The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-03-28
Gable Copyright }

NO''S OcPs h'Choi
London, March 27.-The powers began
Smelling the Christians again this after
noon at.2 O'Clock. That is the latest
news about the Cretan situation as given
to Christian England to day in the lncon.
ic language Df the Canea CORES pondent of
the yimes. Christian England, it should
he added, is now so accustomed to the
news of the shedding of Christian 5lDou
by one agency or,another that it ate break
fast with its usual appetite. l cannot
imagine, however, that even the most
calious and CYNICAL of this so-called
Christian nation could read to days dis.
patch from the correspondence of the
Telegraph, who has just returned from
the interior of Crete, without serious
disturbance OF equananity.
1t was high time that the reply of Crete
to the policy which Europe is enforcing
by shells and starvation should he made
known to the world. The answer comes
to-day in language SD Simple graphic
and convincing that it should arouse even
the manhood of European civilization to
cry against the infhmy Of the present
policy.
The correspondent, disguised rs II Gre
tan priest, joined the insurgents at Ak
rOtiri ami WAS one of the band of CretanS
who were requested by the Italian ad-
miral to vi sit the interior with the object
of submitting to the people the procia.
nation of the admirals in regard TO the
future of the island.
At NamOs IN inSurgent doctor named
Nenzelos mounted lader and read in II
loud voice the proclamation. explaining
the meaning of autonomy and demand.
ing the views Of the people, Shouts of
Indignation resulted and scores of men
began to speak together. The mayor of
NamOs said:
eve are now united with Greece We
enjoy the protection Of law and order in
the interior of Crete and would enjoy it
throughout the island If Europe let is
alone. Banneck left us alone We re-
fuse autonomy and will never CO operate
in establishing it. We will oppose it so
long as our powder and ball last. That
is our view and the view OF all Cretuns.''
EN-Deputy Pasppadkis said:
Europe does not understand the Gre.
tan question and is. therefore, OH the
wrong tack. We know what we want
and why we want it. Oar reasons are
not merely sentimental, but economical.
We are decided to maintain the union
with Greece ut all COSTS
\ Nocilerous cheers greeted this speech
The writer continues:
''When the popular passion had some.
MIhU SuDSiilci WlblpSSttl u scene winch
shall never forget An old man, - years
of age. named Aiilonoyanaki, formerly
dil ector of the Cream Bank, said:
1--we all want union with Greece. On
this point there are no disscnts. Europe
may annihilate us, but cannot change
our convictions. So long as one Cretan
lives lie will eyclaim. as | do now, union
or DEATH MY son George was killed at
Attriti II fortnight ago. loved him
dearly, but gave him willingly, and AM
ready to sacrifice my family -and myself
rs protest against autonomy. We have
lost our property and care naught for our
lives
'liereupon the crowd shouted:
We care naught for our lives"
Suddenly felt q strong arm Juggling
at my shoulder, and, turning round, saw
a handsome man. armed, but dressed in
clerical garb. His eyes were rolling
with passion. He shouted:
-" You, sir. shall see what value we
Cretans set upon our lives. You may 80
back and tell Europe that you saw me do
this" and he seized long, white han
died dagger from one of the bystanters
and one second later would have cut his
throat from ear to eur had not and
Others held back his arm in the nick of
time. With extreme difficulty the dag
ger was wrested from his grasp. He was
ultimately quieted.
After this a written reply was sub
mitted to the people, which was vocifer
ous.y applauded, and crowding around
me exclaimed:
"Our answer to Europe is union with
Greece or death; long life to King
George
The scenes in other villages and pro-
vinces so closely resembled this that their
detailed description would be superfiuous
Everywhere enthusiasm. unanimity and
determination were displayed, and as the
Cretans are intelligent, obstinate, fear
less and fanatical, it is difficult to under
stand by what.process known.to.a dmirals.
generals or diplomats, autonomy can
be imposed upon. them,against their own
will.
Great Indignation was expressed by
Christians at the marked favor mani.
tested by European admirals towards the
Moslems who are allowed to send rein.
forcements not merely of regulars but
of irree ulars, including Mohammednns
recently rescued by Col. Nassos ut Can.
danos, despite the express written prom
Use of the British consul that effective
measures would he taken to hinder them
from fighting against the Cretans in the
island. Having seen with my own eyes
this promise in the British vice consul's
handwriting, assured the people that
the rescued Moslems were not allowed to
engage in the combat They replied:'
Come up TO morrow by daylight and
you Will see the same Aioslcms marching
from Canea.n
They spoke the truth. fave since see,