The morning times., 1897-03-09
Greece Da res Eurnne.


The answer of Greece to the powers
has come at last. it is dienitled, calm
and brave 1t only tells them that the
Greeks cannot and VIII not retire from
Crete. because that would be followed by
a MosIem massacre OF the Christian in
hahitauts. 1t advises them that the
government OF King George cannot give its
assent To the scheme Of autonomy for
the island under Turkish suze!aiuty, since
that is a matter for the Cretans them
selves to decide. So, without bIuster,
Greece throws down the gage of battle
and defies the European concert to do
its worst.
prescribed for the representatives Of the
powers. they will sever diplomatic re-
lations and withdraw from Athens today.
Yesterday they were advising all aliens
to leave the country, much to the indig-
nation of the Greek press and people.
Very few are reported as having needed
the advice.
What 5 to follow can only he conjec-
tured Probably the blockade of the Ath-
enian seaport. the Piraeus, will occur
today or tomorrow. 1t may be expected
that the concert will hold together that
long. but further movements and future
events are deeply in doubt. The opinion
again gains strength that, in spite of
all appearances and actions to the con-
trary. Russia has secretly assured King
| George OF support, positive or negative,
in the last event.
The basic interests OF the several Eu-
ropean nations concerned have been
| heretofore discussed, but may be briefly
repeated: England has long wanted the
| island OF Crete, because it commands the
| Dardanellcs. The same power has always
! supported aud sustained Turkey in Europe
to oppose Russa's ambition to seize Con-
| stantinople, and thus to become prac-
ticaliy maritime power on the Mediter
ranean. Russia's corresponding attitude
historic opponent Austria already occu-
! pies the nominal Turkish vassal provinces
of herzegovina and Bosnia, and wants
| a territory about two hundred and fifty
miles long beyond them in a southeasterly
direction to the gulf and port of salonica,
where Francis Joseph would like to estab-
I licl1 l,iC San 10
wants Macedonia, in short. This move
ment would interfere with the plans of
the Balkan princes 1t would keep Mon
| tenegro, Bulgaria and servia from getting
the slices Of Turkey they need. Their in
| terests are of Importance and will count.
Prince Nidta, OF Montenegro, is closely
related TO the dynasties OF Russia and
Italy, is a brave, wise and popular prince,
and close friend Of the car
Whatever else may happen, it is be-
| lieved in Europe that King Alexander,
of Servia, and Prince Ferdinand, of Bull
garia, have agreed with King George to
jointly and severally pounce upon Turkey
A glance at the map of Europe will show
| what a diversion this would cause in favor
| OF the reeks. 1t may be doubted, if sup
ported by such a simultaneous move
! ment Greece would not be more than
match for any Turkish army operating
on her northern and northeastern bound
\ aripc Dia min DC
| certain. Her prince is a Hohenzellern and
| a cousin Of the kaiser, much under his in
| fluence. Germany's hand in the fight
may be dete unined upon this consider
| alton.
England will not dare to make war on
| Greece because Of the vigorous British
Grecian sentiment. France will not be-
cause that would be to follow the dictation
of Germany. Italy is at heart with King
| George. Austria might, if supported by
Russia and Germany, but hardly with the
latter alliance alone. Germany appears
as if inclined to aid the Turks in any
event, but dare not do so agains the wishes
| of Russia If we knew what Russia
meant to do, the puzzle would fall into
place and be puzzle no longer; but that
is the situation as ii oil tained on yesterday
| A considerable Turkish force is massed
at Monastir in Macedonia, about seventy
| miles north of Greece's Thessalian Dor
der, and two other Turkish forces, under
| Omar and Muchad Pasbas are bctwaan
| that point and the frontier. The force
| of Greeks in the neighborhood is not re-
| ported, but is supposed to be important
enough to risk an engagement. In adj
dition to that the Albanians were rising
| two days ago, and beginning to harass
| the Turkish lines and communications