The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-02-17

II Is dificuIt % tel whether the naval
occupation OF Crete BY the European
powers means the end OF the present EN-
cute and poxtponas substantially al pros
poets o. a continuance OF the war between
Greece and Turkey. which has practically
started. or whether IL means the COM
msnesmeat Of the ions-iooked-for Euro
yean war over the eismsm o~rmsnt Of the
Turkish empire. The question apparently
hinges upon tina disposition ultimately to
BE made OF Crete.
AZ the time the powers took the decisive
step OF a naval occupation of the island.
the revolution of the Christians in Crete
had resulted IN complete succsss- The
island. with the exception Of few OF thu
fortified cities. was IN their hands. and
union with Greece had been accomplished.
Greece had, In fact commenced war up
on Turkey by landing troops In Crete 10
assist the CretAns IN their Struggle. and
by firing upon Turkish transports. But
Greece and the Cretans have TO deal now.
not with Turkey, but with all ths com
blned powers OF Europe. II there is alb
solute concert OF action among those pow
ers. there will be nothing left for Greeks
or Cretans 10 do but submit. Resistance
woala be the maddest folly.
Whether there Is any definite programme
arranged 20 follow upon the present naval
occupation OF Crete has not tr,nspireds
nor is there enough in The developments
on which 10 base a prediction II there is
no such programme. and IL the question is
left TO Do determined by future diplomatic
arrangements. there Is much likelihood
OF serious trouble arising.
Three separate times before have the
Cretans risen In revolt. and practically
achieved an Independence. with the aid OF
secret assistance from their brother
Greeks. Each time the Christian powers
OF Europe have interposed and forced the
Cretans back under the Turkish yoke. II
this f. the programme which Is arranged
TO follow the present interference. IL Is
not ono which win be carried out without
8 vigorous protest. and there may arise
complications which will destroy the con-
cert OF the powers. Public sentiment In
England has been aroused over the out
RACES perpeirated upon the Christian cub
jects OF the Turks. and is finding vigorous
uttoranee. Public sentiment has a greater
weight IN England than In any country
upon earth. and 10 ministry can afford
To defy Il. II Is doubtful whether the
present ministry OF England. strong as Il
Is az present N parliament. could stand
up under the storm which would follow
upon England's acting in concert with the
other powers. TO compel the Cretans 20
submit 90 Turkish rule, and 20 require
Greece 20 refrain from helping people
OF their own kindred.
Neither does IL seem altogether prob
able that the other powers would quietly
acqulesce in another disnemberment OF
Turkey. q large accession OF territory
made BY Greece. and no compromising ad-
vautaEes seerulng 20 sny other country.
The situation Is certainly a grave ore.
and the present naval occupation OF Crete
does not tend to remove any o: the Gem
pl{eauoas which surround &.
Not as throwing sny additional light up
ON The suoject. but simply as an EIustra-
ton % how close the ties OF kindred are
between ths various nonArchs Of Europe.
X may Dc mentioned that King George OF
Greece Is the unels o, tho present ear og
Russia. and thar Prince George. Who has
command Of TIE Greek roaua g. Cretan
waters. accompanied hts cousin. ths czar.
ca the tour ths latter ma3e around tie
weird when Re was tas cEsrowlteh. In
span, On that tour, Prime George saved
( the ife Of ire ezavoS+tch. when he latter
~2s attacked BY Japancss fanatic. ~
/ kaocklEg doWs ths assatIaat VITA lis Max
inS stick. Neither tAis fact. nor ne
nesrDess OF the existing relationship AL.
However. have saech bearing leea = sslI-
tioa o. the qUessSoas presented - sc
Gre Al aTAlr