We think that among well-informed men the impression that . war
between Greece and Turkey is unavoidable deepens rapidly. The Ambassadors are now all present in Constantinople, but the Sultan shows no sign of giving way. There is much talk of a proposal to cede Thessaly and exchange Epirus for Crete; but the Greeks, who want breathing-room on the mainland, will not accept that offer. It is stated that the Ambassadors are beginning to act collectively, but so assured is the Old Turkish party that war is at hand, that Osman Pasha has ventured to insist that certain revenues shall be paid directly into the military chest, instead of passing through the Finance Ministry. As that change would bar both the Palace and the Porto from stopping any of the money, we may be certain that if it is made, war is immediately at hand. The Greeks, it is certain, believe this, and have called out their last reserves. It is just possible that the German Ambassador, if 'his master is sincere—which is doubtful—niay at the eleventh hour be able to offer the Porte certain financial inducements, German capitalists being, it is said, ready to advance six millions on the security of all ecclesiastical property in Europee Turkey, but regular negotiation makes no way. 'There is a mouth yet to spare in "combinations," but by April the decision must be given.
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