AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL KING

Southland Times, Issue 17661, 19 February 1916, Page 5

AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL KING

M. Veniidos’s decision not to take part in the Greek elections is the subject ol au interesting article by him in the Figaro. "After 5u years of free constitutional life,” says M. Venizclos, “when the Greek people had succeeded by a supreme effort in accomplishing a part of its national programme, the Constitution is transformed into a veritable scrap of paper.

"We .see the inauguration in Greece, by mean? of successive dissolutions, of a Govern men l which would only have sense in a Monarchical country where the- supreme organ of the State is the Monarch.-

“In view of the comedy of the forthcoming elections, which ore to be held at a time when a large number of the Liberal Deputies are with the colours, as well as the greater part of the Liberal electors, this party cannot lend itself to this comedy unworthy of a free people and contrary to the national will.

“it will consequently not take part in the elections, and will leave to the Government full and entire responsibility for its deviation from the political regime and for the disasters which the Government is preparing.

“When the external crisis has terminated, should the disaster not have assumed proportions such that our faith in the future of Hellenism is shaken, the Liberal Party will resume the struggle for the del once of its constitutional liberties in less dangerous conditions than those of to-day." "It is deeply to be regretted, 1 ’ says The Times, “that circumstances should forbid the two most eminent men in Greece, the warrior King and the patriotic and sagacious political' leader, from working together in tins troubled and anxious time. So working, as Victor Emmanuel and Cavour worked, they might have made her position unassailable. We earnestly hope, however, that M. Venizelos and his friends will not withdraw from public life altogether. That would be a misfortune to the country and to the Crown."