The record-union., 1897-03-17
General Belief at Athens That Nothing
Now Can Prevent War.
Also That Greece Has Her Plans of
Campaign Fully Prepared.
Col. Vassos Transfers His Headquar-
tiers TO the Most Mountainous and
Inaccessible Position in the Island,
Which is Held to Indicate That
Greece Will Not Recall Her Troops.

ATHENS, March 16-It is the gen.
eral belief here that nothing now can
prevent war, and that the Government
has its plan of campaign fully pre-
pared. The Cabinet had a long session
to-day, as to the attitude to be taken
in the face of the coercive programme
of Europe, and it is reported 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 from the haste
which the Government has displayed
in getting all it's available troops off
by sea before the commencement of
the blockade that there is a strong con-
viction that they will be needed at
once.
It is reported that the Turkish Off
GERS on the Macedonian frontier are
raising a double line of Notifications
and constantly being reinforced from
Salonica.
CANEA, March 16, (Midnight)- Col.
VaSsos has transferred his headquar-
ters to Sphakia, the most mountainous
and inaccessible position in the island.
This is held to indicate that Greece is
firmly resolved not to recall her troops,
a step which is regarded as impossible
in the face of the strong national feel
ing. Colonel Vassos will strongly for
tify his new camp, which is revictualed
for several months. He is now able to
await the progress of events.
CONsTANTINOPLE,M March 16.-The
ambassadors to the Porte have been
n fir1rr
scheme of Cretan autonomy.
CANEA, March 16.-The Russian
Consul has received formal instructions
to proclaim autonomy to Crete, but the
other Consuls still remain without
them. The Admirals consider this step
has been taken too late. After a con-
ference to-day the AdmiralS addressed
notes to their respective Embassies de-
claring that if any portion Of the ma
rines should be withdrawn from Crete
footing and lawlessness. greatly aggra-
waited by hunger, Will increase.
The Greek arm in Thessaly will be
formed in two divisions and the COM
manding division given to Crown Prince
Constantine.
Janina is in a state of panic and most
of the shops are closed.
LARISSA, March 1o.-The situation
on the frontier is now in1ammable. AT
several points the sentries and outposts
of the Turkish and Greek forces are
within forty PAGES of each other.
LONDON, March let is announced
this afternoon that detachment of 600
men from the Seaforth Highlanders
has been ordered to the Island of Crete
Immediately, from Malta. The vessels
belonging to the British Mediterranean
squadron now at Malta have been in
structed to sail Immediately for Crete
to reinforce the British squadron there.
ORDERS TO BEGIN THE BLOCK
AIDE.
LONDON, March 16-In the House
of Lords to-day the Marquis of Sails
bury, replying to Earl Kimberly, the
Liberal leader, said instructions had
been given the Admira1s in command
of the foreign fleets in Cretan waters
to commence the blockade of Crete
without further delay. The Premier
added that an admirable statement Of
the policy of the powers had been made
in the French Chamber of Deputies
yesterday by NJ. HanOtaux and NJ. Me-
line, in which he heartily concurred.
The Chronicle says that the uti-
matum to precede the blockade Will
take the humiliating form of a peremp-
tory summons from the Admirals to
the Greek authorities.
The Chronicle" believes that. al
though, owing to pressure brought to
bear by the powers, Bulgaria and Ser