St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-04-23
War.

war.
Turkey has formally declared war
on Greece, alleging in Justification for
so doing that fresh incursions had
been made into Turkish territory by
Greek bands, in which regular troops
participated. The document in
which war is proclaimed appears to
have been drawn up with studious
moderation. 1t expresses the hope
that the powers, in spirit OF justice,
will agree that the entire response
biity for war rests upon Greece, and
concludes by disclaiming any idea of
conquest; and in proof of pacific SEN
timents, offers to withdraw her
troops if Greece withdraws hers from
the frontier and from Crete. Off
cially, therefore, state of wartxists
between Turkey and Greece, but it is
sought to leave loophole for peace
full solution of the difficulty between
the two governments. The events OF
the coming days will therefore be of
exceptional interest. A good deal
will depend on the attitude of the
powers in the new situation created
by the Turkish declaration of war,
and their replies to the circular an
nouncing it will be awaited with
anxiety by the Greeks.
1t is not surprising, on the whole,
that the Turkish government has
taken the step it has. By proclaim
ing war it has brought matters to
an issue and forces the hands OF the
Greek government. 1t also puts the
powers under the obligation of de-
claring themselves and coming to a
decision as to their attitude toward
the belligerents. The situation has
now been regularized and Invested of
the ambiguity in which it had become
involved.
Meantime the Indications point
rather to an advance in force by the
Turks toward Zarkos by the Eevthe-
rokhori road, where the frontier line
forms deep angle entering into
Greek territory. The Greek COM
mander, Prince Constantine, appears
to have anticipated this, as he has
been strengthening that part of his
line, and permitted the seizure OF the
important positions of Anokoutra
and Katokoutra, inside Turkish ter
ritory, on the mountains behind
Zarkos, commanding the Elevthe-
rokhori road. AS the season is now
nearly sufficiently advanced to per-
NIT Of operations by large bodies Of
troops, the recent engagements may
be the signal for general conflict all
along the line. Undoubtedly, also,
the Greek naval forces will play their
part in the struggle for which they
have been so long preparing, unless
the powers limit them to a sphere in
which they will be powerless to inflict
material damage on the Turks. On
land the advantages of position are
with the Turks, but onl y results will
show how far they can avail them.
selves Of them. In the end the formal
issue does not rest with the Greeks OF
the Turks, but with the powers, o.
whose real aims and intentions we
are still profoundly ignorant. They
have complicated matters by their
action in Crete and by the ambiguity
of their proposals to the Cretans
Their vacillating attitude toward
Greece in connection with the frontier
question on the mainland has en-
couraged and discouraged the Greek
government by turns. In both ques
tons, while protesting a desire fol
peace they have acted so as to gener
ate war, and though the apparent
responsibility for war will be laid al
the door of Turkey or Greece, tn,
real cause for it will have to b,
searched for elsewhere New Yorl
Sun.