The Times correspondent in Crete telegraphs on Tuesday, that the
four protecting Powers have delivered to Prince George an identic declaration stating that they consider that there is no ground whatever for a change in the international situation, or the mission confided to the Prince. "Any infringement of the rights of the Sultan might seriously, endanger the peace of the East by subjecting Greece once more to the hostility of Turkey and thus exposing her to grave peril. They are also of opinion that the present arrangement will tend to the material and moral progress of Crete owing to the exemption of the island from heavy taxa- tion and the simplicity and justice of its administration." The Powers end by asking the Prince's intentions, in view of the gravity of the interests at stake. We have every sympathy with the Cretans, and think their desire to join Greece most natural, but the answer of the Powers was inevitable. They are trustees, and the trustee's motto all the world over is Quick non movere. Besides, there is no hurry. At the next upheaval in the Turkish Empire Crete— if it so wishes—will naturally fall to Greece.
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