The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-05-04

LONDON, Enc, May st seems al
most useless, according to dispatches from
great variety OF sources, to expect any
effective rally of the Greek forces. The
fighting spirit OF the rank and file re-
mains, but lack of competent leadership
continues 10 nulIify every advantage.
The rage of the common people revives as
the details OF the ignominious failure OF
the Greek campaign in Thessaly become
known. This rage is not long to remain
impotent. According to latest news from
Athens it is chiefly directed against the
royal family, especially the Crown Prince,
who was never popular and is now de-
tested.
Refugees from Larissa, describing the
conduct of the Crown Princes retinue
when--the city was evacuated, say they
p filed the whole train with the Princes
. baggage, including supplies fit for gour-
mand, consisting of live dGcks and all
sorts of delicacies, while hundreds of
80 wounded soldiers were left to their fate.
J. il Is impossible to verify such stories, but
th-s .AngIisa correspondents do not ques-
tion their truth. The effect upon the ex-
asperated population at Athens can be
easily imagined.
A definite announcement of the policy
of the Ralli Ministry is momentarily ex-
:. pected. 1t is beginning to be seen even
IN Athens that all hopes of successful
resistance of the Turks is gone. 1t is the
intense desire, however, to retrieve the
disgrace that has fallen upon the nation,
caused by the cowardly leadership which
made possible the panic during the retreat
from Larissa.
Patriotic Greeks, including large Sec
tion of the army, demand that one great
battle be fought, even il defeat is certain,
in order to vindicate the honor of Greece.
" Then they will be willing to submit and
seek the good Offices of the powers, which
. the latter are so anxious to exercise.
g. The impression prevails that, whatever
be the popular feeling, official circles
would welcome any mediation OF the
powers that would delay any definite
declaration. The action of the new
Ministry may be explained by stating
that they are awaiting a fufllment of
their hope, despite the denials of dip
lomats, and are in a passive accordance
with the decision of the powers to await
Greece's act of penance. Persistent re-
ports circulate that foreign ENJOYS are
using their efforts in the direction of
peace with prospects of success.
Skouloudis, Minister OF Foreign Affairs.
in conversing with the diplomats has
shown he is not opposed to mediation,
though it has not been asked for. The
situation will doubtless develop speedily
after the receipt of the reports of Colonel
Tsamavos, Minister of War, and Theotkis,
Minister of the Interior, who were sent to
Pharsala to examine the condition of the
army. 1t is stated these reports have al
ready been submitted to the Cabinet, bu.
statements regarding their tenor vary, one
declaring they were impressed with the
preparedness of the army and IN favor of
prosecuting the war; while another says
. being the army is not in a position to as
sumo the offensive or even resist for any
length. of time.
Meanwhile the hopes of the patriots
and soldIery center in General Smolenitz,
the hero of Velestino. He if any body
seems to be able to lead the troops to VIC
tory. Independent accounts ascribe to
90 him great ability, sound jud dement. cool
ness, personal courage and the faculty of
inspiring confidence. Only as strategist
he has not yet been proved. Should he
meet the invaders and be defeated it
would undoub btedIy be the last act of the
military drama. Thereafter revolution
might be expected.