GREECE AS SHE NOW IS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1912, 13 July 1888, Page 32

GREECE AS SHE NOW IS.

The Greek Minister at the Court of St. James being asked about the characteristics of his country, said : " The modern Greeks are a thrifty people. They understand how to make money and how to invest it to the best advantage. We have six public banks with a capital, all told, of £3,400,000, beside many private bankers. There are no paupers in the country, and no poorhouses. It would be a disgrace for a Greek to be maintained by charity, and hardly anyone will accept alms ia our country. The Greeks of to-day have the same qualities as those of ancient times. They have great self-respect and are proud, but not in a theatrical way. This spirit prevails even among the poorest class. I don't know as to how our public speakers would compare with Demosthenes, but we have many bright Greek orators, and in our Chamber of Deputies are delivered many fine orations. Greece offers even better chances for a young man to rise than America. All positions are now open to the young Greeks, and there are no property qualifications for election to the Chamber. Though we have an aristocracy of great families' we have no titled nobility, and the royal family rules in connection with the Legislative Assembly. Athens had, in 1884, 85,000 people. It is a beautiful city, with almost entirely new houses. It has many fine buildings, and the King's palace and cathedral would do honour to any of the capitals of Europe. Our Government departments are massive structures, and the Academy is a superb edifice of marble which cost over £200,000. In Athens, and in 'the large cities, the European dress is, as a rule, used, and the old Greek costumes are to be found only in the interior. This is so, however, throughout the Orient, and you will find even the Turks wearing pantaloons and frock coats. We have some of the fastest ships in the world, and our extensive coast lines lead to the cultivation of the shipping industry. We export some of the best olive oil that is found anywhere, and the Greek silk has always ranked among the best. We have now 327 miles of railroad already open to traffic, and railroads to a length of 435 miles are now being built. A canal is being cut across the Isthmus of Corinth which will cost £1,000,000, and our manufactures will continue to increase. We have an army of 28,000 men in time of peace, and this can be raised to 150,000 in war times. The Greeks are as strong physically as they were in ancient times. They are natural soldiers and they can endure forced marches as well as any of the soldiers of modern times. The Greeks of the mountains are especially hardy, and they have good staying qualities in time of war. The ' best time to visit Greece is in spring. The summer is very warm, but the spring is delightful. The" tourist will find it one of the most delightful countries in the world. It has more beauty />f scenery than any part of Italy, exoept the lake district, and its ruins are of more historic interest than those of any other land."