The Washington times., 1905-08-27
OO|OUS TYRANNY
CRY THE CRETANS
Fight Rule of Grecian
Prince.
DEFY POWERS OF EUROPE
Abduction of High Commissioner and
independence of the Island
Sought.
DEFY POWERS OF EUROPE


tain members of the International con-
suiar corps at Canea, in the Island OF
Crete. at the outbreak of the revolution
last March, which was to the effect that
the movement was merely a local one"
has proved sadly incorrect The situa-
ton Is ons that may al any moment
lead to trouble among the powers of
Europe.
1t might be thought that the Cretans
have no cause 20 be troublesome. They
have been freed from the bondage of the
Turk, a prince of Greece, with full local
powers, has been placed in authority
over them. and the necessary ''sinews"
placed at his and the islands disposal.
Therefore. their action might appear to
SAVIOR of ingratitude.
Yet this is not wholly the case. In
placing a Greek prince over them Eu-
rope washed her hands OF the whole af-
fair. There are consuls at Canea whose
business was to watch over Prince
Georges administration, but this they
have most obviously omitted to do.
Prince George has ruled the island in
much the same manner as his cousin.
the Car, rules Russia.
Privileges Withdrawn.
1t is true that the prince placed
leading posts, but this the Cretans ad-
mitted in their modesty to be only right
at the commencement. But soon
Prince George withdrew one privilege
of liberty after another. Any one dar-
ing TO demonstrate was prosecuted. and
even imprisoned: deputations of the
most influential islanders Were abused
by the prince as II they were naughty
school boys, and he himself superin-
tended the elections.
The result was that the parliament
became a farce, the councils nothing
but the princes creatures and every
man who dared TO demonstrate was
branded as a traitor to his country
Privileges such as the right of the vii
layers TO elect their own headmen OF
mayors. enjoyed even under Turkish
rule. We're withdrawn.
The loan made to the island by the
powers was frittered away, and today
there are still no roads in the entire
island, except one of a few miles il
length Where a rocky. barren coun
try like Montenegro has magnifcen
roads through most of the land. and
every village possesses a telegraph sta
ton and school. Crete enjoys non,
of these, and. what is more, they art
not even contemplated.
More Liberty Under Turk.
Toward the end it was a common re
mark of the islanders that they en-
joyed more liberty under the Turk
than under Prince Georges autocrati
rule. AS all remonstrance failed signal
" since elections were cooked an
popular feeling muzzled. a few 'trai
tors gathered together and talke
matters over
Venizelos, a noted lawyer and lat
leader of the obliterated opposition
was and is still. the brain of the move
ment. A Greek patriot and nOblema
named Manos Ga Bailiol Oxford mar
too. by the way joined him. and place
funds at his disposal, and very soon a
influential committee was formed
With great secrecy their plans sreV
to maturity. though the discomfort wa
widely known; and one evening severa
hundred men mobilized In the mountain
behind Canea- II was there. ct The
risso that the leaders busily organize
their men. constructed a provisiona
government. and drew up many peril
1ent proclamations.
Some very half-hcarted attempts wer
made TO disIodge them by the local au
thorities. which. however only resuite
in the death of few unhappy gen
darmes. The interbationa troops wer
called out. and marched in an aimles
manner 10 and fro. TO the intense amuse
ment Of the insurgents" and very muc
TO their own disgust.
The traitors were surrounded, iso
lated. and threatened. but still the
managed 10 live heartily. and were-an'
as it would appear. are stiii-the master
OF the situation.