The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-04-19
War.

Turkey has formally declared war on
Greece, alleging In justification for SO
doing that fresh incursions had been made
into Turkish territory by Greek bands, in
which regular troops participated. The
document in which war is proclaimed ap-
pears to have been drawn up with studious
moderation. 1t expresses the hope that the
powers, in a spirit of justice, will agree
that the entire responsibility for war rests
upon Greece, and concludes by disclaiming
any idea of conquest; and, in proof of pacific
sentiments, offers to withdraw her troops II
Greece withdraws hers from the frontier and
from Crete. Officially, therefore, a state of
war exists between Turkey and Greece, but
it is sought to leave a loophole for apeaceful
solution of the difficulty between the two
Governments. The events of the coming days
will therefore be of exceptional interest. A
good deal will depend on the attitude of
the powers in the new situation created by
the Turkish declaration Of war, and their
replies to the circular announcing it will be
awaited with anxiety by the Greeks.
1t Is not surprising, on the whole, that
the Turkish Government has taken the step
1t has. BY proclaiming war it has brought
maUUeTS 10 al lSSuc dIlu IOTCeS ULe uuuuS VI
the Greek Government. 1t also puts the
powers under the obligation of declaring
themselves and coming to a decision as to
their attitude toward the belligerents. The
situation has now been ~regularized and
Invested of the ambiguity in which it had
become involved.
Meantime the indications point rather to
an advance in force by the Turks toward
Zarkos by the Eleytherokhori road, where
the frontier line forms a deep angle enter
ing into Greek territory. The Greek COM
mander, Prince CONSTANTINE, appears to
nave anticipated this, as he has been
strengthening that part of his line, and
permitted the seizure Of the important po-
sitions of Anokoutra and Katokoutra, in
side Turkish territory, on the mountains
behind Zarkos, commanding the Elev-
therokhori road. AS the season is now
nearly sufficiently advanced to permit of
operations by large bodies of troops, the en-
gagements reported yesterday may be the
signal for a general conflict all along the line.
Undoubtedly, also, the Greek naval forces
will play their part in the struggle for which
they have been SO long preparing, unless
the powers limit them to n sphere in
which they will be powerless to in,
fict material damage on the Turks.
On land the advantages of position are
with the Turks, but only results will show
how far they can avail themselves of them.
In the end the formal issue does not rest
with the Greeks or the Turks, but with the
powers, of whose real aim and intentions
we arc still profoundly ignorant. They
have complicated matters by their action
in Crete and by the ambiguity of their
proposals to the Cretans. Their vacil.
lating attitude toward Greece in connec.
tion with the frontier question on the
mainland has encouraged and discouraged
the Greek Government by turns. In both
questions, while protesting a desire for
peace they have acted so as to generate
war, Inc though the apparent responsible.
ity for war will be laid at the door Of Tur.
key or Greece, the real cause for 1t will
have to be searched for elsewhere.