12 DECEMBER 1868, Page 2

A serious quarrel has broken out between Turkey and Greece.

The Athenian Government has been assisting the Cretans, and the Sultan will not stand it any longer. He has accordingly sent an ultimatum to Athens, and Hobart Pasha, his English Admiral, to the Archipelago, with orders to sink Greek ships carrying volunteers. The Great Powers have, however, obtained a truce to 17th December, and intend to inform Greece that she must not fight or help the Cretans. It is expected that Greece will yield to this " pressure," and no doubt she will, if it is honestly applied. It is rather hard on the poor Greeks, who were told, like the Roumanians, that the general explosion was fixed for this autumn ; but still,—little people have no right to move when big people want to remain quiet, and Crete must endure for another twelvemonth.