atnchs, who IL IL saii, has
received orders 90 demand hs passport and return
10 Constaniinoplc In the meantime Hobart Pacha,
an eN-caplaln III tue British navy, who commanded
wilmington bloc kadc runner during the civil war
leaves to-day TO take command of the squadron
IN Nrctan waters and lbraEin Pacha Is appointed to
the feet IN the Archipelago. The question OF order
Ing nl Hellenic subjects TO leave here within
seven days and OF expeiling Greek ships from the
ports Of the empire was yesterday before the conn.
cl Of Minister'S and u IL generally believed that such
measure Will be rcsOrcd 10. II Is said that the euer-
gctic steps now being taken by the ottoman govern.
incnt are approved OF BY the English French, Prus.
sian and Austrian ambassadors. The Russian am
bassador also, VINO has hitherto shown much sym-
pathy with tue Greek cause s said TO have remarked
that he can no longer plead any excuse for the
Greeks. IL is currently rumored that considerable
supplies OF money and arms have recently been re.
ceyed by the Insurgents from America
The occurrences Of the past two days have created
n panic the Galata Bourse. which caused a fall
in the live per cent consols, which few days since
were selling at iorty-seven, 10 iortyone the closing
pr.ce Of yesterday.
The Greek subjects now living in Constantlnople
must he at least CO,Oo0, aud nearly half the ships
That pass through the BOspn0rus also carry the
Gfcek nag. IN vuw therefore, OF the serious losses
wnleh rupture with Turkey would he sure TO entail
upon tht commerce and subjects Of Greece, II Is
hghI ptopablc that pressure will be Immediately
DrpnHh, p bear upon the Athens Cabinet that VIII
llhH'N - ~ a'Neue iBt views OF tue H0rte. ~ IL
W be lehtsmnsIee however, that q large number Of
t1e wealthy oISeNs are under the iusalau or French
protection.
ON Monday last Colonel O'Reily arrived here from
bevsyua aui WIS luineg,ately marched oil under q
guard oi SIX men to tAe Turkish PRISON Vt staInboul
whtie no one has been allowed 10 communicate
Win iiui. hear that the Anbassndor Mr. elliott
has or VIII defuand that nc he delivered over TO the
BRUSH authorities, TO be confined In tho Consuiar
PRISON unt. hts case IS tiisd and Disposed ot The
tnash ana American members 0l his stalr arc also
ddy expected here. Minister Norris wili demand
rul VII doubtless o1aiO, the custody OF the Aneri
cals Oh their grTiva.