Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-07-25

IONDON, JuIy zt.-l ne cOn1ihS week is to add another important chap ter to the turbulent history of Crete, the rugged little island in the eastern Mediterranean which, from the fact that it forms natural link between Europe and Asia, has always been looked upon with more or less covetous eyes by the rival European powers. Tuesday next is the day fixed for the evacuation of the island by the inter national troops that for three years past have been maintained there by Great Britain, France, Russia and Italy to preserve order. Though the various interested powers affect to believe that no serious disturbances will follow the withdrawal of troops, it is doubtful if any statesman in Europe views the situation as other than one full of trou- ble and menace.
 The trouble in Crete arises from the fact that the island, though a Turkish possession, is inhabited chiefly by Chris tan Greeks, who have long been agi- tating for complete union with Greece. When the withdrawal of the interna- tional troops is accomplished the Turks fear that the Cretans, with Greek sup port, may attempt to throw off Turk ish sovereignty.
 To any such attempt the Young Turks. who are fearful of any further loss of prestige and territory to the em- ... hn ct fan and advices recently received from Salonica tell of warlike preparations being pushed on with feverish haste.
 Crete has been theater of bloody strife since the days of Homer. Torn bv civil dissensons, the island main tained its independence under the various Macedonian monarchs but fin ally became a Roman province. Subse- quently it passed un.er Venetian rule. If was not until l645 that the Turks made serious attempt to effect con ouest. Then they landed with an army of 50000 men, reduced Canea and Retimo. and laid seige to Candid, which capitulated after resistance of twen- " years, tnc lHost pio'ihNto" CIV S' ''' record. The fall of Candid meant the submission of the entire island.
 From this time the island continued subject to Ottoman rule till the out break of the Greek revolution in 1891. The struggle then was prolonged until in 1880 the allied powers-france, Rus sia and England to the government of Mehemet Ali, viceroy of Egypt. Tn lS40 Crete was again taken from Mehemet Ali and replaced under the dominion of the Turks. The Cretans desire for freedom resulted m four successive revolts, one in lSo!, which was speedily repressed; another in 1866. which continued for some tune; and two more, in 1887 and 1888.
 Following the revolt of 1888 Shakir pasha was sent to the island ny the Turks as military governor and he pro claimed martial law. In 1889 he Vio' lated the provisions of the Halepa pact, which had been indorsed. by the powers. Legislative representation was ignored and all the customs receipts of the
 island were appropriated by Turkey The island was ruled despotically. Christians refused to go to the polls and general troubles existed. Finally the European powers interfered, and m l 1894 Christian was made governor. The legislative assembly was once more established but trouble at once arose over the question of finances. The re. volt assumed formidable proportions and the efforts of the powers failed to stop it.
 Finally. in 1897, Greece made an ef- fort to take the island away from Turk ish control, and out of this grew the war between Greece and Turkey. Greece sent troops to Crete, but Fur key was victorious in the war, and as result the Greek troops were with drawn and Turkish garrisons took their place. They indulged in renewed out rages on the Christians and the old troubles broke out afresh.
 As result of these new troubles the four powers--Great Britain, France, Russia and Italy-again intervened, and constituted the island, with the ad-