THE RISING IN CRETE. PROPOSED REFORMS BY THE POWERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2244, 4 March 1897, Page 19

THE RISING IN CRETE. PROPOSED REFORMS BY THE POWERS.

GEEECE TO BE COERCED IF NOT ACCEPTED. TUEKISH TROOPS TO BE WIIHDKAWN. Athens, February 22. The Cretans are continuing skirmishes with the Moslems outside Canea. King George of Greece has despatched a message to the Great Powers, in which he states that his patience is exhausted. The formation of a mixed gendarmerie at Crete is the only reform granted by the Sultan. He says that it is useless, and has caused a Moslem rising. King George has given precise orders to the Greek army to continue to occupy the country, and has decided to annex the Island of Ponte. He professes to have asked the united advice of tbe representatives of the Great Power?, which is at present conflicting, and is awaiting their decision. Thirty thousand citizens assembled in front of the Royal Palace and cheered the King. Great excitement prevailed. Colonel Vasaos reports that Fort Vonronlis was blown np by dynamite when the Moslem garrison of Canea marched against tbe Christians. ; The allied fleets in Cretan waters bom- • barded the insurgents' camp for 25 minutes, throwing 70 shells. The Greek regular foroes were not engaged in the action. No bloodshed resulted. Kaiserin Augusta, a Garman cruiser, fired shells charged with melinite. Nine French and Russian warships have reinforced the fleet at Oanea. February 23. The allied fleets fired 30 shells amongst the insurgents at Ptrudia. They did some havoc in the Christian quarter. During the bombardment at Oanea a Greek warship received a shot from an 18-pounder. Tbe Christians at Cadanq, ignoring the white flag, fired on the British, Russian, and Italian Consulates. The Turkish Christian forces massacred all tbe prisoners who fell into their hands. Eighteen persons were wounded during tbe short bombardment of Oanea. Two hundred and fifty soldiers and 1700 Mussulmans at Ctndaros and 1000 at Spanico, Beliuo, are in imminent danger of capture by tbe insurgents. The consols of the Powers have arranged lor a week's armistice. February 24. Tbe admirals of the combined fleets, being unable to spare marines, could not comply with tbe request from Selino. \ The Governor's Palace at Oanea was i destroyed by fire, evidently tbe work of an incendiary. The Governor's safe, containing L7OOO, fell into tbe fire from the upper storey. The marines formed a cordon round tba debris to prevent the mob plundering, an action which nearly caused a riot. February ?5. ■ The two leading papers in the city of the ; most influence advocate submission to the Powers, while tbe attitude of tbe other journals is bellicose. They urge the Government to declare war with Turkey and advance into Macedonia. All the Cretan archives and land titles were destroyed in tbe Palace fire. The Powers are ordering supplies of Wbltehead torpedoes in large quantities. February 26. Tbe King of Greece is profoundly amazed at the attitude of tbe Powers with regard to Ore to. February 28. The Greek Government have called out the reserves. x It is alleged that Russia has sent a menacing despatch to King George, but tbe terms of the reported despatch are so strong that the report reqmires confirmation before it can be accepted. The Governor of Candia, with an armed force of Moslems, fought the Christians. Several were killed on both sides. Admiral Canevaro, who is in command ef the combined fleets, warned the Governor not to repeat the aotion. Colonel Vassos is using his influence to Induce the insurgents at Belino to release tbe Moslems captured by them. London, February 22. Tbe Berlin correspondent of Tbe Times says that there is ground for believing that tbe Powers intend to resort to strong measures for repression in the event of tbe Greeks renewing the fighting in Orete.~ A portion of the British Naval Reserve is mobilising. February 23. In tbe House of Commons the Opposition protested against British ships taking part 'in the recent bombardment at Crete. Sir W. V. Harconrt stated that the separation of Crete was the only policy worthy of tbe British to pursue. i February 24. \ Mr CuTzon, replying to a question in tbe House of Commons, said there was no indication that Turkey contemplated hostilities against Crete by sea. The British Consul at Crete attributed the latest Christian outbreak to the belief tbat massacres would occur at Oanea as a result of the pretence of the Greek warships. The Christians and Moslems at Selino have asked tbe Powers to occupy the town, declaring tbat 300 soldiers are sufficient for tbe purpose. The Powers are discussing Lord Salisbury's proposal as to granting autonomy to Crete, and the Constantinople correspondent of The Times says the adoption of a icheme of autonomy now seems probable. February 25. The Powers unanimously decided to grant Crete an extensive scheme of autonomy, and transform it to the privilege of a province. While undertaking these reforms at home a connecting link with Turkey will be retained. Tbe Powers will also order the Turkish troop* amd administration to b» withdrawn from tbe island as early as possible, while Greece Is also summarily ordered to evacuate the petition tekea ud tbere. In the event of tbe

latter country's refusal coercion will be used, and ultimately a blockade resorted to. Mr Gosohen, speaking at the City Carlton Club, stated that Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour would announce the decision to the Lords and Commons respectively to-morrow. He said tha Government would remain with the European concert, whioh alone might save the world from great danger. The Times considers the matter ie a great diplomatic sneoess, and says that the representatives of the Powers have earned the gratitude of all those who love peace. The Standard publishes a statement that Greece is not prepared to accept Cretan autonomy, and proposes to persevere with tbe policy enunciated by King Gaorge. Mr Gladstone, in a letter dealing with the proposals to settle the Cretan difficulty, accuse* the Powers of filling np tbe measure of their own dishonour. Ffcbruary 26. In the House of Lord* Lord Salisbury announced the decision of the Great Powers in regard to Crete. He believed that tbe allied Powers had agreed upon a policy of administrative autonomy, with the necessary condition that the occupation by Greece should cease and Crete remain a portion of Turk«j v If Turkey and Greece refuse to withdraw from the island when required to do so the Powers would enforce their dscisioc. Turkey wonld withdraw from Crete when autonomy was established, except that It would retain an indication of sovereignty over the island similar to Samos. The Greek, troops wonld withdraw at an earlier date than the -Turkish. The Athens correspondent of the Standard i states that there ia an indication that if Greece withdraws from the position taken ; np euch action will endanger the Greek throne. Febrnary 27. The Athens correspondent of The Times wires that M. Delyannis, the Premier, and the King refuse to give a promise to withdraw from Crete. ! The Greek populace continne furious. The combined fleets will blockade the entire Cretan coast, and are prepared to seize all provision ships. The Turkish Government continue preparations unceasingly on the Greek frontier. Outside of Athens the European Powers are satisfied with the Eolution of the Cretan difficulty. PABIB, Febrnary 23. Beplying to a question, M. Hanotauz stated that the Sultan had handed Crete in | trust to the Powers, and the presence of the admirals of the various nations was a guarantee that the island wonld not be re- ! placed under the direct control of Turkey. Berlin, February 22. Baron Marshal yon BierbersteEn, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, considers that the action of Greece islanding Crete in increased anarchy. Constantinople, February 22. I Phatiades Bey has been appointed Governor i of Creta.