The King of the Hellenes has struck a small coup
d' kat. The financial position of the Kingdom has been bad for some time, the Greeks insisting on preparations for the great war which does not come ; and M. Delyannis, the Premier, shrinks from the necessary reductions in expense, and additions to taxation. The King, therefore, called on him to re- sign, and on his refusal, sent him his dismissal, where- upon the Chamber passed a vote of confidence in the Minister. The King sent for M. Tricoupis, the leader of Opposition, but he declined the responsibility, and the Premier- ship was therefore conferred on M. Constantopoulo, who has formed an Administration. The Chamber has been prorogued, and it is believed that a dissolution will at once take place, the King calling on the people to give him a Chamber which will sanction decided steps to restore the credit of the Kingdom. M. Delyannis was cheered by crowds in Athens, but the King is not unpopular ; the Greeks wish to avoid a bankruptcy which would be fatal to their hopes ; and the country districts may return a Royalist majority. If the King, as reported, would much rather abdicate than not, being sick of the climate, and longing for keener air, and if he has the secret support of the Triple Alliance, he occupies a strong position. At the same time, the Greeks are not Monarchists, and will vote for nobody who is not heartily determined, if he gets the chance, to obtain Epirus and Macedonia.
