Evening star., 1897-03-12
SOLVING THE QUESTION.
Currenl Opinion at Athens Regarding
the Crctan COntrOversy,

Copyrighted, 1897 by the Associated PressD
ATHENS, Greece, March 12-The Cretar
question is passing through a period O
quiescence. lull having followed the re
ply of Greece to the powers, and every
BODY seems to be wondering where ane
when the storm will break out afresh.
In spite of the repeated assertions made
in the different capitals of Europe tha
the powers are acting in concert toward
Greece it is remarked here that if this was
the case the threatened coercion of Greece
would have been an accomplished fac
long before this.
There seems to be but three Ways Ou
of the present difficulty. One is that the
powers must accept the offers of Greece
to withdraw her fleet from Cretan waters
and allow her army of occupation to re-
main nominally under the control of a
foreign officer outranking Colonel Vassos
to be used for the pacifca ton of the isl.
and and when that is accomp shed a
plebiscite shall decide whether the Cretans
prefer annexation to autonomy.
The second suggested solution is the
coercion, real or seeming, of Greece by the
blockade of the Greek coasts as well as
the Island Of Crete.
This would be dangerous and difficult
task In the first place ii would REQUIRE an
immense fleet of vessels, owing to the al
most innumerable islands COMPOSING the
Greclan archipelago. to make such a block
this proposition would probably be the
lighting Of the fires of war in Macedonia,
the beginning of a confiagration which
might spread all over Europe. The most
dangerous spot on the map of Europe at
present is the frontier of Thessaly, If
Greece is coerced or if she does not obtain
the substance of her demands she is La
BILE to force the hands of the powers and
as by crossing the border trying to raise
the Balkans and possibly bringing about
the long contemplated dismemberment of
the Turkish empire.
The third solution of this dangerous and
difficult problem is contained in the renew
ed rumors that King George of Greece will
abd1cate In favor of his eldest son, Crown
Prince Constantine. Duke of Sparta, whose
wife IS the Princess Sophia of Prussia. sis
ter of Emperor William of Germany. There
are many persons who believe that the
Kings abdication would be the best means
OF clearing up the situation. While the
crisis has undoubtedly improved his posi-
ton among the Greeks, his abdicatton
would be popular step, as the populace
mas never quite forgiven the king for be-
ing foreigner, while his sons, who were
born in Greece are regarded as being one
with themselves.
The crown princess is known to be a
trif1e jealous of Prince George, the sailor
Prince Constantine. always allows to be
bracketed as equal with himself The prin-
cess, 1t should be added, Is said to be
furious at Emperor William for having
sided with the Turks against her adopted
people. Her husband is much admired and
respected, but he is a man of silent, retir-
ing disposition. and is disposed to ignore
the shouts OF the populace. Prince George,
popular idol. and many would prefer him
to his elder brother as king of Greece
In any case, the war fever is apparently
substding. due no doubt to the popular