The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-02-28
Tho Cretan Complication.

II would seem as II, Judging by the re-
ports, Russia and England were competing
for the honor Of being the first to propose
the coercion Of Greece In the interest Of the
armed truce existing In Europe, which II
has become the fashion to describe as peace.
Russia and France arc undoubtedly sin
cere In their desire for the maintenance Of
peace, at least for another two months. As
we have pointed out, the Russian Baltic feet
Is blocked in by the Ice, and that is a potent
reason for keeping the peace for the pres
ent. But there are two important factors
In the case that do not appear to be sufi-
ciently considered. The Greeks arc to be
made to u k their hands of Crete for the
sake of the fiction called the integrity OF the
Ottoman Empire. That Is a notice to the
other nationalities of the Balkans who look
to the reversion of their portions Of the
Sick Mans inheritance in Europe to
keep their hands Off also. Will they heed
the warning II they see their opportunity to
go in1 That Is one question. The other Is :
will the Turk consent without resistance to
the reforms that are to wipe out of existence
his power and what remains of his indepen-
dencef The Turkish army, with all Its de-
fects, Is Infinitely better armed and organized
than when war broke out with Russia In
1877. VoN DER GoLTz, General and Pasha,.
one OF the ablest among the officers Of the
German general staff, a pupil of MoLTKE's,
and author of a military work that has been
translated into every European language,
"The Nation Armed" was lent by the Ger.
man Government to the Sultan. With the
aid Of K~amphovner Pasha, another capable
German officer, he has given to the Turkish
army a highly trained staff OF young off,
GERS. The superior efficiency that has been
secured In every way over that prevailing
In 1877 makes the Turkish army a formid-
able obstacle to the contemplated re
forms, II n serious attempt be really
made to enforce them. So long as
the coupons Of the public debt are paid
regularly, and the collection Of the taxes
set apart to meet the liabilities OF the Gov
eminent Is not interfered with, 1t may be
assumed that none OF the present Govern
ments In Europe will try to enforce them.
That can only be lone by united Europe,
and Europe does not unite.
The programme for Cretan autonomy
reads fair; the test will be In the way 1t IL
carried out. The example Of Cyprus, also
Greek island, Is not reassuring either to
the Sultan or the Cretans. The Cypriots
have only changed task-masters. Their tax.
alton is as heavy as they can be made to
pay without being driven out of their own
island, and the Sultan has lost the tribute,
for England took it to pay the interest on
the Crimea war loan guaranteed Jointly
by herself and France. Autonomous Crete
under European control would practically
fall Into the same position as Cyprus;
lost to tho Sultan without belonging
to It's own people, and Its revenues
hypothecated to pay interest on debts from
which II has never received any advantage,
INT which were partly used to maintain
the Turkish yoke on tho necks of its
W people. But the action Of Russia
has put the Cretan question on another
plane. 1t Is now a European question, a
game In which the Cretans and Greeks be-
come simply pawns. h acquiescence Of
Germany Immediately upon the communal
cation OF the Russian proposals, followed
by the adhesion OF France and Austria, may
mean much or little; which, remains to be
seen. Lord SALIsBURY's adherence Is quail
fed, and Italy, 30 far, Is not mentioned.
Lord SALISBURY, in his statement In the
House Of Lords, spoke of England's "allies."
Who are they, or who is 1t besides Italy, II
there are anyl Is there one or more among
those credited to Russia, or monet That Ia
an interesting matter. Is the autonomy to
be accompanied by control and oocupa-
tion by a mandatory power; and is Italy the
power that Is to receive the ~mandate9 II so
1t may be predicted that neither Greece nor
Crete will submit to 1t and II 1t is pro-
posed by England, 1t Is because Lord SALE
BURY has determined on forcing events.
Ono thing has to be borne In mind with
reference to tho peace talk Of potentates
and chancellors; they always talk to the
uninitiated. Early In April. 1877, the
Emperor ALEXANDER l. made a speech In
which he said that the prospects of peace
never were better. n on tho 23d Of the
same month he declared war. In 1870 tho
British Foreign Minister declared that
there was not a cloud on the political hori.
zon; and within q fortnight the German
army was on the French frontier.