The herald., 1897-03-23
CRETAN PORTS
Barred to Ships Flying
Greek Flags
UNITED STATES NOTIFIED
That the Powers Have Begun a. Peace.
full Blockade
Vassos Holds His Position and the Greek
Government Calls Out Every Citizen
Able to Bear Arms


WASHINGTON. March 22.-Secretary
of State Sherman has been notified that
a pacific blockade of Crete was begun
Sunday morning. The notification was
made in concert by the representative
six signatory powers to the Berlin treaty,
Great Britain, Italy, France, Germany,
Austria, Hungary and Russia. The Ian
guage of the several noees is identical.
They formally announce the commence
mont of the blockade of Cretan ports
against ships flying the Greek flag. 1t
is further declared that merchant ves-
sells of neutral powers, including the
United States, will not be disturbed in
their usual commercial ventures, pro-
viding cargoes contain no merchandise
for use by the Greeks or insurgents on
the island. Such vess4s, however, will
be subject to inspection by the blockad-
ing warships of the concerted squadrons.
There is little likelihood that the United
States will give iis assent to the block
ade, or, in fact. even notice the COM
municatfon of the several powers. Mr..
Sherman said the matter, because of its
remote interest to this government, had
not been considered in any way. 1t is
not likely to- receive consideration until
a merchant vessel of the United States
attempting to enter Cretan ports is pre-
vented by the. blockading ships. The
master of the American ship would in
this case call the matter to the attetion
of tie state department, and President
Mckinley would then have to decide
upon policy.
IN view of the fact that only three ves-
saels flying the American flag passed
through the Suez canal in the year 1895,
two of which were private yachts and
the third a warship, and only one. q
warship, in 1895. it is apparent there is
little possibility of the United States be-
coming involved.
While Secretary Sherman declined to
discuss the matter in any way, the older
ocials of the state department take the
ground that should the case arise the
United States would be likely to refuse
to recognize the blockade.
There are no precedents for refusing
to recognize a blockade, but there are
many prominent international lawyers
who contend that pacific blockade"
SOSASAOA@
tion of the laws of nations.
PROPOSALS DECLINED.
LONDON, March 23.-The Chronicles
special from Athens says that Bulgaria
recently sent a special agent to pro-
pose that Greece, Bulgaria and Servia
address the powers jointly with view
to securing reforms from Turkey.
Greece declined the proposal on the
ground that the promise of Turkey is
valueless. Friendly relations. however.
continue undisturbed between Bulgaria
and Greece.
There has been a heavy mortality
among the Turkish reserves in Epirus
owing to defective hospital sanitary ar
rangements.
Three more batteries Of artillery have
arrived at Janina, and the Turks are
placing field guns on field works COM
manding the chief passes on the Thes-
salian frontier. The Greeks have made
thorough preparations to defend the
chief approaches to Larissa with earth
works and strong guns.
The Turkish squadron arrived at the
Dardanelles on Sunday.
The italian government has instruct
ed Admiral Canevaro to institute an in
Quiry as to the exact circumstances un-
der which Turkish warship at Suda
bay bombarded the insurgents. and has
empowered him to force the Turkish
ships to retire If he deems it necessary.
The special correspondent of the Times
(who arrived at Larissa yesterday says
1t was only with the utmost difficulty
that he could find lodgings as the town
is filled to overflowing with $1,000 SOL
diers and 4500 more are expected at any
moment. They are all keen for war and
willing to do anything they are told to
do by their officers but they are lacking
in discipline and equipment.
USELESS ACTION.
CONSTANTINOPLE. March 22.-The
opinion prevails here that the blockade
of Crete by the fleets of foreign powers
wich commenced yesterday will be use
less, as Colonel Vassos. the commander
of the Greek army of occupation, is we'll
supplied with provisions. Edhem Pasha,
the Turkish commander in Macedonia,
has telegfaphed the minister of war not
to send any further reinforcements on
account of a scarcity Of provisions. The
commander OF the Turkish squadron
just made ready for sea has received
sealed orders, but it is not believed the
warships will leave Gallipoli.
A NEUTRAL ZONE
VIENNA, March 22.-The Neuvrie
Press says that Great Britain has pro-
posed that collision between the Greek
and Turkish troops on the frontier Of
Thessaly be prevented by the forma ton
of a neutral zone a mile wide between
the Greek and Turkish forces, as was
done in 1885,
A FALSE REPORT
BELGRADE, Servia, March 22.-The
report that the reserve militia of the
Servian army has been called out is
pronounced untrue. Reserves have been
attending course of lectures at the
military academy.
1t Is officially declared that the gov
ernmept of Servia has no wish to en-
danger the peace Of Europe. that no
troops are massed on the frontier and
that such step is not contemplated.
GREEK ACTIVITY.
ATHENS. March 22-The govern