The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-03


Of Its telegraph wires. seaports, pub
lie buildings and public works.
Greek roads and railroads have bren
occupied by force, and furthermore,
bridges and tunnels valued at many
millions have been completely de-
stroyed
Fleet Appears in Force.
AT the moment when the present
Hellenic government assumed power
an imposing fleet blockaded the en-
trance to the Strait of Safamis. the
anchorage of the Hellenic feet, de-
spite our protestations. and after for
NAL refusals. We have been compelled
to command our crews to abandon
the vessels OF the light feet in order
60 save them from the pain of having
to surrender the vessels upon which
only recently they had taken part in
two victorious wars
For about a month now the Greek
people have witnessed with legitimate
grief the application of foreign con-
troll over nearly the whole of their
public service. their means OF COM
munication. their mails, their tele-
graph and telephone systems.
The Greek merchant fleet sees its
activity curtailed by multiple visits
and restrictions OF every sort
been able to import from abroad that
which has been absolutely indispen-
sable for It's nourishment or the neces-
sAries for light and for motive power
for its commerce on land as well as
on sea.
quite recently the traditional hos
pitality of the Greek people has SUI
fered a wound to which they are
deeply sensitive. The right of tho
strongest has been constantly opposed
to the legitimate protests OF Greece.
now that the latter has up to the
present endured everything with that
patience and dignity which smaller
nations possess to the highest degree.
But the latest demand of the admiral
commanding the naval forces OF the
entente in the Netherlands where
by he calls upon the Hellenic gov
eminent to deliver up material Of
war acquired at the price OF heavy
sacriflces, and which In the view Of
the Greek people can only serve t>s'
the defense OF the national interests
This demand. ! say. Is one which the
people. the ermv and navy, are
unanimous IN refusing
The Hellenic gove IN m en- T.
strengthened by the support of the
entire nation. has rejected and will
reject this last exaction. which has
profoundly wounded the Greek soul.
and is a serious ASA ult upon tho
sovereign rights OF the country.
Greece cannot deprive herself OF her
arms and renounce for the future de-
Tending herself against eventual
dangers
A Painful Situation.
7 believe Il my duty. Mr.. Minister
to expose to you In all frankness the
trf cif y,o IL, goh
Ands herself at the present moment
to the end that you may en,iRhten
your government and the public
opdnion OF your country upon this
matter. The Hellenic government
desires that neutral nations should
recognize the fact that the spirit OF
Cancellation and equity of which they
have given proof has not saved the
Hellenic people from tho grave v!cissi-
tudes to which their fatherland is sub
tected at this present moment We
are not strong enough to escape them
for they are the inevitable result of
the geograI Meal position Of Greece.
and OF the conflict of interests of the
great helligerent powers
Nevertheless, conscious OF her
rights. Greece is not DISCOURAGED. She
- confident that, despite all. she will
emerge from the present crisis weak
ened, but intact and ready 10 recon
stitute her forces with the view Of
accomplishing her duties toward the
Hellenic people. and l do not doubt,
Mr.. Minister. that You will offer in
these painful circumstances the sup
port which ] ask OF you. I am con-
WINGED OF the sympathetic interesl
which you bear for the affairs OF our
country. and ] assure you that this
conviction 10 precious TO the Hellenic
government and the people Of Greece,
IN the trials through which they are
passing.
Accept Mr.. Minister. with NV ar =
ticipated gratitude, the assurances OF
my highest consid Grafton
lGtgne6) '.ZAI1OY OSrAS.'