The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-21
PRErARING ron IHE BLOCKADE
Russia Said to BE Backing the Porte
Building Tortificatons.

CANEA. March 2J-An Italian officer
has started for the camp OF the Greek
troops with instructions TO notify Col.
Nassos. that the blockade Of the island
viii bcgn at o'clock Sunday morning IN
accordance with the proclamation issued
by the foreign admirals.
Preparations are being made for the
arrival Of foreign troops. Barracks are
in readiness and in somo cases school
houses viii be used for the lodging Of
the troops.
The admirals have had another inter-
view with the insurgent leaders 1t
Akrotry. They handed TO the Cretans
copies Of the document proclaiming that
an autonomous government would be
constituted for the island. but this intel
ligence was not received in the manner
in which 10 was hoped. The rebel leaders
did not hesitate to express their hostility
TO the plan Of the Powers TO leave them
under the suzerainty of the Sultan. They
dehantly declared that they were done
with Turkey and added that they would
resist 10 the last any such regime as the
Powers proposed. Their desire was TO
have the island annexed by Greece.
Three Greek steamers have landed
their cargOes. consisting Of muni-
lions of war and provisions at
plies are intended for the use. OF the
Greek troops who are reported TO be en-
trenching themselves I'm an almost irn-
pregnable position in the mountains back
OF Spacia.
LONDON. March 2o-The Times prints
a dispatch from Constauunople saying
that three torpedo boats two torpedo
boat destrOyers and one cruiser steamed
from the inner Golden Horn into the sea
OF Marmora last night and then proceed
ed 90 Gallipoh there 20 await the rec
mainder of the Turkish squadron. which
viii sail tomorrow. This squadron Will
consist Of three armored frgatcs of g. 1000
tons and ten guns each, one iron corvette
Of 900 and fifty guns and one river gum
boat. The squadron VIII await orders at
Gallpon.
Tho London Gazette official Cow
eminent organ. announced the block
ade Of ports OF the Island or
Crete by warships Of the T.u-
ropean Powers. commencing tomorrow
March o. The blockade applies 10 ships
sailing under the Greek fag Vessels sail
ing under neutral FLAGS VII be allowed
10 land merchandise on the island. pro-
vidod such merchandise SIS not intended
for use Of the Greek troops I'm Crete. but
these vessels may be overhauled M dis
erection by warships Of international fleets.
ATHENS March 20-It SIS rumorcd here
that Russia is urging Turkey 20 attack
Greece. offering financial assistance TO the
Porte If this be done Russia believes
that the first battle would result in
defeat OF the Greek troops and she could
then call off the Turks and propose terms
that Greece would be bound 20 accept
new feature in the situation his
developed which threatens 20 re-
suit I'm serious complications, and
much interest is manifested here as 10
how the Powers VIII view the matter
The Turks are engaged I'm constructing
Notifications. This work is I'm direct
violation Of the provisions Of the treaty
OF Berlin.
The government has made protests 10
the Powers against this action on the
part OF Turkey Great indignation is felt
here that the Powers should stand supine-
~ by, and see Turkey violate the Berlin
treaty, but the impression grows that
TO gain their own ends the Christian ma
tions Of Europe will submit to anything
IA their support OF the Turks.
The first regiment Of infantry started
to-day for Larissa-
The Austrian Charge d'Affairs. having
replied 20 the Greek protest aeains-t the
sinking OF a Greek schooner of Cape Dia
crete. by the Austrian gunDoat Sebcnic0
that the schooner was fired upon because
OF an attack upon the gunboat hy Cretln
insurgents. the Greek Government has
consented 20 await the result Of inquiries
into the AFFAIR. which are now proceeding
before taking further action.