Serious disturbances have occurred in Samos, though the latest reports
indicate that order will be restored. The island, which is rich, prosperous, and inhabited almost entirely by Christians, has for the last seventy years enjoyed substantial autonomy under a succession of Greek Phanariote Princes appointed by the Sultan. The new Prince, who was appointed last autumn, fell out with M. Sophoulis, Prime Minister and the leader of the majority in the Chamber, matters were compli- cated by a dispute in the cigarette industry, and in the riots which ensued the Prince was assaulted by the mob. He telegraphed for troops from Smyrna, who encountered and dislodged the insurgents, and M. Sophoulis escaped by sea on Friday week. Meantime the Sultan has despatched the Vali of Salonica. as Imperial Commissioner, and the Prince has issued a proclamation inviting the Samians to resume their ordinary occupations, and promising that, while the ringleaders will be punished, the autonomy of Samos will be respected. The proclamation appears to have been well received by the mass of the population, whose experiences in the past, coupled with what they have learnt from the recent history of Crete, are not likely to induce them to play into the hands of Pan-Hellenie propagandists.
