Daily capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1896-1899, 1897-02-17
CRETE,
Annexation Is Accomplished
Greece Soon to Be in Full Power -
The Danger Line Past

ATHENS, Feb. II. Copyrighted
1897, by the Associated Press.)-lt IS
generally believed here that the Cretan
feature Of the Eastern question is now
thing Of the past. and the landing
Of the Greek troops at Crete is not
likely TO turn out a casus belli between
Turkey and Greece.
The absolute decision Of Greece 70
persist in the occupation Of Crete ana
protection Of Christians on that island
in spite Of the attitude Of the powers,
is founded on the declaration Of the
Cretans that they are prepared to shed
the last drop of their blood in order to
attain their national aspirations, TO
which they add that they will not be
satisfied with anything short OF an ab
solute union with Greece These cir
cumstances were communicated by
Greece to the powers and the policy OF
the Greek government has been carried
out in every point.
An order OF the minister Of war, NJ.
Smolenitz, bae been gazetted, appoint
ng Colonel Vassor, aide-de-camp to
King George, commander Of the Greek
army corps landed yesterday at Pl a.
tonica, a short distance from Canea.
After explaining that the action Of
Greece is due to the fact that she is
unable TO any longer cOuntenance the
"lamentable situation Of the Chris
tians in Crete, to whom we are united
by the sacred ties of religion" the or
der proceeds.
"The government consequently has
decided to occupy the island in the
name of King George and raise his flag
over fortresses Of which you will take
possession. All your actions shall be
accomplished in conformity with
Greek laws, in the name Of King
George and on the responsibility Of this
government. So soon as you have
landed you will publish a proclama-
tion announcing tho occupation of the
island 10y Greek troops"
This has been done by Colonel Vas
SOS calling upon the Turks to sur
render. The reservists, who have
been called to colors, are rapidly reg-
istering at the different military CEN
tiers. IL is hoped, however, that the
most serious difficulty to be antici.
pateG is the possible severance OF di-
plomatic relations between Greece and
Turkey, The annexation Of Crete by
Greece is fait accompli, and it is not
thought likely the powers will do any.
thing further
Meanwhile diplomatic negotiations
on the subject continue between the
at Constantinople, who,
In turn, are in constant communica-
lion with the porte.
The announcement that Prince
Nicholas will start for Larissa, TheS-
'aly, with a regiment, tomorrow, ere
Eted the greatest enthusiasm in mill
AIRY circles.
King George and the 70 yal family,
With the government, are in the
highest possible favor with the people.
The Turkish authorities are in
Iemoralized state and are simply
ollowing out the recommendations
hey received from the foreign admir-.
Us, Who are acting in accord and con.
UT upon every step taken. IL Is
hought the next departure will be =
he establishment Of a provisional i
government for Crete, pend
ng the consent Of the powers being /
iyen 10 the annexation OF the island
D Greece, though il does not seem as /
that country was willing 10 wait /,
ny longer for the necessary permis- b
lon and intends 10 administer all o
arts OF the island not occupied by the y
,relgn marines.