New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-07
GREEK VICTORIES AND RETREATS.

The hero Of Boughazi Reveni appears to have
impaired some measure Of his own spirit to the
whole Greek army. brave stand has been
made along the line from Volo to Pharsalos.
Repeated attacks Of the Turks at Nelestino were
repulsed with great slaughter. One engage
mept amounted practically to a pitched battle,
and In it the Greeks were victorious or at least
were not defeated. Crown Prince Constantin
and his brother Prince Nicholas, displayed per-
sonal valor that reused the enthusiasm of their
followers to the highest pitch The whole Turk
ish army, flushed with triumph and anticipat-
ing mere holiday march through Thessaly TO
Livadia, received a decided though not de-
csive check near the very ground on which
two thousand years ago the fortunes of the
world were shaped Since then the Greeks
have discreetly abandoned Pharsalos and re-
tired to Domoko, but not as before. in panic and
disorder They have retreated, not fed, and
they have done so with all the honors Of war.
In this there is cause for hearty satisfaction.
1t is always satisfactory to see the right cause
gain an advantage. even though it be compare
lively slight and only temporary. 1t is salts
factory TO have the valor Of the Greek troops
INDICATED after the deplorable and, it must be
said, disgraceful panic at Larissa. 1t is salts
ROYAL princes vindicated and those two young
men restored to popular favor Indeed, insig-
nif1cant as 1t might seem from some points or
view. this last consideration Is of the highest
importance For disaffection toward the princes
and the dynasty has in the last week reached
formidable proportions. There has been ACTUAL
and acute danger Of a revolution which would
expel the dynasty and perhaps establish a re-
public OF such course the result would al
most certainly be disastrous. 1t would in all
probability mean instant intervention and oc-
cupation of the country by some of the great
Powers and the disappearance OF Greece as an
Independent nation. There is no exaggeration
in saying that for the time the fortunes of the
Hellenic nation are inseparably bound up with
those of the reigning dynasty.
That these successes Of Greek arms greatly
strengthen the Rail- Ministry goes without say
ing For its purposes nothing could have been
more opportune. Whether entitled to II In any
degree or not, the Ministry will receive much
credit for the victories. And that will greatly
aid It in whatever negotiations for peace IT may
undertake It has vindicated It's own existence.
Ii has INDICATED the honor Of Greece. 1t has
won the confidence of the people. 1t can now
with entire dignity, and without FORGETTING the
popular confidence. accept the mediation of the
Powers for an ending of the war, doing so not
as one beaten and crushed, but as one still mill
tant and unconquered. and with the light OF
victory upon its banners
That it will thus accept mediation, II 1t does
not actually sue for it, Is to be expected 1t Will
be the rational and honorable thing to do For
the Sc victories at NelestinO and Pharsalos as we
have already seen, merely checked for brief
time the Turkish advance. They did not expel
the invaders from Thessaly, nor do they afford
the slightest hope that that can be done. The
Turks can easily double or treble their forces
and completely overwhelm the Greeks; indeed
they are making haste to do so, and they have
already advanced to Pharsalos. The Greek
campaign in Epirus has collapsed. The Greek
feet has failed in its mission. The Greek com
mander in Crete has been withdrawn At every
point the Greeks are overwhelmed by superior
numbers and equipment, and by the indifference.
if not the hostility Of those who should be their
friends. At one bright point they have been
Triumphant for a moment, and they should make
that the psychological moment in which to seek
peace with honor