Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-03-18
AGAIN LOOKS wARLIkE.
Greece and Turkey Preparing for Operations
IN Macedonia.

Gable advices indicate that the Euro
.pean war cloud is in danger OF bursting
The Grecian cabinet has decided TO
continue preparations for hostilities. and
an open declaration Of war may be looked
for. Macedonia will be the battle-ground
II hostilities open. Turkish and Greek
troops are encamped within gunshot OF
each other, and an outbreak may occur
any moment. Quietness prevails In
Crete. Colonel Vassos has taken his
forces to the mountains. which indicates
that the powers are to be de!ied. Au-
tonomy has been proclaimed for Crete.
Greeks are angered at the entente be-
tween Russia and France, which Is
thought to have been entered intoO
Greece's expense.
Athens. March IA prolonged meet
ing of the Grecian cabinet was
held yesterday The ministers discussed
at great length the attitude to be
taken in the event of the powers at
tempting to coerce Greece into COM
pliance with their demands.
1t is stated that no disposition was
shown to accede to the demands. and
that it was finally decided to take
active measures as the only possible
solution of the difficulty.
1t is thought that by active measures"
Is meant a declaration of war against
Turkey, which would give Greece the
right to maintain her army in Crete. and
= ha, of nj vi Vh IF In far
terence.
1t Is the belief here that nothing can be
vent war and that the government has
its plan of campaign fully prepared.
The cabinet had long session yesterday
as to the attitude to be taken in face OF
the coercive program OF Europe. and 1t
is reported that a decision was reached
to take active measures as being the only
solution possible for Greece.
The center of interest is now trans
ferred from Crete to the Macedonian
frontier. 1t is evident that the haste
which the government has displayed In
getting all its available troops off by
sea before the commencement Of the
blockade that there is a strong convic-
ton they will be needed at once.
With the sea route closed the trans
portation of troops must be overland,
and this would be an exceedingly slow
and difficult process. owing to the lack
of horses and the very incomplete rail-
way system In the northern portions of
Greece. Many of the war correspondents
Rave already arrived at Volo, Larissa
and other frontier points.
The Greek officers on the frontier find
the utmost difficulty in restraining their
men, and the departure of the Crown
Prince Constantine for the front has
been deferred on the advice of the gen.
erals in command. who fear that his
presence would have a dangerously ex-
Citing influence upon the troops.
1t is reported that the Turkish forces
on the Macedonian frontier are raising
double line of Notifications, and being
constantly re-enforced from Salonica.
Since the publication in the semi
official press of the exposition of Count
Muravieff's Cretan policy, which an
peared at the moment when it was most
calculated to influence the French gov
eminent, the feeling Of the public press
OF Greece has been one Of f1ercest re-
sentiment toward Russia. The Greek
royal family is also seriously disap-
pointed by the attitude Of Russia. and
France is believed to have sacrificed her
Cretan sympathies upon the altar of the
Franco-Russian entente.
The Greek army in Thessaiy will be
Formed In two divisions, and the COM
rand given to the Crown Prince Con-
stantine.
Ihe Greek forces in Epirus are now
greatly superior to the Turks, though
the latter are being REINFORCED with ali
haste.
Janina is in a state of panic. and most
of the shops are closed.
Constantinople, March 1.-THE am
bassadors to the porte have been en-
trusted with the task of drafting a
scheme of Cretan autonomy.