Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-08
GRAECO-TURkIsH PEACE.
Russia Proposes That Matters lie
fastened.

CONSTANTINOPLE, July 7.-Russia
has sent a circular note to the Powers,
suggesting that steps be taken TO ex-
pedite the conclusion Of peace between
Greece and Turkey. This action upon the
part of Russia is regarded here as being
of the greatest Importance, and as indt-
eating that Russia desires TO forestall q
similar proposal upon the part of the
other Powers Both the Palace and the
Turkish Ministers were Immediately in
formed of Russia's action.
The German Ambassador, Baron Sauna
Won Jeltsch, has received fresh and pre-
else instructions to insist upon Turkey
accepting the strategic frontier proposed
by the Powers
ABDUL TESTING EUROPE.
LONDON, July 7.-Graeco-Turkish af-
fairs seem 10 be entering into an interest
ing stage. To-day the Porte dispatched
circular to its representatives abroad,
containing a skilful defence of the Tur-
kish case. and declining TO consider any
frontier line in Thessaly north OF the
River Peneios. which it regards as the
natural boundary.
1t appears that the Sultan has con-
vinced himself that the Powers will not
resort to coercion, and has decided to
test the alleged concert of Europe TO the
utmost. on Monday he summoned a
council of ministers for an extraordinary
sitting at the Yildiz Kiosk, with the re-
suit that after heated discussion, a re-
port was drawn up i'm favor of resumlng
hostilities, if peace should not be con-
cluded within week. The Minister of
War sent kilograms to Edhem Pasha,
announcing the decision.
This acccrds with all the news received
in the last ten days. The Turks are
rapidly strengthening their positions in
Thessaly, massing troops at Dokomo, for
tifying Velestino, and in other ways in
trenching themselves more firmly. The
Thessalian harvest has already been
reaped by the Turks, and large quantities
of grain have been stored at Elassona.
ABDULS COMPLAINT.
According to a circumstantia report OF
a conversation between the Sultan anc
an officer of his household, Abdul Hamio
complains that the war was forced upon
him, and that when he was victorious
Europe refused him either territory or in
demnity. Therefore he intended to re-
sist to the utmost. He said:
I'VE have nothing to fear The six
Powers failed to coerce Nassos and his
1900 adventurers. What can they dc
against 100000 victorious troops in Rou
melia? Edhem was a fool not to have
surrounded the Greek army and to have
advanced TO Athens, but he may be there
yet If no concessions are made within
a few days L shall give the order to adj
vance. We can dictate our own term.
from the Acropolis. Everything is ready
for immediate action"
According to this report the Sultan dis
cussed the possibility of Russia's and Ger
many's attempting coercion, and declared
that he was entirely ready to meet them
both.
POSSIBLY ONLY A BLUFF.
The foregoing may perhaps be only 9
bluff, and it Is even alleged I'm some
quarters, among others by the Italiar
Admiral, Canavaro. at Crete, that peac,
is actually in view. But it is significant
that General Smolensky has had Ions
conferences with King George. and NJ
Ralli at Athens to-day, and will star
for Thermopylae to-day to resume com
mand of his division.
The distress of Greece and the stagna.
tion of trade and industry have becom,
very serious. In Crete there are signs o1
continued unrest The Mohammedans ol
Gambia are preparing to attack the
wealthy Christian town of Archanes.