New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-23
PURPOSE OF THE POWERS.
A STATEMENT BY THE FRENCH MINIS
TER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

~ HANoTAUx sAYs THE CONCERT rs UNANIMOUS
IN ITS DECISION TO CURB, TURKEYS DE-
MANDs. BUT IT'S TASK Is DIFFICULT
Paris. May 22.-The Chamber Of Deputies was
crowded to-day when NJ. Gautier interpellated
the Government on Eastern affairs. In 40 doing
the Deputy expressed the hope that Franc. would
not permit Thessaly to be taken from Greece or
permit a European control Of Greek finances.
lie also expressed regret at the fact that German
influence at Constantinople had superseded
French influence there.
NJ. Hanotaux. the Minister for Foreign A.
fairs, in reply said he hoped, In view Of the ac-
cord Of Europe. turkey would renounce her pre-
tensions. Although the task would be slow, II
was reasonable to believe that the counsels Of
the Powers would ultimately prevail fApplause.)
NJ Hanotaux dwelt upon the good results the
concert of the Powers had already effected, and
said
I'VE have now arrived at the foreseen mo-
ment when It has become necessary to use mod
Grafton and reason, and the voice OF humanity
should prevail The supreme object Of the Pow
ers was to maintain general peace. Although
they were unable TO prevent the war between
Turkey and Greece they succeeded in locahzng
It. and now. as is the duty of the concert, they
pushed The maintenance Of general peace, tho
status quo in the East pacific and unanimous
mediation in behalf Of moderation and autonomy
for Crete is the outcome which Europe seeks 10
promote by pacific means. In taking part In inc
work the Government las faithfully observed its
promises to the Chamber. and believes IL has
acted in the best interests Of France and accord
ing to the sentiments Of the people.
The Government Is accused or aIterHa,eV
being English, German and Russian. Does any
one seriously think that in the CONNECT OF pas
Individual Power would have been pracucal,
iudcious or effective? Who will now venture
to say that such an initiative would not nave
been the most rash OF adventures? VINO "ouio
have assumed such a responsibility?
1.-THE basis Of the mediation OF the Powers mas
already been submitted. and We have no DOUBT
in view Of their unanmty, Turkey VIII DOW 70
the will of Europe and renouEce excessive
claims In any case, the Governments OF the
Powers are solcitous above all TO maintain their
agreement and to spare no efort 20 attain this
result To this the Government Of France pro-
poses to devote itself conformity with the con-
cert.
I'VE must however, be on our guard against
Illusions and must warn you against TOO
easy optimism. The task which remains Is COM
plicated will probably advance slowly, and may
more than once be disturbed by recurrent out.
break OF passions and impulses. Difficulties be-
set every step. Nevertheless. we must hope the
counsels OF wisdom and reason Will ultimately
prevail. The Powers are unanimous, the Balkan
States have always yielded to advice given on
all sides, and the Sultan has hearkened TO the
appeal addressed 10 him. These early indica-
tions ought TO inspire confidence In the future
and we ask you to help In the task 10 winch the
concert is devoting it's best energies, the work
of concluding peace, which is at once so complex
and delicate" loud cheers)
The subject was then dropped.