New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-16
ANARCHY IN CRETE.
IN THE ABSENCE OF AUTHORITY THE
ISLAND MAY BE DEVASTATED.
KIssAMo N RUTNs-oUTRAGEs BY MosLEM
TffrEvEs-cTIRIsTrANs THINK THE BRIT
TsH CONSUL SHOULD PRO

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. THINK THE BRIT
IsH CONSUL SHOULD PRO
TEcr THEM
Canea March 1J-There is a complete alb
sence Of authority here. and in certain districts
state Of anarchy prevails. In some places
marauders are in complete possession and are
pillaging and outraging TO their hearts content.
Unless something is done by the Powers. and
that speedily. the prospect Is that the island VIII
be devastated.
The village Of Kissamo. 10 the westward or TINS
city Is now In ruins from the bombardment Of
the insurgents and the fires which followed the
bombardment The fort guarding the village is,
however. intact. the insurgents not yet having
succeeded in reducing it. though they have been
firing upon It for nearly four days. The garri-
son consists OF only a company OF Turkish in
fantry, but they are gallantly defending the
position, though they are surrounded by insur-
gents. II is probable that they viii eventually
be compelled by a scarcity Of provisions and
ammunition 10 surrender. unless assistance Is
given 10 them by some Of the foreign warships
It IL reported here that IL is the intention OF the
Christians TO exterminate the Moslems through
out the island This. coupled with a renewal OF
the reports OF massacre at Sitia. In the eastern
Part Of the island has deeply incense1 the Mos
lens who in a spirit OF revenge, are more ac-
lively than ever engaged in looting the houses
of Christians. under the eyes OF the Foreign
sailors and marines who We're landed for the os-
tensible purpose OF protecting the lives and prop
erty Of Christians and Moslems alike. Many
houses have been completely Quilted OF their
contents
The Moslem thieves make no pretence OF con-
Quoting their operations in secret. but pile their
booty in open spaces and leave some of their
number 10 guard the heterogeneous collection
while they go in search of further spoils Many
Of the looters are Moslems who We're rescued
from KandamOs and Selino, and their presence
in the city has proved a irritable scourge to the
Christians here. The latter think that sir Alfred
Biliotti, the British Consul. who brought these
people 10 a place of safety. should take some
measures TO check their thieying propensites
but he has done nothing 10 protect the Christians
from their depredations The other consuls like
wise appear 10 be uncOncerned though appeals
have been made 10 all Of them 10 stop the pill
Laying.
The looters reckon upon being able TO escape
with their booty 10 other parts of the island
should any attempt be made 10 take the proceeds
of their rObberies from them.
A number Of Christians who had fled from the
city returned on a steamer to-day for the purpose
Of getting possession Of their belongings before
they were stolen by the MOslems. numerous
body OF Turks, who had assembled on the quay
were highly displeased with what they considered
TO be an unwarranted interference with their
prerog2tVe OF robbery. and drove the Christians
back TO the steamer. Several OF the Christians
who attempted 10 make resistance 20 the on
slaught Of the Turks were nearly thrown INTO the
There is serious outbreak Of smallpox at
Amorett, and orders have been ISSUED LOT the
cleaning Of the town.
Tn. Italian Vice-Consul here has been engaged
In taking the sworn testimony Of Moslem Wit
nesses regarding the reported massacre OF MUS
sulmans Al Sitla by Christians The frst reports
OF the alleged massacre were received mere some
time ago. and it was said that upward or Z,Uo
Moslems had fallen victims to the wrath OF the
insurgents. The story was afterward empnau-
cally denied, but has since been repeated ana
again denied The Christians declare tnat no
credence whatever should be attached 70 the eVi-
dence OF the MOsems who would not hesitate 10
periure themselves In an attempt 10 convince the
Powers that the insurgents are as biOOdtnrsly as
themselves on the other hand. the MOslems
reiterate their stories tina; large number OF
their COreMgiOnists were killed in Sitia ana the
villages in the immediate vicinity Of that city.
London. March 15.-"The Standard" will to-
morrow publish a dispatch from its correspond
ent az Canea, saying that all qualified observers
or the spot agree that The Only solution OF the
Cretan question that Is calculated TO restore or
! der in a comparatively short space Of time is a
nominal and temporary protectorate by one Of
/ the Powers under the sUZerainty Of the Sultan.
cotr,lad with facit understanding n at the ISL
| and VIII eventually be handed over TO Greece.
! The correspondent adds that there IS COM
plete absence OF the governing element ina
| would be required for genuine autonomy, the
! foundation OF which under such conditions.
Y ould mean the immediate expulsion Of all Mos
lens, probably without penn OF compensation
! for the losses that they would suffer.
A dispatch 10 The Times from Canea urges
that strong force ought 10 be present when au-
/ tonomy for fhe island Is officially proclaimed
/ there. The MahOmetans nowise yet understand
/ what autonomy means, and when they realize
that their officials and garrisons are 10 be with
drawn there may be trouble