Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-10
Constantine and cou,tantinople

THERE is n Greek legend that Grecian
Constantine shall rule again in Constan-
tinople. as did that other Constantine who
established the capital Of the Byzantine en-
pre on the shores OF the Bosporus. If that
legend is to expect fulnllment in this genera
ton. ii probably will he over the protest if
not against the wishes, Of its logical bcne-
tciary
Constantine of Greece whether bcca use his
Queen is the sister of the German Emperor
ol for some reason that more nearly and prop
Crly concerns the people over whom he rules
IS the principal advocate in his kingdom Of
the policy Of neutrality If one may believe
the dispatches that come out OF Athens, those
who stand with him in minority so small
as 10 he nearly negligible. Apparently, there
are not enough Of them among Greeks hold
ing positions of Influence and dignity to form
Cabinet.
II is not difficult to see why England and
france should he anxious to have Greece en-
rolled as their ally. 1t would solve perhaps
some Of their difficulties and offer a reason
able answer TO many OF the demands that
their overgrown ally. Russia, may be expected
to make when the time for division OF the
spells al last is al hand.
Looking a. the map. one would think that
bulgaria would be the natural heir 10 most of
European Turkey, were she not too resentful
O. her corqucrors in the second Balkan War
ba. However. she hates Greece with
hatred even more venomous than that she
reserves for King Peter and his subjects and
it may we'll chance that the dictates Of ma
tonal scf-ntercst will outweigh the recolec-
ton OF past wrongs. Despite her supposed
allegiance to Germany. Bulgaria may conclude
that this is the time to strike and to strike
or the side of the allies.
From the Black Sea TO the Aegean. what
is left OF European Turkey follows the from
tiers OF Bulgaria. Adrianople which Bull
earian arms once won lies just across the
line Constantinoplc is not very far away
1t must he hard for Bulgaria to look into
this promised land and keep her sword in its
scabbard.
Greece is the allies better dependence for
Greece, leaving aside the King and part of
Tie court has no love for the Kaiser By
the genius of ,Ncnzelos. the country has been
raised TO the respectable position now occu-
pied. Crete, where he was born has re-
gained her old allegiance TO the Hellenic
Kingdom, and. through diplomacy or by force
of arms, other islands in the Aegean, Saloniki
ard its hinterand have been added as we'll
'en'zelos conccvcs Greece as entirely domi-
nant iii the Aegean as Italy would be and
perhaps is. In the Adriatic
Should Grecian battlcshps aid in the de-
s'ruction OF the defenses of the Dardanelles
ard Grecian army unite with the allied
oiocS III inc lanu HGntlnS That must take
place before Consantinople falls It would he
possible for France and England to insist that
Greece he recognized. Russian ambition
might he curbed. and something less than
final and uncontrolled dominion over tho
3osporus and the Dardanclies might he ac-
cCpled.
Morcover. the entrance Of Greece would
NOT be nkoly long 10 preccde the entrance of
italy jealous of her own Mediterranean in
strength would be quite sufficient to sound
hustras doom.