Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-05-18
Turkeys Terms.

SUNDAY. 1t was thought by some that
ne would institute succeeding relis-
icus observance to further delay the
matter. This particular festival ccr-
that it follows the fasting CT the Ram
azan and is an occasion when rejcic-
ing is regarded by the Mussulmans as
a duty. 1t probably was net an irk
some duty now that successes have
crowned the efforts of Turkish arms
and the Powers stand aghast at the
vigor displayed by the sick man" of
Europe. The Sultan, hcvcvcr did
not deem it best to delay longer, al
though he could easily have done SO.
As to his terms, the general opinion
seems to be that they are excessive,
or at least much beyond what the
Powers will grant. This was to have
been expected. The Sultan was not
such a smpleton as only to ask fcs
just what he expected to get, more
over he is making a demons ration that
will influence the award. He has put
into the field q force greater than was
ne cessary. as it proves. to overpower
Greece. and he is still sending forward
troops. He probably wishes to impress
is one of them or at least ought to be.
and at the same time he is attracting
10 himself the allegiance of all the war
like elements of his own people ard
appealing to the spirit of nationality
and loyalty Of them all. ThesSaly can
scarcely be given to Turkey without
opening up the disagreeable questions
settled at the Berlin Conference.
Whence can come that indemnity of
$50, 900, 600 is a question not easily dis
posed Of. But Turkey must get some
thing or there will be trouble. The
tons are assurance that the Turh
doesn't intend to be cheated out of all
the advantages he has really won by
force of arms, as has been the outcome
Of previous like attempts on his part
His soldiers are hungry for more
bloody work to do. His subjects arel
aroused from their lethargy Thel
hatred for the Giaour burns with
renewed intensity and is likely to get
re nj In, a
himself. Then what?
1t is idle to say that the Turk is the
aggiessor, idle to blame him for ask
ing no more than one of the Powers
ould under similar circumstances.
Much IS the Turk deserves the exc
Grafton of the civilized world. much as
Europe deserves and needs to rid her
self of his baneful influence the
Mussulman has done no more in this
war with Greece than might fairly
have been expected of him. He has
been wheedled, cheated and coddled by
the concert of the Powers until he
would be less than human did he not
dispise it all 1t is idle to blame him
for wishing to break loose from those
who have assumed to control him but
have not. He knows the depths of du-
plicity, the cowardly scheming that
have characterized Eastern diplomacy
for more than half a century. If the
public knew as much as he does they
would not lavish all their Indignation
on the Sultan or his government.
But what of the future of Greece.
This people that for 500 years We're
under subsection and surrounded by
circumstances calculated to humble
their spirit and degrade their man
hood emerged from it and have de-
veloped wonderfully as nation. They
have attained industrial progress that
is surprising under the circumstances
They have been poorly governed by
standing that they have cherished such
a love for country, that despite wretch
ed leadership, lack of preparation on
| the part of those whose duty it was to
make preparations they have not hest
tated to fight to the bitter end for their
native land. Their army is but little bet
ter than mob but unlike most mobs it
| has done effective fighting whenever it
has had the opportunity. Any reduc-
ton of Greeces present territory any
| big increase of it's already almost hope
| less national debt will have a tendency
| to crush out the national spirit and
stay the progress which was so promis-
| ing. Look at it as we may, the conclu-
sion is that the Powers, which might
| have prevented the war had they been
united in so doing, cannot bring it to
close without inficting serious if not
| irreparable injury on Hellas.
An Old Scrap Book.
Congress met for their last session