Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-07-04

in Its aspect. The events which happened
in Turkey in October, 1888, have had wide
spread echo In Turkey, and especially In
Greece. Union with Greece was pro-
claimed by Crete and q provisional gov
ernment was constituted notwithstanding
the presence OF the international troops
and Of M. Zaimis becoming in the interval
the high commissioner Of the protective
president OF the Crete executive commits
sion, telegraphed to the King OF Greece:
Crete Is animated by the profound con-
vfction that her just desire to be subject
to your scepter will be accomplished. and
hereafter Cretans will address their pray
ers to King George a. faithful and de-
voted subjects
In Turkish military circles 1t Is declared
that Turkey holds moro to the mainte-
nance OF Crete than she
Turkeys did to Roumalia or TO
u.,A. Bosnia, and that she will
not tolerate separation.
On the other hand. It Is freely admitted
at Constantinople that the porte will not
bother itself practically about Crete, but
upon condition that Greece does not mix
up In the affairs OF the island. 1t is ru-
mored-and Europe Cthe protecting pow
ers) will take this as a salutary iudica-
tion-that Turkey might accept a PROPOSE
ton to establish In Crete a government
similar to that which exists IN the Liban.
The Turks. however. are Of opinion In
the interests OF all that the present sit
uation should be maintained The Cretans
ditions. They have full autonomy and
pay few, IL any, taxes. They have no
real grievances.
Such Is the present situation Of Crete
1t is possible that the question was dis
cussed In the recent interviews at Baler
and Brindisi, but 1t does not appear that
solution was decided, and the Cretan
question remains to again trouble the
peace Of the world.
M. Raymond Recouly in the Figaro sug-
gests that the only solution OF this vexed
problem IL that the matter should be
turned over to the Turks and Greeks as
a mercantile affair. The Greeks are
nothing IL not imbued with the spirit of
tween Austria and Turkey and Turkey
and Bulgaria involving the same condi-
tons were commercial. A matter OF ex-
change. Turkey accepted pecuniary COM
pensation In both cases. and the precedent
established. she will doubtless be pleased
to renew the operation rs to Crete. M.
Recouly believes that this is the only
solution possible. and the protective pow
ers should lose no time in making 1t a
basis OF procedure.
is certain. the cruel lesson administered
them by Austria and Germany, who pulled
their noses severely In the recent affair.
and they fear to be subjected to like
treatment. To avert this operation they
will doubtless employ all their power and
strength and gladly advance the cash to
Greece to effect the object. Young Tur-
key besides Is assumed to be too well in
formed as to her own national interests
to become the helpless protege of any
power or powers. including Austria and
Germany.
Crete was under the domination OF the
! Republic OF Venice from 1211 to 1869.
when 1t passed under the
Cretan Ottoman power. From
u,.to+ 1S3O-4O 1t was governed
by the Viceroy OF Egypt
since when 1t has resumed its varying
fortunes as q nominal Turkish vilayet,
| interrupted by three-quarters Of a CEN
| fury Of constantly recurring instructions
| against the despotism OF old Turkey.
In 1893. it may be repeated. Crete was
constituted under the protection of Great
Britain, Russia, France and Italy an au-
t .sanan p. state under a high commits
occupied that post for time. resigned
and was succeeded by M. Alexander Thr
A. Zaimis. formerly prime minister of
! Greece.
The constitution of February, 1907, pro-
vides for an assembly, termed the ''bule, /"
consisting OF sixty-four deputies, elected
| in the proportion of one for every 5000
inhabitants. Deputies are elected or
| assembly meets In ordinary session annu-
ally May and sits during three months
In this interval the deputy receives for his
daily service 10 gold drachmai. the drach-
4 Srn0t fn<fVa lov1x
high commissioner Is the head Of the ex-
| ecutive authority: he appoints his coun-
cilors or ministers, three In number who
sit In the assembly and join In the DELHI
erahons, but have no vote unless they
are deputies. Questions concerning the
foreign relations Of Crete are determined
by the representatives of the four powers
| at Athens.
Canea, the capital, has a population of
24.b00 Inhabitants. and there are two
other principal cities-Candia, with %. TOO
and Rethmyo. $500.
Crete, IL may be useful to add for the
consideration Of American industry, is
mainly agricultural, and
Agriculture produces olive oil, used
r. largely in the manufac-
ture Of soap. the annual
production being about 3,165,OOO kilos,
valued at 1900. 900 drachmai. for which
there are eighteen factories. The annual
yield OF oil averages $4,000 tons. The
| commerce OF Crete is mainly with Greece
| and Turkey. Tho imports in 1905 ex-
ceeded in value 10000 900 drachmai. the
exports 100000.
Sir Edward Grey. speaking In the house
or commons recently on the question Of
the recall OF the international troops, said
that Great Britain was neither first nor
last among the four powers In that mat
ter. They had all decided, prior to the
Turkish revolution, to recall the occupa-
ton forces. That decision has not been
changed: their intention was to execute
It The Cretan question had not been
solved; 1t was q difficult question. Great
Britain would do her best to solve 1t
pacifcally. There was no need to dis
cuss the character Of counsel which gov
eminent might offer In the emergency
lest 1t might provoke malicious insinu-
| ations.
Crete may know her own interests best,
but inasmuch as SHE is barely taxed, au-
| tonomous and practically free-free from
all control save that of the benign and
friendly protection of four great powers
1t may be permitted to ask why Crete
should seek to change what appears to
be an ideal condition? There are states
less favored content to bear the ills they
nave than ny to those they wot not Of"
CHI. CHAILLE-LONG.