The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-05-13
TEE r-URK1sH-eREEK Wan.


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the Dupticity 81 England.
To TIE EDITOR or THE suS-Sfr: Inasmuch
as the principal sources OF information on for
eiGn matters for most Of our newspapers arc
English. through correspondence Ms we'll as from
publications, II IL not surprising that their dis
cussions Of the Turkish-Grcek embodiment pre-
scnt a curious mixture OF homogeneous argu-
ments. sympathies, and accusations. Taking
them altogether and comparing them, they ap-
pear like the excuses Of n guilty person trying
to shirk responsibility By casting suspicion on
some neighbor.
One of these papers, known for It's strong Brit
ish projudices, which find expression even when
in conflict with the interests of this country, Is
even ridiculously confusing in its ignorant treat
ment Of the subject. For instance, it's favorite
assumption and assertion Is That Germany, and
especially the German Emperor, has been chicny
instrumental in bringing about the Turkish
Greek war and the consequent ruin OF the
Greeks. The nbsurdity OF this assertion Is
plainly evident from the open circumstances.
The theories as to the causes and aims upon
which this pretended German enmity TO Greece
is charged IL as due may be summed up as follows:
l.. A family s~quabble between the German
Emperor and his sister. the Greek Crown Prin-
cess.
2. The failure Of the Greek Government to
provide proper payment for Its German cred
itors.
8. German hatred Of England on account 81
the colonies in South Africa.
4. The anxiety to form a Russian alliance.
Now, every ordinarily intelligent observer Of
historical events knows that personal animosi-
ties which go no further than a family quarrel
liz such a one ever existed In this easel count for
very little, II anything, in diplomatic relations
The condition Of the German creditors was GER
tainly not improved by p~lunging Greece into a
war which. as the Emperor recognized and his
own plainly expressed words proved, would DO
terribly and unnecessarily destructive for that
small power. As to the German luminosity
against England, 1t goes no further than 1t Ia
called forth by the antsgonism and hatred
which England has displayed under the infu-
ence Of its fear Of German industrial enterprise
and competition and the growth Of German po-
ntical influence and power.
The actual facts are that Germany tried from
the beginning to keep aloof from this whole
Oriental imbroglio. until called upon by the other
powers as one of the signers of the Berlin
treaty. Not a single German wal vessel ap-
peared with the feet OF the other nations until
these demanded that measures be taken to pre-
vent q conflict provoked by Greek aggression in
supporting a revolt Of Turkish subjects in the
Turkish island Of Crete. The fear was of n
conflict Of interests of the Western and Eastern
European powers IN Ine MeQlterrAnean, In winch
Germany had not the slightest concern. 1t was
in this situation that the German Emperor gave
the only piece OF sound advice which has ap-
peared, and which, II followed, would have pre-
vented the useless slaughter and horror which
war has now occasioned.
II the great powers were to undertake an adj
justment of the differences of which Greece
complained, he demanded that as a preliminary
both the Turks and the Greeks should lay down
arms and withdraw their troops from Crete. He
insisted that, II necessary, they should be forced
to do this. and, since it was the Greeks only who
objected, that the demand should be enforced by
n blockade OF their ports. Russia, Austria, and
France recognized the soundness OF this advice:
but In England the senseless cry was raised that
the sagacity OF the German Emperor was a sign
OF insanity. and Of course that view was adopted
also by the Anglomaniac New York organ.
The English authorities. by defeating this
proposition, precipitated TIE war. How little
German interests were concerned in the whole
affair was best shown when Russia and the
other powers proposed the landing Of troops in
Crete to maintain order, and suggested an ap-
portionment of the expenses involved in the
operation. The German Emperor declared
roundly that he would furnish neither one SOL
der nor one penny in money for such a purpose.
Moreover. docs this look like subservience to
Russia with a view to an alliancei
England has been playing a double game in
this matter. as everybody will see when the
details Of the business are brought fully to light,
In the course Of time. Its game has been de-
feated bv the astute restraint of Russia. the
moderation Of Turkey. and the straightforward
honesty OF the German policy. While England's
Oriental policy was at the outset at variance with
that Of France, and necessarily. because Of the
British occupation Of Egypt. there seems of late
10 have been some bartering and bargaining be-
tween these two powers. the outcome of which
does not yet appear. Incidentally, there is a
question which seems to call for explanation.
Much has been said in praise Of the efficiency of
German officers who have assisted in organic
ing the Turkish land forces. The Turkish feet,
OF which we hear only the most deplorable &C
counts. is said to be differed by Englishmen.
How Is thisi A. R
NEw YORK, May IL.
Confederation for . Rattlea
From the Washington Post.
Years and years ago, when the Press Club, of