The sun., 1897-03-20

Russia had come to determination to
act BY occupying Smyrna, Mr.. GLAD
| STONE casts the fullest condemnation on
those powers that supported the Turk In
his opposition to all rceorm. The commits
sion that sat in 1880 for the drawing up Of
the statute which would have made Of Mace
donia an autonomous State, came to moth
ing through the opposition Of Baron KosJEK,
the Austrian delegate on the commission,
supported by the German delegate, the
Austrian theory being that the worse the
condition Of Macedonia the sooner her pro-
jectcd Intervention would be justified, and
her aim OF reaching Salonica accomplished.
In sum, Mr.. GLADSTONE arraigns the 80
called European concert as combination
some of whose members are not seeking
harmony, but rather profit to be gained
by the discords they can produce; while
others, through timIdity or less laudable
motives, allow themselves to be swayed one
way or another by the moro interruptions.
When he deals with the way In which the
peoples of Europe are shut out by this pre-
tended concert from all participation In
the conduct Of affairs SO vitality concern
ing their own interests, perhaps even their
liberties, he places q finger on the danger
spot Of the situation. 1t may be that the
peril he indicates, and his description of
the humiliation Of England pinned to the
aprons Of 1.-TWO young men" at the heads Of
Governments that Eight steadily against
freedom" may rouse in England at all
events, an expression of feeling that will
tend to give another direction to affairs.
Mr.. GLADsToNE's championship of Greece
Is only the renewed expression of sentiments
that are the outcome of his education and
generous sympathies. He was prepared to
give forcible proof of them in 1881, in the
question of the Thessaly frontier, had the
then Greek Government been willing to ac-
cept his offer; but the overawing threats Of
Germany and Austria prevailed, and Greece
was left with the flaw In her frontier, in
which lies herpresent danger. In his burning |
advocacy of the cause of the Cretans, he
raises a question that in one form or an
other will present itself to other Govern.
ments Of Europe. "Are we really" he asks, |
"to commence our twentieth century under |
the shadow of a belief that conventions set |
up by the policy Of the moment are every |
thing, and that community Of blood, relig- |
ion, history, sympathy, and interest are !
nothingT In asking the question Of those
to whom he addresses himself indirectly,
he at the same time answers 1t. In the eyes
OF the particular powers primarily RESPONSE
BILE for the present situation, land we do
not think Russia can be included among
them), all these things count for nothing.
Mr.. GLADSTONE asks for light and air, but
practically all we have had as yet Of these
two most necessary things in such grave and
circumstances as the world Is
passing through, comes from his last utter
ance. The concerted Governments are work
ing together in the dark, with clearly an
inner circle dominating the concert The
first shot fired, under inexcusable circum-
stances, so far as we know, came from an
Austrian ship Of war. The telegraph wires
from Crete are under the control Of the Ad-
mirals who now represent Europe there, and
all news thence passes under their censor
ship. Consequently everything coming from
the blockaded island, unless corroborated by
thoroughly Trustworthy testimony, must be
received with suspicion. Whatever is done
will be justified, and cloak will be thrown
over any and every act that will not bear
the light of day.
At the end Of the nineteenth century,
with its boasted civilization, we are wit
Messing deeds worthy of the dark ages. The
ships Of war Of the powers arc to cruise
around Crete, scattering proclamations of
autonomy among people cut of from all
of what is passing in the out
side world, and from all communica-
tion with friendly advisers. 1t was indeed
needed that a man in Mr.. GLADsroNE's high
and responsible position should stand forth,
like prophet Of old, and warn the civilized
world Of the dangers that menace 1t, when
Governments combine and are only in sim
'ere accord in the purpose to keep theirpeo-
pies in the dark, and satisfy their legitimate
with empty words and high
,oundinp nhrasea