The record-union., 1897-03-25
Annexation of Crete to Greece, or War
to the End.
The Sultan Issues Special Trade
Calling Out for Executive Service
FOrty-FOur BattaIiOns of the Re-
serve Army Corps, and Also Sum-
mOning to COiOrs the Whole Con-
tingent of 1897.

ATHENS. Maroh PA dispatch from
Canea says: The insurgent command
er-in-chief at Akrotiri this morning re-
ferred the proposal of the Powers to
grant autonomy to Crete to the various
leaders of the insurgent forces who
had assembled.
The Cretan leaders unanimously de-
clared that but two issues were possible
the annexation of Crete to Greece or
a war until death ends the struggle for
union.
Advices from Arta say that as a re-
suit of the protest of Greece, Turkey
has stopped the construction of forti-
ficationS at Prevesa the northern en-
trance of the Gulf of Arta, which was
contrary to the stipulations of the
treaty of Berlin.
A report has it that the Turks have
concentrated 100000 troops on the
frontiers of Epirus alone. This is not
believed in military circles.
CANEA, March "A. = Turkish troops
made an attempt to-day to revictual
the blockade at Malaxa. They We're
attacked and repulsed by the Chris
tianS, who pursued the convoy of pro-
visions to the enVirons of Suda Bay.
The Turkish war ships then opened fire
upon the Christians and compelled
them to retreat
At Sitia the Mussu4nan inhabitants
Of the town are without food and are
surrounded by Christians. who have
cut off all avenues of communication
with the place.
TURKS CALLED TO ARMS.
CONSTANTINOPLE, March i. = A
special trade was issued by the Sultan
this morning calling for executive ser
vice forty-four battalions of the re-
serve army corps and also summoning
to colors the whole contingent of 1897.
LOOKS VERY WARLIKE.
LONDON. March 24.--The war COR
respondent of the Times now on the
Macedonian frontier, says that in his
opinion the Greek army is not yet
ready to take any decisive steps. The
officers must first drill the raw levies
and organize an efficient transport sys-
tenn. But, he adds, the appearance of
things along the frontier is in the high
est degree warlike Every possible post
lis held. and the roads are patroled by
cavalry.
The Times " correspondent at
Athens says that all kinds of rumors
are current there as to the expected
rupture Of the European concert The
danger of delaying a definite solution
of the crisis increases daily. The
Crown Prince Constantine is expected
to start in a few days for the Greek
camp at Larissa, and the risk of Sc
rious outbreak is becoming more and
more intense.
The report of conflict between the
Turkish and Greek volunteers at Arta
has been officially confirmed. Other
incidents of the same character must
be expected.
Neither Greece nor Crete has benefit
ed much in the past by compliance
with European behests, and unless
some visible proof is given of the COM
plete abolition of Turkish rule in Crete
the country will not be satisfied, the
correspondent says. 1t is alleged that
the reserves will refuse to come out
on a future occasion, unless satisfac-
ton is obtained now for Greek sacri-
fees.
The "Ephemerist, which is obvious
ly inspired by the court, confirms the
statement that the Sultan offered to al
low Prince George to administer Crete,
in return for the payment of a tribute
to the Porte. but that the Powers
stopped negotiations. 1t is believed
Germany and Austria did their utmost
to prevent such friendly arrangement
being carried out.
A dispatch TO the Times from Con-
stantinople says that the Vail of Erzer-
oum has informed the Government that
two divisions of the Russian army of
Karsven camped on the Turkish from
tier on Saturday last. On being asked
to explain the movement the Russian
Consul replied that the sole business
of the troops was to take precautions
for excluding the plague. The Vail con-
siders this explanation unsatisfactory,
and asks authority from the Porte to
take such measures as he may deem
necessary in the circumstances
The Government has ordered the
Turkish Embassies in Europe to open
negotiations for the purchase of three
iron-clads, at the cost of II 800, 900.
nYIE rTYYnH nY, x,nyy--