On Wednesday the Daily Chronicle caused considerable sensation by announcing
that England and Russia had come to an understanding, not merely as regards Crete, but upon other issues involved in the Eastern question. It bad been a greed be- tween them, declared the Daily Chronicle, that England was to secure autonomy for Crete, while Russia was to take upon her- self, by military means if necessary, the protection of the re- mainder of the Armenian Christians. We have expressed elsewhere our hope that the news is well founded. It may be mentioned here that though there has been a colourless denial through Renter's Agency, several facts seem to support the view of the Daily Chronicle. The Standard, which is likely to be well informed on such a matter, has written in a sense not incon- sietent with the statement, and Mr. Curzon's speech in regard to Crete, made in the House of Commons on Wednesday, though both vague and guarded, contained nothing in the shape of a denial. It should also be noticed that M. de Blowitz, telegraphing to Friday's Times, speaks as if a new Triple Alliance between Russia, France, and England had been formed as regards action to be taken in Crete and the other immediate problems connected with Turkey. The Daily Chronicle may have been premature in its announcement, but it certainly looks as if it had warrant for its belief in an understanding with Russia. Meantime the condition of Crete is as bad as ever, and hideous atrocities are reported from various parts of the island—including the roasting alive of three monks.
