Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-08-04
Crete.

The cable announces that the Porte has
decided TO suppress the insurrection in
Crete by force If necessary. The troubles
there have been going on for some timo
and involve no question of oppression OF
one race OF one Get of relgionists by an
other, though Turks and Greeks and Mo-
hammedans and Christians are engaged IN
the lively pastime Of cutting one another's
threats and of burning one another's
houses. The island has a legislature which
controls local affairs and the state of
anarchy that exists is due mainly to the
efforts 10 retain the Offices by the Conserve
tiyos who were defeated in the last cleo
ton. Failing in that, these desire annexa-
ton to Greece-or in other words, want
10 rule or ruin. The Greek Government
discOurages the annexation sentiment, but
only for the reason, il il understood, that
annexation would not be looked upon with
favor by the Powers interested III keeping
Russia out Of the Mediterranean. Signor
CRIsPI has already formally announced
that Italy would not assent 10 annexa-
ton" aud there can hardly be question
that in taking this position that Power has
the support Of England and Austria. The
italian statesman is said to fear that the
possession Of the island 10y Greece would
toe but the precursor Of lis possession by
Russia or France. which latter Power has
for some time had covetous ewes upon
IT, His fear as TO final possession OF
il bv Russia in the event Of its annexation
TO Greece Is especially well grounded.
With the exception of Franceand the Cars
dear little Montenegro Greece Is the
only friend Russia has on thei European
continent. That friendship has existed
for a long while. and but for English and
French guns would have been practically
demonstrated in the Crimean war. In
case Russia should get TO COnstantlnople
Crete would be Of great value to her, and
she would practically control the island
even should it not be formally turned over
TO her. II is also argued that Italy hopes
when, succeeding the next continental!
war. a new map Of Southeastern Europe
shall be made she VIII get Crete herself.
and this hope docs not appear to be
visionary one. italy is fast rising TO the
position Of frst-class power and ntr
continental allies could not afford to
ignore her demands when 1t came
TO question Of the division Of the
spoils of a war. Germany would hardly
want Crete. and Austria would in the nature
Of Things prefer other territory. Be
sides, England would have q good deal to
say regarding the making of the new map,
and while Lord SALISBURY rcpudiates the
lemotest desire to see England IN pos
session Of the island it would be Of a piece
with England's recent policy in dealing
with italy aud to her interest 20 secure
the realization Of Italy's hopes. By
encouraging Italian colonization IN the
Rcd Sea littoral the British Government
have identified English and Italian inter
ests in the matter Of protecting the Suez
canal. and to plant the Italians at Crete
would bcto all intcnts and purposes TO give
England another safeguard 10 her highway
10 her Oriental empire. England made
clever stroke whom she put the Italians on
Guard at Massowah She thus virtually
brought about the most formidable naval
combination that has ever existed and rem
dered it necessary that Italy cooperate
with her in picketing on both land and sea
her CEnglands) shortest route TO India and
her East African possessions. To forestall
the possibility of Russia's getting Crete
and reserve it as the price that Turkey
shall pay Italy for services that will be rem
dered in the next war would be another
clever stroke on England's part. The
English and Italian picket-Ene would
then be almost perfect. 1t is therefore
probable that English influence more than
that Of any other Power is behind the de-
termination of the Porte to take decisive
measures if necessary in dealing with the
insurgents.