The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-05-05
THE STIR IN CRETE.

Echoes from the 1taiinn naval guns
in the Aegean arc that Crete is ngain
| astir and that the powore arc threat
Oretnn stir is an acute rscrudescence Of
the chronic agitation OF years for an
nexstion TO Greece and was TO have
been expected. It is natural. Ra-
oially some thrccteurths OF tho pcpu-
istion of Crete are Grcoiks and of the
Greek faith. and the slightest involve
mcnt of Turkey in trouble is sufficient
TO stimulate them to active effort to
realize their cherished and patriotic
ambition of absorption into the Creek
Kingdom. In common with millions of
their coreligion!sts and racial cog
mates In Greece. they dream OF re-
storation of the ancient Grecian en-
pre- and are probably moro obsessed
by that vision than any other subject.
Why there should be renewed signs"
Of an uprising in the island lust at
preeent is easily understood.
In the face, however. " the missions
Of France In Morocco. Italy in Tripol;.
and Russia and Great Britain i'm Par
sia. in the interest OF civilization and
the Weakening OF MohnmmedRn tom
poral regnancy. the threat of interven-
ton by the powers would seem utterly
illogical and self-stultify!ns. But not
80 upon looking beneath the Immediate
surface and TO tho possible far reach
Ing results and influences Of sue
cdssful Crctan revolt.
II has been sententiouslv ana ,ru,b-
fully remarked that in the islands I'm
dependence OF the Turkish yoke would
IN all probh biiity lie the key to the
liquidation" OF the whole noar Enst
question. In other words. II could no,
but mean, could not but preoipltate.
the beginning OF the end of the dis
momberment OF Turkey in Europe. II,
is pointed out that II Greece should
acquire Crete. inevitably Bulgaria
would demand compensation In Mac.
donia. and servia In Nuvibazar, while
Albania would almost certainly declare
her emancipation. As 10 BULGARIA. and
Macedonia. already this View is slgni-
hoantIy outtressed by the renewed
activities OF tho representatives, Of the
bulgarian international Macedonian
Organization, located IN London.
These have issued a mpnifesto dc.
cIarina 1t IS useless to hope INV Ionu-
or for Eonuine reform from tho Young
Turks; that the present sufrcrings of
the Christians in Turkey bid fair 10
surpass the record under the Hamidts n
order; that the prosecutions are ex-
ceptionally severe in the case OF the
Bulsarians who are supposed 10 b,
an especial danger TO the Young Turk
regime and that in Macedonia. "plund
er' murders, abduct!ons and violation
Of women are of daily occurrence" 1t
is further asserted that the Bulgarian
peasants in Macedonia are being driven
from their lands and being replaced bv
Immigrants from Bosnia ana else
whore: that assassination OF Pulgar-
tans IL regular system. ana the con-
sequence. I; is argued. viii be tho
strengthening OF the collective armed
protest OF the Dulgarians" in Til.
Macedonian province
/ Herein is distinct warming OF CON
! ,cmpla,ed, formidable and organized
/ resurrection. Their manifesto there
( fore. and In conclusion. appeals for tho
placing OF Macedonia under the con
i trol OF the great powers. and the ap-
I pointment OF a Christisn governor; for
( recognition OF Independence Of Tur
key.
IL the light OF this announcement
Of Servion and Albanian aspirations
ana OF the reasonable forecast Of what
practical directions these would ba
lk"iy 20 take the alleged threat O.
'Ae powers loses It's aspect OF self
Contradiction, OF unexplainablc antae-
"n'Sm between prccept and practice
me powers forsce, in giving Crete "a
Tree hand Tor the naturalization Of her
ardent desire for union with Crcecc
the menace OF a general dislocation Of
Balkan politics. pregnant with the
dangers Of general Balkan t,phcavn,
internecinc strife and the possible
necessity OF armed Interference that
may Involve tho dying. as TO some OF
them al one anothcr's throats. befor.
the Ultimate liquidation" is attained
Tho threat is desiSucd to avert con.
dit!ons and contamination TINT
might, and. II is believed bv many.
would, threaten a great II no, IA gen.
! cral European war. That dsaloses the