The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-05-09

there is vastly more than appears on the
surface of the situation. Some facts of
great significance are beginning TO appear
in connection with the discussion of re-
sponsibility for the beginning of the war.
Canon MacColl. who is one of the fore
most Greek symrathzers in England, has
just returned from Athens. He quotes
the highest authority IN the Kingdom for
saying that all Greece hoped or wished
was to be left face to face with the Porte,
which made overtures direct to the Greek
Government ON the Cretan question, but
was stopped by tho intervention of one of
the powers. How far the concert col
lectively was aware of this fact was not
known, but of the fact itself there is no
doubt. From the day the Greek troops
were allowed to land in Crete war was in
evitable unless one of two conditions was
granted-either permission to Greece and
the Porte to deal directly or some con-
cession to the amour propre of Greece.
To have retired Internationally would
have moant not only the defeat OF the
ministry. but also the downfall of the
monarchy, to be followed by revolution
more menacing to the peace OF Europe
than the present situation.
This without doubt is true enough as
far as it goes, but King George recently
affirmed he could have had Crete year
ago If he had consented to give Suda Bay
to certain power. Couple this with the
declaration of Captain Gambler in the
hor of he iOh Re.
view: II happen to know NJ. Nelidoff
came very near persuadlng the Sultan a
few weeks ago to hand over the pacitica-
ton and eventual government of Crete to
Russia alone. While this perfectly sensi-
Bile arrangement was being negotiated, NJ.
Campbon, the strongest and ablest diplo-
matist in Constantlnople, got wind of it.
He called on NeiGoff and proposed a
counter scheme that # Russia was placed
in this position France be permitted to
occupy Smyrna or Beyrout. England
was left entirely out of the whole affair,
and there is not shadow of doubt had
not the calculations of these two men
been upset by the incalculable power
which turks in stupidity, sucn as is now
being exhibited by King George, the ar
rangements would have been carried out.
1t is known England could not fire shot
to prevent it"
There are still other elements of this
sinister situation which complicate it.,
making the outcome far more uncertain
than casual observers fondly believe.
Greece is disgraced and crushed perhaps
but still factor to be reckoned with. So,
too, are the. Cretans, who have been al
m ost ignored since the more serious war
began. Recent dispatches from Gambia
say that the Turks have resumed their ex-
cessive confidence that autonomy is a
dead letter. This would easily seer to be
!! point for the restoration of Turkish rule,
for no step has been taken to withdraw q
single Turkish solder. 1t is unfortunate
That such color is lent to the insurgents
persistent assertion that the powers are
allied with Turkey. Food Is becoming
exhausted, and desperation will result.
Chiefs in Akrotiri are unshaken by the
disasters in Greece. They prefer her
ruined TO Europe or autonomy. They
would send force of volunteers to Greece,
if allowed to do so. They give no sign oi
yielding. They are more determined and
less conclliatory than ever. Europe must
not expect any easier solution as result
of the war in Greece. Above and domi-
mating all these complications is the re-
grouping of the powers by themselves
which is not yet clearly defined beyond q
revival of the league of the three EN-.
perors. Salisbury may be terribly de-
ceived, but there 10 no doubt he il conf.
dent of the practical friendship OF France,
as we'll as Italy.
There is a remarkable article in the
Paris Matin this week signed ~" which