6 APRIL 1867, Page 2

The Sultan has, it is stated, declined to cede Crete

on the demand of the four Continental Powers. Indeed, if gossip may be trusted, the Grand Vizier has not dared to show his master the "collective note," fearing an instant sentence to the bowstring, but gossip is surely in error. Every Ambassador has right of audience of the Sultan, who could not execute him, however angry he might be. At all events, the Sultan will keep Crete if he can, and from his point of view he is right. As well die atones, as lose limb after limb.