The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-04-02
POWERS UNDECIDED.
King Georges Threat to Declare War
Checks Blockade Extension.
Turks Would Win on Land
but Lose on Sea.
Matters Are at StandstiIl at larissa and on
Island OF Crete.

correspondent says:
"A council of the admirals was held
yesterday to determine whether and
when the gulf OF Athens is to be block
AIDED. Al the powers have now con-
sented to that proposition, though moth
ing has been decided with respect to
the blockade of Greek ports.
1T is no secret that King George mas
formally stated to the powers that
declaration of war against Turkey VIII
follow Immediately an extention or the
blockade to the Greek coast. This fact
cannot be left out of consideration. IL
is believed in some quarters that, II the
gulf Of Athens is blockaded, popular
excitement will compel the king to de-
clare war. even IL his own judgment
and that of the cabinet were opposed.
This has been a leading cause of the
delay In securing q unanimous agree
ment between the powers. There Is
no doubt that In the even OF Turko-
Greek war the intervention of the powers
would be suspended.
| As Viewed at Athens.
The Times correspondent at Athens
| says:
Whether, In the event of war, the
| powers will abstain from blockade, and
| leave the Greek feet unfettered. Is de-
| bated here with great interest. 1t Is
| pointed ont that should war ensue. the
| powers colud not. as neutrals, hinder the
| operations of the Greek navy, which
| might lombard Smyrna and Salonika
and capture the islands Of the Aegean.
| In case the Turks should be victorious
on land, which is not expected at
Athens. Greece would pe more than COM
pensated by victories on the sea. 1t
is assumed, of course. that Europe
would never permit the Turkish army
to advance to Athens. Thus. what
ever happens, Greece stands to win. at
any rate not to lose. These calcula-
tons would be completely overthrown
should the powers compel the Greek
feet to remain inactive. But this
course. 1t is contended here, would be
tantamount to an offensive alliance
with Turkey, against Greece
A number of Italian volunteers have
arrived here from Crete. having safely
run the blockade. They say that there
is no bread in the island, except in the
camp of Colonel Vassos. which is pro-
visioned for three months. olives,
milk and lambs flesh are the principal
articles of food of the inhabitants. The
insurgents are not organized, but con
eist of bands of armed peasants who
leave their homes for day or two dur
ing active operations and then return
to them No commissariat exists.
The real head of the Greek army o.
, occupation in the island, according t.
the statement of the italian volunteers
Is Colonel Limbriti. who directs all the
movements of the insurgents.
An English friend of mine. who wa:
, present at the battle of Malaxa, ant
vas captured by the Cretans says tina
, their evaporation against European!
Is intense. He was guarded. with three
, Turkish prisoners. by q Greek soldier
|, but In spite of his guard he was twic,
, fred on by the Cretans. My frient
adds that the attack on Malaxa and othe
outposts was intended by the insurgent'
a. q counter demonstration against th'
, proclamation OF autonomy.
Vessels SeiseA Outside Of blockade.
I Athens, April 2.-Three Greek sailinl
vessels. carrying cargoss Of provision
consigned to Crete. have been capture,
. by British warship, The eaptuSe tool
I place outside the limits Of the blockade