The Turks complain most bitterly of the Greek armaments. They
say they have been compelled to transport great bodies. of troops from Asia into Epirus and Macedonia3.in order to defend those provinces, and that, they have consequently been obliged to raise money from local bankers at extrava- gant interest. They hope to pay it off by a small, loan of between six and seven millions, secured on the Customs revenue of Constantinople, Smyrna, and other ports ; but this process is, of course, eating up their regular resources. It is hinted that the Greek object was to cause financial embarrassment ; but as Greece is still more embarrassed herself, and cannot bay the Provinces, this must be nonsense. For us, the chief interest of the statement consists in the fact that the requisitions levied in Epirus and Macedonia, which extended to clothing as well as food, are not likely to be paid for. The unhappy provincials have suffered for everybody, for Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, and get nothing in return, not even.pity ; for, as EnropeAreadt war just now, Europe only accounts them trcrubleseme. It is a pity they cannot buy their own autonomy'; but Turkey distrusts all offers- of tribute from Christian provinces; and, it must be added in fairness, with some reason. She never gets the money.
Previous page
