, 1897-03-25
FAR FROM SETTLEMENT.
THE CRETAN QUESTION BECOMES
MORE COMPLICATED AS
DAYS GO BY.
Great Britain, France and Italy Cunsid-
ering the Proposition OF Withdraw
ing From the European Concert-
Sir Phillip Currie's Action Of Great
importance.

Constan.inople, March 24.-The steps
taken by the sultan 10 punish Turkish
officials who are held responsible for the
massacre Of 100 Armenians at TCkat, in
the Sivias district of Asia Minor, and the
pillaging Of the Armenian quarter OF To-
kat for eight hours, are not satisfactory
to the ambassadors OF the powers md
unless there is a change in the situation
very soon, ii is believed some Of the pow
ers will be compelled by public opinion
to make a radical change of policy to-
ward Crete and Greece. The remon-
STRANGE OF Sir Phillip Currie, the British
ambassador, was II of the strongest
eve delivered by an ambassador con
corning the massacres in Armenia, and
it was intended for a stern notification
to the porte that further outbreaks in
Armenia would not pass without Wig
orous action upon the part Of the pow
ers. The immediate result Of the pro-
| test, the mere dismissal of two Turkish
officers, was not considered sufficient TO
demonstrate the displeasure Of the sui
tan at the wanton killing of a hundred
Armenians and is further looked upon
as being likely to encourage additional
outbreaks Of the same nature. Conse-
quently Sir Phillip Currie has made
fresh representations to the porte, setting
forth that serious consequences will fol
low the failure of the sultan to really
punish those responsible for the Tokat
outrage.
MEETING OF THE AMBASSADORS.
The ambassadors met at he residence
of the British ambassador last evening
and thoroughly discussed the matter,
after which dispatches were sent by
those present to the capitals Of the pow
ers they represent. Although the result
OF this meeting of the ambassadors has
moi beer allowed to become known here,
the opinion prevails that unless the am
bassadors put forth definite threats of
coercion in the event Of a failure OF the
sultan to adopt prompt and efficacious
measures to prevent further massacres
in Armenia, there is absolutely no hope
Of improving the situation, as it has been
so frequently intimated to the sultan that
he must reform. he now pays little or no
attention to such communications.
CHANGE OF ATTITUDE.
In well informed political circles it Is
generally believed that if fresh outbreaks
occud, France and Italy will compel the
governments to change entirely their at
titude towards Crete, but in regard TO
Greece, which might mean a lifting Of
the blockade. as far as these powers are
concerned, and their positive refusal to
take part in the proposed blockade Of tho
principal ports and coasts Of Greece. In
deed. it is directly intimuted that this
proposition already has been practically
abandoned by the three powers referred
to. not only because such a step is likely
to force Greece into open hostilities
against Turkey. but because the sultan,
with the true eastern cunning, has taken
advantage of the blockade OF Crete by
the fleets Of the powers and lombard
ments of insurgents by warships, and as
s%istance given to place himself and his
government in n new light before the
populace here and elsewhere in the OF
toman empire.
CAUSED A BAD IMPRESSION.
The official communique was address,
ed by the Turkish government to Turk
ish newspapers and provincial officials
yesterday, representing that the course
adopted by the powers in the CretGn uf-
fair was an example Of the success OF
sultnn in that direction, and intimating
he has the full support of the powers,
with their fleets and armies, in any re-
pressive measures which he may choose
to adopt against the Christians in his
dominions. This amounts practically to
informing the Mussulmans they have
nothing to fear from the powers II they
massacre Christians, as the Christians
powers are supporting the sultan against
his so-called "rebellious'' subjects.
This caused decidedly a bad impress
sion in diplomtic circles in Constantine
pie. and gives additional explanation of
the determined stand which the Brit
ish ambassador has undoubtedly ass,,m-
ed, as well ms showing clearly how the
sultan and his advisers regard this So
called concert of the powers. They
know 1t does mo- exist except as a hack
neyed term, and they feel it can never
exist as long as the map OF Europe is
not radically changed.
Meanwhile preparations for war on a
large scale are being steadily pushed
forward, and the report OF a possible
agreement between Greece and Turkey,
on a basis of the appointment OF Prince
George Of Greece. as high commission
er OF Crete, was followed by the issuing
this morning Of an trade calling out for
active service A battalions OF reserves
Of the Second Army corps and also sum-
moning to the colors Of the whole con-
tingent Of 1897. The Turks believe war
with Greece will break out sooner or
alter and are nursing themselves with
the belief that If they follow out the rec