During the past week the condition of Crete has been
rapidly growing more serious, and on Friday the Vienna correspondent of the Times telegraphed that the revolt was spreading over the whole island. The inhabitants seem in two minds. Some are for annexation to Greece ; others, disgusted by receiving no help from Athens, have declared for a British Protectorate,—and to this party it is said the whole Mussulman population adheres. The insurgents at Retimo and Cape Sidera hoisted the Union Jack, with Queen Victoria's portrait; while at Milata the iolice were assaulted to the cry of "Long live England !" and a band played "God Save the Queen,"—an absurd notion, but affording a curious illustra- tion of how much our rule is liked in the Mediterranean. What the end will be it is difficult to say. The Greeks would, of course, like Crete, but cannot move for fear of the Turkish Fleet, and so are at present discouraging the movement. It is, nevertheless, very doubtful whether the Porte really cares to keep its troublesome possession in the .22Egean, and there are whispers that it would make terms U it could see its way to obtaining some material benefit, which under present circumstances would be specially welcome. Greece, however, could not well raise a loan to purchase Crete, unless the wealthy Greek colonies of London, New York, and the European capitals would be willing, from patriotic motives, to help her. Lord Salisbury, it may be noticed, has disclaimed the absurd allegation of the Neue Freie Presse that he had encouraged the revolt. The mistake seems to have arisen from the fact that at Limehonse he used Crete as an illustra- tion of a country which, when Home-rule had been granted it, went on to demand Separation. Separation, he added, would probably be won by her eventually ; and this seems to have caused the comment in question.
