The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-13
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
How serious Trouble May BE Averfed
king GeorEe May Abdicnfc

ATHENS. March Fin spite Of the re-
pesited assertions made in the different
capitals of Europe that the powers are act
ing in concert towards Greece. il is re-
marked here that if this were the case the
threatened coercion Of Greece would have
been an accomplished fact long before this.
There seems 10 be but three ways out of
the present difficulty. The most peculiar Is
that the powers must accept the offers of
Greece to withdraw her fleet from Cretan
waters and allow her army of occupation
TO remain nominally under the control OF a
foreign officer outranking Colonel Vassos,
to be used for the paciiication of the island.
and when that is accomplished plebiscite
shall decide whether the Cretans prefer an
nexation To autonomy.
The second suggested solution is the
coercion, real or seeming, OF Greece by the
blockade of the Greek coasts as we'll the
island of Crete. This would be dangerous
and difficult task. In the first place, it
would require an immense feet of vessels
owing TO the almost innumerable Islands
composing the Grecian archipelago, TO
make such blockade effective. Besides,
Greece's reply to this proposition would
probably be the lighting OF the fires OF war
In Macedonia, the beginning of a confiagra-
ton which might spread all over Europe
The most dangerous spot on the map oil
sally. If Greece Is coerced or II she does not
obtain the substance of her demands she is
and this might be done in more ways than
one. as by crossing the border, trying 10
raise the Balkans and possibly bringing
about the long contemplated dismember-
ment of the Turkish empire.
The third solution OF this dangerous ana
difficult problem is contained in the re-
newed rumors that King George may abdi-
cate in favor of his eldest son. Crown
Prince Constantine, Duke of Sparta, whose
wife is the Princess Sophia, of Prussia,
sister Of Emperor William OF Germany.
There are many people who believe that
the Kings abdication would be the best
means OF clearing up the situation. While
the stand taken by King George in the
present crisis has undoubtedly improved his
position among the Greeks, his abdication
would be a popular step. as the populace
has never quite forgiven the King for be-
ing a foreigner. while his sons. who were
with themselves. The crown princess is
known to be trifie jealous of Prince
George, the sailor prince. second son of the
King, whom Prince Constantine always al
lows to be bracketed equal with himself.
The princess, IL should be added is said
to be furious at Emperor William for hav-
ing sided with the Turks against her
adopted people. Her husband is much adj
'mred and respected. but he is a man of
silent. retiring disposition: and is disposed
Prince George. who is of a different tenn
permanent. is the popular idol. and many
would prefer him to his elder brother as
King of Greece.
There Is cessation of military activity
her. or at SalOnica. On both frontiers
troops have occupied strategic positions
and endorsements are being pushed for
ward night and day. The armed peasants
on both sides are the most dangerous fac
tors on the frontiers. A conflict there may
occur at any moment, and then IL may be
beyond human power to stem the tide of
war which has been sullenly rising for a
long time past. The firing on the inSur-
gents by the foreign war ships and the
later conflicts between the foreign marines
and the insurgents have had a very bad
effect among the people. here. irritating
them To a great degree against everything
In the shape OF foreign Intervention in the
AFFAIRS of Greece. The calmer minds are
counseling prudence. but the situation is
almost as grave as II could be, and Greece
Is prepared TO make the greatest sacrifices
IL driven to desperation.