The discontent in Crete which flames out from time to
time is again growing active, and Turkish troops have been pre- vented from collecting the "tithes," which, we may remark, are the Imperial land-tax. The Turkish Government is very reluctant to use force, which would instantly rouse European opinion, and equally reluctant to give up its revenue or remove the unpopular Governor. As none of the Powers are just now prepared to assist the Cretans, a great insurrection is improbable; but, according to the Times' correspondent at Athens, who has a special knowledge of Crete, the people would accept annexation by any Power in order to be rid of the Turk. They would prefer British rule, however, to any- thing except annexation to Greece. The most probable solu- tion for the present is autonomy, and we do not quite under- stand why the Cretans are unable to buy it. They have been offered it once, and the Sultan is always in want of money.
Previous page
