New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-02
CRETE AND THE POWERS.
THE SCHEME TO BLOCKADE THE ISLAND
PROBABLY ABANDONED.
HOW THE CAR WOULD HELP KING GEORGE
ENGLAND MAssING HER SHIPS AT GIBRM-
TAR-HTsTORY REPEATS ITSELF
WITH THE PORTE.

TAR-HIsTORY REPEATS ITSELF
WITH THE PORTE.
London Aug IA Cabinet Council lasting
over two hours was held yesterday. at which. 1t
is understood the Franco Russian proposal to
establish a blockade Of the island OF Crete was
the subject under consideration. Subsequent to
the adjournment of the Council the opinion was
expressed at the Foreign Office that Lord Sails
bury was opposed to the adoption Of the proposal
for a blockade and would reply to the sugges-
tions that such course be taken by counter pro-
posals for the granting of autonomy to the
island
Berlin Aug. 1.-Foowing close upon the con-
ference between Chancellor Won Hohenlohe and
Count Goluchowski the Austrian Minister of
Foreign Affairs at the formers chateau at Alt
Aussee, and the summoning to Rome OF Count
Nigra the Italian Ambassador to Austria, comes
the arrangement Tor meeting between the
Marquis de Rudn the italian Prime Minister
and Count Goluchowski. The place of this meet
ing Is as yet unknown. but 1t will probably be at
some place on the Italian frontier. There is no
mystery attaching to all these movements They
are caused by the situation in Crete and Mace
donia In both of which places the revolt against
Turkish rule has again excited the deep interest
of statesmen in the Eastern question, which has
long been a smouldering frebrand in the councils
Of Europe
The official press here and in Vienna no longer
pretend that concert Of the Powers exists rela-
tive to Crete. An open diplomatic split has &C.
Cured over the question of a blockade of the ISL
and by fleets Of the combined Powers. a proposal
which had its initiative I'm St Petersburg. The
proposal Is attributed to the Cars personal in
tervcntion. he desiring to relieve his uncle, King
hi NH, ccit nnC on
toward his subjects who heartily support the as
piratons of the Cretans to cut loose from Turkey,
while at the same time maintaining the Turkish
regime through the initiative Ci St. Petersburg.
Austria took official responsibility Cor the pro-
posal Probably Emperor Francis Joseph was
prompted to do this in view of the Cars APP
preaching visit Germany had assented as
matter Of course and France had adhered to
Russia. Combined naval action seemed assured,
when Great Britain, without absolutely declin-
ing to be a party to the arrangement intimated
that the Powers ought first to attempt to pacify
the Cretans by compelling the Porte to give It's
assent to reasonable demands for the Detterment
of the condition OF the Christian inhabitants OF
Crete. The Marquis di Rudini is understooa 10
side with the British Prime Minister IN ms views
of the action that should be taken by the powers.
No German warshp was to take part IN 'he
blockade. In view Of the opposition Oh ''rea .,i
J.
ioin the blockade and an isolated Franco Russian
demonstration is, according to official opinion
here improbable. The "Neuste Nachrlchten
SAWS that British warshipS are assembling at
Gibraltar and that this points out that Great
Britain is prepared for emergencies in the Mecl-
terranean. and that she, having abandon her
policy for the preservation of Turkey. Is ready
TO seize what advantage she can from the break
ing up of that Empire.
The "Vossische Zetung' declares that the
establishment of a blockade would mean the
giving I'D of the Cretan Christians TO the mercles
of the Turks by cutting off their supplies, which
enable them to defend themselves against OPP
nresson and outrage. 1t is a shameful spectacle.
the paper adds to see Christian Europe acting az
bailf for the Sultan. and handing "a helpless
peopIe over to Turkish vengeance
The National Zetung" approves or block
ade II saws II Is the view OF the official circle
that II the Cretans desire to liberate themselves
they must do by the strength or thelr own
arms though II does not point out now 'ney
are TO procure arms if the warships of OUTSIDE
Powers blockade their coast.