New-York tribune., 1917-06-13

, Allies grew in Greece and his own
power became more and more restricted,
until at last he was discharged like an
incompetent butler.
Gounaris headed the Cabinet which
supplanted Venzelos'. In August, 1915,
the "strong man of Greece came back
into power through the general election.
In September Bulgaria mobilized against
, Serbia. The Premier insisted that
Greece should mobilize at once against
Bulgaria. The King again refused, and
Venizelos resigned again, his place beng
taken by Zaimis, the present Premier
When Bulgaria attacked Serbia, the
new Premier announced that Greece
would continue her neutrality. Shortly
thereafter he quarrelled with Parlia-
ment, which was Overwhelmingly in ia
vor of Venizelos, and was deposed. The
King prevented return of the friend
of the Allies TO power b. dismissns
the Parliament.
Constantine Still Hesitates
During 1916 events in Greece moved
more rapidly and more bloodily. Bull
garia captured several frontier forts
and took a number of Greek soldiers
prisoner. Constantine refused 20 act.
He was willing, however. to start
wearisome series of objections when
the Allies landed at Salonica to aid
Serbia. Allied troops then invaded
Athens. we're fired upon by sympathiz-
ers with the King and street battle
followed, in which there were 200 cas-,
ualties. Constantine wilted again ana
ordered his troops to lay down their
arms. The Allies then demanded
Greek artillery to the number Of guns
surrendered TO Bulgaria. They re-
ceived six batteries. and the hing
again entered into temporary under
standing with the Allied commanders.
Meanwhile the break between tne
royalsts and the republicans under
Venizelos had become abso lutte. Many
regiments deserted TO the former fre-
mier's standard. Volunteers also en-
tered his provisional army" HIS
force became so strong that IL hnaily
received the recognition Of the Allies
and Joined the troops at Salonica.
Venizelos Assails Monarch
Venizelos continued his attacks upon
the King. He charged him with being
under the thumb Of Prusslan advisers.
He accused him of violating the Greek
constitution by dissolving the Parlia-
ment. Constantine, he said, had led
Greece to the brink of a precipice. had
made her laughing stock throughout
the world.
Under the leadership OF the former
Premier, Crete and Lemnos accused the
King Of treachery and demanded his
dethronement.
The King was trapped. Possibly he
had been promised German aid that
was not forthcoming. His nation, which
few short years before had looked
upon him as a potential head OF new
empire of the East. was turning against
him. His ports we're blockaded by the
Allies. French and British warships
lay at the Piraus threatening his capi-
tai Under his feet his government
was melting away.
Officers of his army left by the score
to join Venizelos. Province after prov
ince renounced its allegiance. On
May a great celebration was held IN
Salonica. Leaders OF the Greek re
publican movement spoke, and the crowd
yelled Long live the national govern
ment, Down with the King" Resolu-
tions were adopted demanding the abdi-
cation of Constantine.
Through all this the King continued
his policy of obstinate neutrality, re-
lieved by futile attacks against the
Allies. He proclaimed to the world
that he was only desirous of peace for
Greece. and in the next breath threat
end France and England with war
He continued, a weak, uncertain, al
most querulous figure, Intil he was
overwhelmed King who lost his
country because he did not dare lead it.