Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-02-21
SALIsBURY'S PROPOSAL FINDS FAy-
OR IN MANY QUARTERS.
PlQUE OF EMPEROR WILLIAM.
THE KAISER SADLY DIsGRUNTLED
OVER SALIsBURY's VETO.
Had His Heart. Set on Blockading
Pirncus-Very Unfrlendly Toward
the Greeks-BerIin Paper
Suggests That Germany
Seize Crete

now foremost in the public mind and the
newspapers publish columns on the sub
ject. The Marquis of Salisbury's refusal
to follow the suggestion of Emperor Will
lam of German and blockade Piraeus is
warmly praised in Great Britain, and his
suggestion to the powers that Crete be
granted autonomy similar to that of the
island of Samoa is well received in many
quarters as affording a solution of the
problem which Greece can accept without
too great a sacrifice of national pride.
This proposition, it is understood, also finds
favor in Paris, where popular feeling is
pro-Hellenic.
The Continental correspondents of the
English newspapers all expatiate on the
Iique of Emperor William at the Marquis
of Salisbury's attitude, which openly dis
played itself in his last interview with the
British ambassador at Berlin, Sir F. C.
Lacelle, while Count Won Halfeld. the Ger
man ambassador here, is reported to have
had a heated conversation with the Mar
quis of Salisbury.
1t appears that Emperor William person.
ally insisted with the foreign governments
In favor of his proposal. This is quite as
small volte-face from his previous atti-
tude, and Is stated to be due to his majes-
tvs desire to overcome the reichstag's op-
position to his naval projects. He decided
to initiate a very active and stern policy
without having a ship in the Levant. The
adoption of his proposal to blockade Pirae-
ns nave and e Woud haTe
been obliged to agree to increase the
strength of the German navy in order to
however was knocked on the head by the
The Turkish government is Uneasy q
might cause a breakup of the European
concert, which would mean an immediate
explosion in the Balkans and the subse-
quent disruption of Turkey.
Opinion Is universal that Crete will now
never return to the Turkish yoke. The
island will either become independent or
a part of Greece. The chief danger now
is a collision on the Thessalian frontier.
The news that Turkey has ordered her
fleet to be mobilized was received with
derision throughout Europe. One news
paper suggests that the Turkish ironclads
are more suitable for oyster boats than for
fighting.
Berlin, Feb. 2O-on the receipt of the
alarming news from Crete, Emperor Will
gagements and plunged into feverish po
litical activity. He even absented himself
from the fetes at Potsdam, given in his
honor by the Hussar Guards, and held, in
stead, a two hours conference with Prince
Hohenlohe. His majesty also had lengthy
conference with the leading ambassadors
1t was remarked that on Wednesday even
ing, at the subscription ball at the opera
house, he drew the Turkish ambassador
in friendly way. This was in marked
contrast with his treatment Of the Greek
minister, whom he has ignored since Mon
day.
At the wish of the government, the Ger
man newspapers generally have been ex-
tremely cautious in discussing Eastern
matters, and there will be no discussion on
the subject in the reichstag until the naval
budget is reached. Only few of the Ger
man papers have advanced definite propos-
many to occupy Crete herself until Greece
has paid her German creditors.
Ihe North German Gazette, in an in
spired statement, says that Germany is pre-
bury's proposition in regard to the future
organization of Crete. provided Greece is
OF Crete is put out of consideration.
Canea, Feb. 20.-9:20 p. m.-The Mussul-
mans at Retimo are greatly excited over
theoId the report dS Of a massacre at sitia, 1t is
reported that General Sorted has attacked
the insurgent position and desperate fight
ing Is proceeding.
Colonel Vasso, commanding the Greek
military forces in Crete, has proclaimed
at Retimo and Herkalion the formal occu-
patton of Crete by Greece. The Greeks
nave occupied two Turkish towers at Fort
Agla, spiked their guns and returned to
Canea. With the exception of three towns,
the Greeks are now masters of all Crete.
Athens, Feb; 2o.-The Asty publishes
statement made by the king to the effect
that he had sent an envoy to one of the
powers and made every effort to cali the
favorable attention of Europe to the sit
alton In Crete but, with the exception of
the mixed gendarmerie and the so-called
reforms. nothing had resulted. Continuing,
the king said:
My patience became exhausted, and I
decided to annex the Island of Crete, which,
body and soul. is Greek. This decision is
what provokes the powers coercive meas
ures against me, but the whole of HelIen-
ism Is with me. have ordered my army
Tot 10 abandon the island under any cir
cumstances. Crete will be administrative
ly organized as soon as possible"
Ccrfu, Feb. 20.-Reinforcements of Greek
troops have left here for Arta Greece.
amidst enthusiastic cheering for the union
of Crete with Greece.
Paris, Feb. 20.-The students continued
this evening their demonstrations in favor
of Crete. but without any serious incident.
Two thousand people met at Mont Martre
and adopted resolutions favoring LCretan
ce. Speeches were made by sey-
eral members of the chamber of deputies.
The French policy of inertia was con-
demned.