Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-30
reforms demanded the king will

the reforms demanded the king will
sanction them and cooperate in carry
ing them out, but he will not countenance
any revolutionary proceedings. He Is
deeply chagrined that after forty-six
years upon the throne of Greece the
people should not have confidence In his
loyalty to Greece and his desire to protect
and improve the conditions of the people.
September p procession OF 1000 men
tsome Of the newspapers claim $4,000
appeared at the palace bearing me-
mortal approving the legislative progrs m
proposed by the Military League and
demanding other reforms. The king
received it with a gracious speech. In
which he declared his desire to crafty
the wishes of his subjects. The pro-
ceedings were most orderly. There was
no excitement, and the procession seemed
more in earnest than enthusiastic. 1t was
composed of labor organizations and as
sociations for benevolent, social and other
purposes. Many of them are semi-re-
ligious, and hundreds Of priests Of the
Greek Orthodox Church were in line,
which indicates that the clergy of the
country are in favor of strengthening
the defenses of the nation, as we'll as
certain reforms which affect their own
profession. The Greek priesthood. as a
rule, is composed of worthy, but ig-
norant, men, and there has long been
demand for an educated clergy. and the
protection of the church against the
politicians who endeavor to control the
holy synod and the hierarchy. Although
we regard Greece as the very fountain
of learning. the common people are prac-
tically illiterate. OF the army recruits
write, who fairly represent the peasant
class.
The procession was accompanied by
bands of music. and each organization
could be identified by its flags and BAN
ners. 1t was massed at the, foot of
committee
mitted to the audience chamber and pre-
scented a memorial personally to the king.
He received them cordially, and, upon
their retirement. appeared at once upon
balcony, accompanied by the queen
and other members of the royal family.
and read speech from manuscript 1t
was received with a hearty response,
and the procession was reformed in an
orderly manner and marched away.
Demands of the Memorial.
The demands of the memorial included
those of the Military League. based upon
public safety as the first duty Of a civil
lied nation. The. other points were: a
simplification Of the government service
and methods of doing business for econ
omy and efficiency: legislation to foster
agriculture and the breeding of cattle;
laws that will promote the use of native
rather than foreign products; laws to i'm
prove the condition of the working class
es: to secure speedier justice in the courts.
to prevent delays in litigation and to
reduce the expenses of litigation for the
poor: to reform the penal system and the
ter and more schools for the masses: to
divorce the church from politics and Sc
cure an educated clergy: to prohibit
usury, and finally, to secure change
in parliamentary procedure. SO as to
prevent obstructive tactics and remove
craftsmanship from legislation.
sraealated t the members n'T Of ep, the COM
mittee upon the moderation of their
demands. and the clearness In which they
expressed the wishes of the people. His
government, he said, would take them
under serious consideration and would
earnestly recommend parliament to enact
the necessary laws. He has never had a
thought but for the best interests of the
nation, and will encourage every measure
that will contribute to its advancement
and prosperity. He thanked the crowd
for its orderly conduct and the iaWIul
procedure it had adopted in presenting It's
opinion and wishes. He hoped that parma
ment would respond promptly. and In con-
clusion said: II ask you to query ois.
perse after Joining your king IN cryins;
Long live the nation! Long hVe Inc
people! Long live the army!
Humiliating the King.
The demonstration was favorable to his
majesty and committed him>and his cab
int IN the reforms, but the political fac
lions in parliament are SO divided that
hi. influence goes for naught. And. i'm the
meantime, the Military League is humil-
iatine him in every possible manner. 1t
demands the adjustment of the general
stat Of the army: the right to select the
minister of war and marine: the general
Reorganization OF the army and navy;
the purchase of fleet, and the entire
separation of the royal family from the
military establishment. The Crown Prince
Duke of Sparta, has been
of the army. which
nominally consists OF about 25OOO men,
and admiral of the navy, which is com
posed of three small gunboats, a few
torpedo boats, and other obsolete craft