We are never quite out of the wood while the
Sultan is in it, but we seem in Crete to have reached its edge. Admiral Noel has steadily refused all suggestions of compromise, Edheen Pasha has been recalled, and the Bashi-bazonks are slowly being disarmed. Moreover, the four Powers which now concern themselves with Crete have resolved to demand the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish forces from the island, they guaran- teeing the safety of the Mussnlman inhabitants. A. severe Note announcing this decision will be handed to the Sultan, and if, relying on secret support from the German Emperor, who is about to visit Turkish provinces, his Majesty re- fuses compliance, steps have been devised, and will be carried out, to compel his assent. The nature of those steps is not disclosed, but whatever they are, it is certain that Russia, Great Britain, France, and Italy acting to- gether are too powerful to be resisted, and most probable that they will act in concert and with determined vigour. We must act, for our soldiers have been murdered; Russia is out of temper with the Sultan, not relishing his reliance on Berlin; France will follow Russia; and Italy wants earnestly to be done with Crete. The only ground for doubt is the evil
resourcefulness of the strange being on the Turkish throne ; but we see reason for hope that as regards Crete Abd-ul- Hamid is near the end of his tether. In killing British soldiers he blundered.
