The record-union., 1897-02-10
A Number of Vessels to be Imme.
diately Dispatched to Crete.
The Entire Greek Fleet to be Ordered
to be Made Ready for Service at
Sea - Three Thousand Turkish
Troops Concentrated at Salotiki, in
Readiness to Embark for the
Scene of the Troubles in Crete.

ATHENS, Feb. 9.-The Official Ga
zette' to-day publishes royal decree
commissioning all the available war
ships of Greece and ordering the i'm
mediate dispatch of additional ships TO
Crete The Greek cruiser Hioculis has
started for RetimO, where the Mussul-
anans have occupied the Christian quar-
ters and are pillaging stores and horses.
Three thousand Turkish troops have
been concentrated at Salotiki in readi-
ness to embark for Crete, but the naV1-
cation company refuses to convey
them to their destination until the
money for their passage is paid.
1t is announced here that a decree
Will be issued ordering the entire Greek
feet to be made ready for service at
sea.
Advices from Canea this afternoon
say the Turkish troops and armed Mus
sulmans had a fight with Christians in
the environs of Canea. Fifteen soldiers
were killed.
CAUSE OF THE TROUBLES.
LONDON, Feb. 9.-Private and Off
cial advices and private letters from
English officers show that the troubles
in Crete were undoubtedly caused by
Greek agitators and that the Christians
were the aggreSsors. The Greek Gov
ernment, believing the end of the Otto
man Empire is near thinks the time
opportune to carry out a long cherish
ed desire to annex Crete Public Off
cials here and on the continent regard
the situation as threatening the peace
of the whole Of Europe.
In the event of a collision between
Turkey and Greece it is doubtful
whether the entente of the powers
would be maintained. The papers ev-
erywhere urge the powers to bring pres
sure to bear on Greece to prevent fur
Their aggraVation of Turkey.
1t is announced to-day that Turkish
warships and a transport left Constan-
tinople for Crete and that in spite Of
the advice of his Ministers and Ernbas-
sadors, the Sultan favors the dispatch of
troops and the suppressing of the
troubles by force.
A dispatch 10 the Times" from Ca
nea says: The immediate cause Of the
outbreak was the news of troubles at
Heraklion. Before dawn. half the Mo-
hammedans had left the town and
great numbers fired upon Galata and
other villages. The Christians de-
scended from the mountains in strong
force and during the next two days
there were incessant conflicts around
Canea, in which the Christians ap-
peared to have the advantage The eff
forts Of the Consuls and Bishops to
pacify them failed and the Mohamme-
dams, who had been aroused TO the ut
most found themselves unable TO con-
tinue their expedition into the country
The excitement among the Christians
at Canea increased, but the first fight
ing in the town was on Thursday. and
commenced with desultory shots, which
in a few moments became general and
incessant. The shooting continued un-
til dark. Among the victims were
Turkish soldiers, but the troops never
theless, under great provoca ton. be-
haved excelIently.
KEEN FOR WAR
ATHENS, Feb. 9.-The latest reports
from Canea are to the effect that the
situation on the island Of Crete is crit
ical. to say the least. In Canea it is
said that the Christians have hoistad
the Greek flag and invited the com
mander Of the Greek fleet to turn his;
guns on the city, in the name of Greece.
1t is also stated that the Greek squad
ron, on arriving at Canea. did not sa-
lutte the Turkish flag. If these runors
are true the whole island is proba blv
in a turmoil Of war. and the foreign
fleets may have TO take action to pre-
vent further disorders.
The proclamation issued by the Gre
tan committee in this city, calling upon
all freeman for assistance. was re-
ceived with great enthusiasm, and
many responses have been made in the
shape of financial donations and offers
Of physical services if necessary. Cries
of Long i've the Cnioni" and Long
live Crete!" are heard on the streets
in all parts Of the city
Nor are the demonstrations in favor
Of union with Crete confined to this
city Reports from cities and towns
in all parts of the kingdom indicate
that people are aroused and determined
TO make the present trouble on the
island Of Crete an occasion for reveng-
ing themselves on their old enemies
the Turks. by gaining control of Crete
The island belongs to Turkey, but has a
numerous Grecian population. Its his
tory is one Of bloodshed since the Turks
wrested It from the Venetians in 1860
Fighting between the fanat tic Mussul-
mans and Christians has been going
on for some time, and only last year
Turkey was forced by the concert OF
the powers to institute reforms, which
however. seem TO have been of little
benefit In the last few weeks daily
reports Of nassacres Of Christians have
been received. and there has been a
tremendous pressure ON the Grecian
Government TO succor the prosecuted
Christians.
The representatives Of some Of the
Powers have expressed to the Greek
Government surprise at the fact that
warships have been sent TO the Island
Of Crete, and that open demonstrations
I'm favor Of the union of Greece and
Crete are tolerated throughout the
kingdom.
The report that the Christians are
forming provisional Government or
the island is not given much credence
in this city. as the latest news from
Canea indicates that the Christians are