The herald., 1897-03-13
TIE CONCERT OF EUROPE
(.suo ssvd moIJ psnu,uoo

and difficult problem is contained in the
renewed rumors that King George may
abdicate in favor of his eldest SON
Crown Prince Constantine, duke OF
Sparta, whose wife Is the Princess So
phia of Russia, sister of emperor VIII
liam Of Germany.
There are many who believe that the
kings abdication would be the best
means of clearing up the situation.
While the stand taken by King George
In this present crisis has undoubtedly
improved his position among the Greeks,
his abdication would be popular step
as the populace has never quite forgiven
him for being foreigner, while his sens.
who were born In Greece, are regarded
as being of themselves.
The crown princess is known to be a
trifie Jealous of Prince George, the sailor
prince, second son of King George, whom
Prince Constantine always objected to
being bracketed equal with himself The
princess, 1t Is added, is said to be furious
at Emperor William for having sided
with the Turks against her adopted peo-
pie. Her husband is much admired and
respected, and Is of a retiring dispoei-
tion and is disposed to ignore the shouts
Of the populace.
Prince George, who Is Of a different
temperament, Is the popular idol, and
many would prefer him to his elder
brother as king Of Greece. In any case,
the war fever is apparently subsiding
due, no doubt, to the popular belief that
an agreement may be reached between
the Greek and Turkish governments
directly for the settlement of the Cretan
question without the intervention of the
powers. This belief, however, does not
prevail in diplomatic circles. There it
is said that the settlement can be ar
rived at only through the powers. There
is no doubt that the decrease in excite
ment here tends to present matters in
brighter light, for popular clamor had
a deal to do with the defiant position as
sumed by the Greek government But
there is no cessation of military prepar-
ations, either here or at Salonica. On
both frontiers troops have occupied
strategic positions and reinforcements
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 oc-
cur at any moment. and then It may be
of war which has been rising for long
time past
The firing upon the insurgents by the
foreign warships and the later conflicts
between the foreign marines and the in
surgents have had a very bad effect
among the people. irritating them to
great degree against everything in the
shape of foreign Intervention in the at
fairs of Greece. The calmer minds are
counseling prudence, but the situation
is almost as grave as it could be. and
Greece is prepared to make the great
est sacrifice If driven to desperation.
A CABINET SESSION
LONDON, March 1S-A dispatch to
the Times from Athens sayv: The cab
met was in session nearly all of yester-
day (Friday). The report that the
British consul at Canea, Sir Alfred
Billiotti has been recalled Is not con-
firmed. The correspondents of the
Times at Athens and Canea both COM
plain Of the delay in announcing
officially to the Cretans the decision of
the powers to give them autonomy.
Neither the consule nor the admirals
have yet been authorized to make the
announcement. Sir Alfred Billiotti and
the Russian consul at Canea agree that
such a proclamation would do much to
reassure the islanders, who, as already
seen at Candiamo and Akrotori, would
autonomy would be granted.
A LAMENTABLE CITUATION.
LONDON, March 13.-The Times cor
respondent at Constantlnople states
that news of bioodshed at Everek, vii
lage near Kaiserich, has been received
by the porte and the foreign embassies.
AS yet details are lacking. but all re-
ports go to show that the situation in
those regions is lamentable.
The correspondent of the Times at
Canea says the foreign admirals went
into the Apokorona district yesterday
afternoon (Friday) to interview the
insurgent chiefs. 1t appears that the
admirals and consuls have already dis
cussed the proclamation of autonomy
since the porte has agreed to 1t, but the
powers are not yet In unison as to the
details. and therefore 1t Is impossible
to make an official proclamation.
1t Is now proposed to extend the Turk
ish cordons and to settle with them on
properties of the local beys. the refu-
gees from Candiamo.
The commanders of the Greek cruisers
Alphios and Pinos are still in Cretan
waters and in most difficult position.
Their express orders are only to retire
from Canea bay under protest. but on
no account to leave Cretan waters.
They are ordered to resist to the
death any attack upon them. for the
honor of the Greek flag and nation"
The cruisers are hourly expected to be
fired upon. They are not allowed to be
revictualed. The men are living on
biscuits and beans, and tho officers have
not slept for three nights. Every man
has written a letter of farewell to his
relatives.
A great meeting was held this morning
at st. James hall toprotest against the
proposal of the powers to apply coer-
cion to Greece.
Resolutions deneuncing this policy
were adopted after strong speeches by
Herbert Gladstone, John Dillon, Hen