New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-19
THE BLOCKADE OF CRETE.
FOREIGN ADMIRALS DECIDE TO BEGIN
1T ON SUNDAY
PROCLAMATION TO THE IsLANDERS-REPoRT
THAT RUSSIA WILL LAND TROOPS IN MACE


THAT RUSSIA WILL LAND TROOPS IN MACE
DoNIA-ruRKIsH WAR MEASURES
Canea, March 1S.-The admirals commanding
the fleets Of the Powers here have cabled to the
representatives Of their respective Governments
in Constentinople informing them that the
blockade Of the island would be begun on sun
day. Warships will make cruise around the
island delivering to the inhabitants of the chlef
ports proclarations declaring that the Powers
intend to establish autonomy in the island, and
that the blockade will begin on the day speciiied
1t has been decided that the foreign troops
which are 20 be landed to carry out the purposes
Of the Powers shall be located at different places.
The French troops will be placed at Sitia and
Spnalonga, the British at Gambia, the Russian
at Ratimo. and the German at Suda Bay and
Canea. 1t has not been stated where the Aus
trian and Italian forces shall be placed.
The proclamation issued by the foreign ad-
mirals announcing the conditions under which
autonomy will be granted to Crete promises
the adoption of measures to regulate the work
ngs of complete autonomy for the island and
guarantees to every one Of whatever race, or
religion. perfect liberty and security of prop
erty. The proclamation concludes by saying:
"A new era is opening for Crete Let all per-
sons lay down their arms The Powers count
I
! lens alike to aid in the task which promises
to insure order and prosperity
The British warship Barfeur has sailed hence
for Kissamo, some twenty five miles to the west
ward. 1t is supposed that she has been ordered
there for the purpose of embarking the turkish
garrison which. numbering 300 men, have been
besieged by insurgents for several days. 1t is
said that the Turkish position at Kissamo is sur
rounded by 5000 rebels.
Athens March 1S-In the Boule to-day NJ.
Skouzes Minister Of Foreign Affairs, announced
that the foreign admirals in Cretan waters had
issued proclamation stating that blockade or
Crete would begin at o'clock on the morning OF
March p, Sunday next After that time no
Greek vessels would be allowed to enter the ports
of the island and the vessels OF other nations de-
string to enter must first obtain permission from
the admirals.
It is reported here that Russia is arranging to
land troops in Macedonia.
The historic flag the Standard OF the Cross
which was raised by Prince Alexand' 'r when the
war Of independence began in 1S2l, resulting
in freeing Greece from the Turkish yoke Will
be formally handed to the regiment commanded
by Crown Prince Constantn upon the occasion
OF its departure for Thessaly. The flag has
been kept in the Monastery Of Labria since the
close Of the war Of independence
The announcement by NJ Skouzes that the
blockade would begin on Sunday received
! calmly The Chamber and the people generally
are resigned to this action on the part of the
| Powers. believing that the attempted imposition
! of autonomy on the Cretans will prove futile and
| that the island will ultimately fall TO Greece.
A number Of prominent Cretans who are now
! IN Athens say that their property has been
destroyed by Moslems. and that they will never
/ return to the island. They could never have the
| slightest confidence in the novel regime that Is
proposed by the Powers. and believe that an
! autonomous government initiated by force of
| arms would never be self-sustaining, and that
the latter end of it would be worse than the
| first.
The Greek troops in the island are In a position.
so far as supplies are concerned. TO hold out for
an indefinite period. notwithstanding blockade.
As soon as the Greek Government learned that 1t
WAS the intention of the Powers to blockade the
! island large quantities Of provisions. munitions
| of war medicines. and all supplies necessary for
an army in the field, were hurried forward. Dur
| ing the last week great quantities Of these sup
niles have been successfully transferred to the
| troops.
Greek sailors than whom there no better
| along the shores OF the Mediterranean, are con-
! fdent that the blockade will not prove effective
against their superior knowledge Of the coasts
! of Crete. They say that they can and will easily
run the blockade and land whatever cargoes
they carry.
The news OF the sinking Of Greek schooner
| by an Austrian warship in Cretan waters caused
| the greatest excitement and indignation here
| which was not tempered by the information that
the crew of the vessel had escaped to the shore
uniniured. The newspapers voice the opinion or
| the public when they denounce the action OF the
| warship as a crime against civilization by the
| nations which claim to lead the world In hu-
| manity On every hand can be heard the bitter
est denunciations Of all who had to do with the
sinking Of the vessel
London, March 1S-The Constantinople corre-
spondent OF THE Morning Post" telegraphs that
a great council of Minister'S ex-Ministers ex-
| Grand Viziers and other exalted officials will
| be held In the Yildiz Kiosk to consider new
| scheme of the Sultan for the administration OF
| the empire 80
eendi the Sheikh- uI-Islam has handed TO the
! Government the reserve fund destined for ex-
traordinary measures .,
The Porte is massing troops on the Austrian
frontier All the Mustahz Reserves have been
summoned 70 Join the colors ., ,,
! Extreme distress and much sickness prevail
| in the provinces The populace is greatly exas-
perated because of the universal calling Of the
! reserves to arms. ana disoruers dhohs 'hc peas
"The St James's Gazette asserts that the
blockade OF the coasts of Crete by the warships
Of the Powers will begin next sunday morning.
! and that the foreign Admrals have requested
/ Greece TO withdraw her warships from Cretan
waters before that time: otherwise force will be
employed to compel their departure.
Paris March 1S-The Echo de Paris" pub
ushes a rumor that the Governorship Of Crete
will be offered TO Prince Henri Of Orleans. who
is now in Abyssnia at the head Of an exploring
expedition.
A GREEK VESSEL FIRED ON AND SUNK
AN AUSTRIAN GuNBoAT MAKES SHORT WORK OF
A SCHOONER IN cRETAN WATERS.
Vienna. March ls.-The Government has re-
ce,ved adyices that the Austrian gunboat Sc
! ,onico has sunk a Greek schooner with cargo