Evening journal., 1920-12-16
Peoples Column
COvATOs DEFENDS vENIZE1Os.

To the Editor OF The Evening Journal: {:
Slr-I happened 10 run across an
open letter which appeared IN the
issue OF December a, In one OF the
local papers, signed by one Elias
Seliris. He starts out his TRADE
against the former Premier Venizelos
by stating that his defeat is very
pleasing TO the great majority OF
Iright-thinklng Greeks. and explains
that King Constantine was deposed
from the throne OF Greece by others
history and no further explanation is
necessary as the American people
read the newspapers and are familiar
with the facts
The young man also goes into
rather a lengthy explanation in re-
gard 10 certain points OF the Veni-
zelOs administration from his personal
viewpoint. Permit me TO state that
| am. first OF all, an American citizen
and have taken the stand that II is
my business TO support the govern
ment OF this country rather thar ic
take a partisan view rs tc what
should be done in Greece. But in
justice 10 the great majority OF right
thinking Greeks who feel that for
mer Premier Nenizelos is one Of the
greatest statesmen Of the world, who
did more for Greece than any other
one individual or group OF people.
cannot feel that the statements made
in the letter referred to should 60
unanswered.
OF course, the people OF all nations
are war-weary, and changes have been
made In administrations not 30 much
on personal lines, but because the
people desire a change. This feeling
]
defeat in Greece-Wc all know n.
Nenzelos was the real leader OF his
people, n real statesman, a man who
1 secured results for the benefit Of his
people, as we'll as for HE rest Of the
/ civilized world He was not pro-
| Kaiser, nor could ne in any way be
considered prO-kaiser. as was the
case with certain OF his enemies. The
letter | refer 10 makes the direct
charge that while NenlZelos was pre-
mier he had imprisoned, eXiled or
shot political opponents at will, and
also discharged efficient army officers
about 1000 in number.
Now ! believe that what Venizelos
dtl do was TO fire about 100 army
| officers who were dislOyal TO his adj
ministratlOn and were prO-Kaiser
The charge made against Nenizel0s
censorship Of the mail is utterly pre-
| posterOus, because every country
under conditions OF war has like CEN
s0rships. Mr.. NenizelOs, as the leader
| OF his country, naturally took full
charge Of the duties Of his office. feel
ing that his personal responsibility
was so great that ne must conduct
his office in a manner that would ben
eft Greece, as well as her allies. ANY
normal and thinking man must. O
necessity, stand by the countries
which are allied with his country IL
war and indOrse Nenizelos' action il
not enectng collusion with century
old enemies, Turkey and Bulgaria. th'
kaisers allies.
- question asked. "Mhy did Neni
zelOs leave Greece so quickly ih'
night Of the elecliOn?' appears rathe
childish. for he alone can best answe
this question. 10 is not for any on
OF us TO dictate TO another what hi
shall DO, provided his actions ar
pcaceable and laN-ahidng However
il is known that for the past three o
four years Mr.. NenizelOs has spen
most of his time looking after the in
, lerests of his people In foreign cOun