The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-21
THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

The reports from the seat OF the
Graeco-Turklsh war up to the time Of this
writing would seem TO indicate that the
Greeks have considerably the best of it.
It hardly seems probable, however. that
Greece can be match for Turkey in
war between the two that Is not partici-
pated in by any other power. 1t may be
conceded that the Greek soldiers are
both brave and patriotic, and that they
are animated by the deepest resentment
against the Turks for the cruel oppres-
sions their race has suffered at Turkish
hands for many generations. But the
Turkish soldiers are brave and. patriotic
also. There have been few incidents in
war of q more desperate and determined
spirit of battle and self-sacriiice than
was shown about twenty years
ago by the Turks. under Osman Pasha,
who defended Plevna. Unaided there
fore it would seem like madness for
Greece to insist upon war with Turkey.
Her resources are not half those Of the
sultan's and with equally brave men upon
each side. the result would seem to be a
foregone disaster TO her.
This makes the situation so pulling.
Turkey plainly is not the aggressor in this
war The fighting is all forced by the
Greeks. Greece seems to have taken the
position that sho must have war at all
costs. though to all human foresight. It
is a war that must end in disaster to her.
What can be the explanation OF this
seeming paradox? Is there one or more
OF the great Powers Of Europe behind the
scenes and inspiring Greece's cause TO
accomplish some object that has not yet
been brought before the view of the
world?
Several things have recently occurred
which strongly point to a growing en-
tente between the three Emperors-Ger-
many. Austria. and Russia. Two weeks
or more back it was announced from
Berlin that the Triple Alliance was fall
ing to pieces, and that project for a new
Triple Alliance between Germany. Aus
tria, and Russia was upon the tapis. Yes
terdays press dispatches from London
contained the following passage;
There Is said 20 be a sharp difference
Of opinion between, the military Powers
Russia. Austria, Hungary and Germany,
and the maritime Powers. Great Britain,
France and Italy. as 10 the most expedi-
I tious and least violent methods Of com
polling a cessation OF hostilltles should
| this result not be reached by the oxer-
else OF diplomatic pressure at Athens and
| Constantinople.
Observe that the differences. wherever
they arise. find Russia, Germany and
Austria maintaining one side. while the
other IS maintained by England. France
] and Italy. Last Saturday Prince Honen-
/ lobe. Chancellor Of the German Empire.
handed TO the Emperor the resignation
/ OF his office. The Emperor entreated him
| TO retain his Office. almost going the
/ length OF commanding him 10 do il. But
the Prince was firm. and he IS no longer
/ Chancellor. The New York Heralds spe-
cial dispatches from Berlin represent that
II is perfectly well known there that the
Prince resigns because OF the Emperor
hatred to democracy. he IS unable to keep
his promise 10 submit TO the Reichstag
a bin placing tho regulation Of political
meetings upon more liberal and mod
! ern basis.
This may be only a straw. but II is one
Of those straws which show the quarter
in which the wind sets.
We have this situation then. We have
three EmpeTors of despotic tendencies.
who are trembling at the knocks which
democracy is making upon their doors.