NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE magazine at Athens continues to smoulder. The Greek Premier, M. Delyannis, either will not or cannot give the order to disarm. It was thought on the 26th ult. that all was arranged, for after nine ironclads, belonging to England, Austria, and Italy, had entered the Piraeus, the French Minister handed in to the Government of Athens a Note which admitted that an ultimatum was coming, advised Greece to submit in advance, and promised that if she did, France would later on befriend her in pressing her claims. M. Delyannis snatched at this, and signified to the Powers that, accepting French media- tion, and perceiving that Europe would negotiate for her, Greece would demobilise her forces. The Ministers of the Powers refused, however, to consider this sufficient ; and fearing future demands if they accepted this excuse, handed in an ulti- matum, ordering disarmament within eight days under penalty of the gravest consequences. M. Delyannis, however, then refused to yield, asserting publicly that he would declare war on Turkey, and leave the Powers to do their worst. If they destroyed the Greek fleet, then he would yield ; but his country should not shrink before mere menace. Whether this is intended to be bluster, or is the result of a despairing resolve, is not yet known ; but it is probable that it is the former. The Powers cannot recede, and as they can blockade all Greek ports, resistance is practically impossible.
