The herald., 1897-03-10
THE GREEKS DESIRE PEACE
But Not at Expense of Cretan
Rights
INTENSE ANXIETY IS FELT
Regarding the Action to Be Taken by
the Powers
Russia Favors Prompt and Effective Coercion.
Great Britain IL Not Ready to An.
nouncs Her Policy

Associated Press Special Wire
NEW YORK, March ga special to
the Herald from Athens says: Your cor
respondent has interviewed Prime Min
lister Delyannis on the subject of the
Cretan question and the policy of Greece
concerning her reply to the ultimatum
of the powers.
what reasons" 1t was asked, "had
Greece for interfering with the Cretan
question and in sending troops to Crete?"
Greece" replied NJ Delyannis, could
no longer be Indifferent to the deplora-
BILE state of the island. For the last sew
enty years the Cretans have been strik-
ing for freedom, which European policy
has ever since refused to grant them,
This circumstance has naturally pro-
voked frequent Instructions and in
consequence many thousands of refu-
gees seek shelter and protection from
their kinsmen in Greece against the Mo-
hammedan intolerance and fanaticism.
1--WE have spent many millions for
/ Crete and our present financial state
must be largely attributed to this cir
cumstance. Ought we then longer to
disregard our supreme duty to our breth-
rem, affiliated with us in the same ver-
nacular and creed and to see them mas
sacred by the Turks?
The reform promised by Europe was,
owing to the passive opposition Of the
sultan. never realized. Therefore we
sent our ships and army to secure peace
and happiness In that unfortunate
| island"
will Greece comply with the ultima
tum to recall her ships and troops?"
II cannot definitely reply as to this.
Still, as far as know, the king, the ma
tion and the government will stoutly
insist upon the present policy The idea
of settling by autonomy the Cretan
question cannot accept,as 1t does not
guarantee the pacification Of the island.
which is the sole solution of the connec-
tion between Crete and Greece. For
| what the powers intend to do, whether
blocking the Piraeus, as in 1886, or in
using other force, they are responsible
that is to say, If their purpose is to
preserve the peace In the east and to
prevent the Cretans from preventing a
general European war"
l---"You mean to declare war against
Turkey"
I'VE do not wish war We are only
getting ready to defend ourselves, fol
lowing suit of the Turks. Should the
Turks attack us, we believe we are
strong enough, as in 1886. and we can
easily raise 10000 men. Besides we rely
upon the sympathy and support of the
Hellenes abroad"
DO you think the incureion of Bull
garians into Turkish territory is to be
apprehended in case of Greek inva-
sion?"
Il do not believe such would be the
case. The situation with Bulgaria is so
greatly improved that nothing is feared
from that quarter
INTENSE ANXIETY.
ATHENS, March 9.-There Is intense
anxiety here relative to the action the
powers will decide to adopt in the face
or the reply of the Greek government
to their demand for the evacuation Of
| Crete by Greek troops and the with
drawal of the Greek fleet from Cretan
waters. Greece is willing to give in as
to the fleet. but holds that her troops
should be allowed to remain and be used
tc preserve order. In any case it is not
believed here that the proposed blockade,
of the Greek coasts will begin before the
end of the week.
NO PLEDGE GIVEN.
LONDON, March 9-In the house of
commons today Sir William Vernon
Harcourt asked the government for a
promise that the British forces Should
not be used against Greece before par
lament could be consulted. Mr.. Balforr
| declined to pledge the government to the
promise suggested by Sir William Sir
Charles Dixie invited Mr.. Balfour to
agree to make statement on Thurs
day next with respect to the plans of the
powers. Mr.. Balfour said he did not
think the negotiations would be far
enough advanced to make a statement
practicable on Thursday.
WAR AND SMALLPOX.
CANEA March 9.-The Gordon CT
Turkish troops drawn around Akretoria
Is being re-attacked by the insurgents.
Severe fighting is proceeding. The fight
ing between the insurgents and Turks
commenced at o'clock this morning,
and continues all along the line. Com
mur1cation by road with Suba bay is CUT
off. A Turkish transport with civil ofii-
| GERS and troops arrived here this morn
ing with smallpox on board.
There was renewed fighting last even
| ing between the Turkish troops and the
| Cretan insurgents around the camp Of
the latter on the heights of Akretoria
near here-the position bombarded by
the warships of the powers on February
21st. The result Of the engagement is
| not known but the Greek flag Is not
visible this morning above the insur-
| gents position. In addition to ordering
the Greek vice consul to leave the island
| Admiral Canevtro, the italian officer,
wlTo by reason of seniority, is In COM
| mand of the combined fleets, has ordered
| the Greek newspaper correspondents
| and all other Greeks to leave Crete i'm i.
mediately.
ADVOCATES COERCION.
| ST. PETERSBURG, March 9.-The
| government expresses q determination
to adhere to the decision to- push the CO.
| ercion of Greece to the farthest limit If
necessary, and earnestly hopes the other
powers will dixplay. equal f1rmness. Be-
| sides the blockade of Crete and the Pi-
raeus, 1t is understood the foreign ad-
| mirals have been ordered to fire upon
any Greek torpedo boat approaching the
warships.
PATRIOTIC BUT POOR.
| NEW YORK, March 9.-Mr. Botassi,
| the Greek consul general, has received
ever 5000 kilograms and 1000 letters from
| Greeks all over the country offering to
| go to Greece and fight. The consul gen
; eral said that most Of the writsrs
| coupled their desire to 90 home with the
condition that their passage be paid.
| He had received notice from his govern-
| ment that all Greeks who wished to 60
| home to fisht Will have - pay their own