The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-03-13

ATHENS, March i3-The most danger
Gus spot on the map Of Europe at present
Is the frontier Of Thsssaiy. IL Greece Is
cosrced, or II she does not ooey the sub
stance OF their demands. she is liable 10
force the hands OF the powers. and this
might be done In more ways than one.
such as crossing the border. trying 10 raise
the Balkans. and possibly bringing about
the long contemplated dismenberment OF
the Turkish empire.
A possible solution OF this dangerous and
difficult problem Is contained in the re-
newed rumors that King George may ab-
a.cate in favor OF his eldest son. Crown
Prince Constantine. Duke OF Sparta, whose
wife is the Princess Sophia OF Prussia. sis
ter OF Emperor William OF Germany.
There are many who believe that the
kings abdicatiou would be the best means
OF clearing up the situation.
While the stand taken by King George
in this present crisis has undoubtedly i'm
proved his position among the Greeks. bis
aodieation would be q popular step as the
popuiace has never quite forgiven him for
being foreigner, while his sons. who were
born in Greece. are regarded as being one
OF themselves.
The crown princess Is known to be a
trine jealous OF Prince George. the sailor
prince. the second son OF King George.
whom Prince Constantine always wanted
princess. ii Is added. Is said TO be furious
at Emperor William for having sided with
the Turks against her adopted people.
Her husband Is much admired and re-
spected. and is of retiring disposition
and is disposed 10 Ignore the shouts Of the
popuiace.
Prince George. who is OF different
temperament. Is the popular Idol. and
many would prefer him 10 his elder
kra 81 In
the war fever is apparently subsiding.
due. no doubt. 10 the popular belief that
an agreement may be reached by the
Greek and Turkish governments directly
for the settlement of the Creian question
without the Intervention OF the powers.
This belief. however, does not prevail
Ia diplomatic circles There il Is said
that the settlement can be arrived at at
once through the powers. There Is no
doubt that the decrease in excitement
here tends 10 present matters In a bright
er light. for popular clamor had a deal TO
DO with the defiant position assumed by
the Greek government.
But there Is no cessation OF military
preparations either here or at Saionica-
On both frontiers troops have occupied
strategic positions. aud resnforcemenis
are being pushed forward night and day.
The armed peasants on both sides are the
most dangerous factors on the frontiers.
An outbreak there may occur at any mo-
ment. and then 1t may be beyond human
power 10 stem the tide Of war which has
been rising for long time past. The fir
ing upon the insurgents by the foreign
war ships and the later conflicts between
the foreign marines ard the insurgents
have had very bad effect among the
people. irritating them 20 a great degree
against everything in the shape OF for
eign intervention In the affairs Of Greece
The calmer minds are counselng pru-
dence. but the situation Is almost as
grave as It could be and Greece is pre-
pared 20 make great sacrifices II driven
10 desperation.
Although the Cretan question is passing
through a period OF QgIiesceHse. a lull having
followed the reply OF the Greeks 10 ths
powers. every body seems TO be wondering
where and when the storm VIII break out
afresh. In spite OF the repeated asser-
tionz made in different capita,s of Europe
that the powers are acting concert. IL Is
remarked here that II this was the case.
the threatened coercion OF Greece you'd
have been an accomplished fact long be-
fore this.
The most popular way out OF the present
difficulty IS thar the powers must accept
the offer of Greece TO withdraw her feet
from Cre.an waters and allow her army
% occupation 10 remain non1inally under
the control % a foreign officer outrankinE
Co. Nass0s. to he used for the pAcidcation
81 the Island and when that "a accom-
plishea. a plsb.scite shah decide whether
the CretaHs prefer annexation 20 auton-
omy.
Another suggested solution 10 the eoer-
cion. real or seeming. of Greece By the
blockade % the Greek coasts. as well as
the island OF Crete. This world be a dan
gerous ard difficult task In fhe first
place. Il woUld require an immense aeet.
owing 20 The almost fnnumerah,e Islands
composing The Grectan archipelago 10
make such blockade effective Besides
Greeces reply 20 the proposition would
probably ~ The lighting Of ;he fires Of
war IN Macedonia the beginning o. a
e0nilagration which might spread az over
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