THE STATE OF CRETE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 257, 26 February 1897, Page 3

THE STATE OF CRETE.

THE POWERS ARRIVE AT A DECISION. THE GOVERNOR'S PALACE AT CANEA DESTROYED. LEADING PAPERS ADVISE ACCEPTANCE OF THE TREATY. (i'i f I Vrfi Asxoviati'in—< London, Feb. 25. The Powers have unanimously decided to grant Crete an extensive scheme of autonomy and to transform it to the position of a province. While undertaking these reforms at heme the connecting link with Turkey will be retained. The Powers will also order the Turkish troops and administration to be withdraw n from ;he island as early as possible, while Greece will also be summarily ordered to evacuate the position taken up there. In the event of the latter country's refusal coercion will be used, and ultimately a blockade resorted to. Mr Goschen, First Lord of the Admiralty, speaking at the City Carlton Club," stated that Lord Salisbury and the Hon. A. -J. Balfour would announce the decision to the Lords and Commons respectively. He said the Government would remain with the European concert which alonemight save the world from great danger. The Times considers the result a great diplomatic success. The representatives of the Powers have earned the gratitude of all those who love peace. The Standard publishes a statement that Greece is prepared with a scheme of Cretan autonomy, and proposes to persevere with the policy enunciated by King George. Athens, Feb. 25. The Governor's palace at C'aneawas destroyed by fire, evidently the work of an incendiary. The Governor's safe, containing £7OOO, fell into the fire from an upper story. The marines formed a cordon round the debris to prevent plundering, an action which nearly caused a riot. The lsading papers in the city with the most influence advocate submission to the Powers, while the attitude of other journals is of a bellicose nature. They urge the Government to declare war with Turkey and to advance into Macedonia.