The herald., 1897-03-17
To Which Greece Makes Prompt
Response
WAR SAID TO BE CERTAIN
HostiIltIes viii Begin on the Macedonian
Frontier
Russia Accused Of DupiicIty, and VIII Herself
Seize constsntInopis the Moment
Action Il Begun
Associated Press Special wire

--~~-~
its plan of campaign fully prepared.
The cabinet had long session today
as to the attitude to be taken in the
face OF the coercive program of Europe
and 1t is reported decision was reached
to take active measures. as being the
only solution possible for Greece.
The center of interest is now trans
ferred from Crete to the Macedonian
frontier. 1t is evident from the haste
which the government has displayed
in getting all its available troops off
by sea before the commencement of the
blockade, that there is strong con-
viction that they will be needed at once.
1t Is reported that the Turkish Off
GERS on the Macedonian frontiV' are
raising a double line of Notifications
and being constantly reinforced from
Salonika.
RUSSIA'S DUPLICITY
NEW YORK, March ia special dis
patch from the Press correspondent at
Athens says: Il learn that secret nego-
tiations are proceeding between King
George of Greece and the Russian gov
ernment. This Information comes from
a high and absolutely trustworthy au-
thority. Russia is undoubtedly play
ing a two-faced game with the Turkish
government and with the powers. There
is an understanding that when the Greek
army crosses the frontier Russia shall
find a pretext to seize Constantinople.
THE understanding so far as King
George is concerned is that in the gem
eral conflict in the Balkans, which Is
fAI Grx1 ~
and the disruption of the Turkish en-
pire which would follow seizure of Con-
stantinople by the Russians. Greece is
to be encouraged to seize Macedonia,
with the czar's promise in advance that
she shall be permitted to retain the
province.
CONSUL'S INSTRUCTIONS
CANEA, March 16-The Russian con-
sui has received formal Instructions to
proclaim autonomy to Crete. but the
other consuls still remain without them.
The admirals consider this step has been
taken too late. After conference to-
day the admirals addressed notes to
their respective embassies, declaring
that If any portion of the marines should
be withdrawn from Crete looting and
ger will increase.
Midnight-Col. Vassos has transferred
his headquarters to Sphakia, the most
mountainous and inaccessible position
in the island. This is held to indicate
that Greece is firmly resolved not to
recall her troops, step which is re-
garded as impossible in the face of the
strong national feeling.
Col. Vassos Will strongly fortify his
new camp, which is re-victualled for
several months. He is now able to
lawait the progress of events.
A NEW SCHEME
CONSTANTINOPLE, March 16.-The
ambassadors to the Porte have been en-
trusted with the task of of drafting a
scheme of Cretan autonomy.
NO RUPTURE POSSIBLE
LONDON, March 16.-- 1t was ru-
mored that the crown prince of Greece
had started for Thessaiy, according to
the Times dispatch from Athens ,and
the tendency towards dependency is be-
ginning to show itself in the Greek capt.
tai 1.-THE last hope of a rupture of
concert of Europ0haS been shattered by
the decision of France to join In the
coercion" The dispatch adds: There is
much speculation whether the forces of
the powers will begin active measures
against Col. Vassos' troops. While is 1t
formally announced that orders had
been given to both the Greek troops and
ships In Crete to oppose force by force.
At may be doubted whether the orders
will really be given. Brave words, how
ever. are indispensable In the prevailing
popular mood. The king and govern
ment have no choice but to swim with
the tide"
The Daily Mail says: "The vagaries
Of certain continental sovereign are
causing profound anxiety to his family.
and especially to diplomats who recog-
mise the concert of Europe may at any
moment be disturbed. Hnching guests
aud trying to trip them with his sword
are among the antics attributed to the
insane sovereign" The paragraph un-
unistalrably hints at Emperor William
of Germany.
THE RUSSIAN FEATURE
NEW YORK, March 16.-A dispatch
to the Herald from st. Petersburg says:
Bulgaria and Servia have, in view Of
the condition of affairs on the Greek and
Turkish frontier, formally announced
their intention OF remaining quiet 1t
may, however. be noted by those who
doubt the wisdom of the action of the
powers, that nothing could have stop
ped those countries from breaking out
into war should Crete be given to Greece,
and, further. that the present good be-
havior Of both will be. it is thoroughly
understood, considered more In thier
favor when the map of Europe may need
q change.
The report that Italy is-goIng to take
the responsibility of restoring order IN
Crete 10 not exact. but in view of sim
plifyirg the action OF plans under con-
alteration, the fewest powers possible
SAY two or three-will undertake the
occupation of Crete. of whom one will
be Italy.
At the moment Of telegraphing the re-
suit OF the discussion In the French
chamber has not reached here. but even
were 1t 'unfavorable to the coercive pro-
1ect, 1t would in no wise AFFECT the situ-
alton. as Russia's mird Is made up.
Nothing can alter the decision, a$ It has
constantly been telegraphed during the
past ten days, because she has vfewp far
ahovo tha ohon ., c1o nal - a :, 4 ~. ->-xs