Some of the foreign papers are saying that it is quite impossible for the
Powers ever to come to an understanding.
Some people are thinking that Mr. Gladstone's letter has already had an
effect, for a private telegram from Paris states that the Sultan of Turkey
has sent word to the Powers that he is willing to let King George of
Greece occupy the island of Crete, and govern it, provided that he pays
tribute for it.
This is so exactly Mr. Gladstone's suggestion, that, if the report is
true, the Sultan would seem to have been influenced by him.
Mr. Gladstone in his letter showed clearly how such an arrangement would
be of benefit to all concerned, and spoke of the island of Cyprus as an
example. Cyprus was once under the rule of Turkey, but is now governed by
the Queen of England, and pays a tribute to Turkey.
It is to be hoped that this telegram is true, but we must remember that it
is only _news_, and not _history_, and therefore we must be quite prepared
to have it contradicted next week.
The blockade of Crete is now complete. No ships are allowed to enter the
ports that bring supplies to the Cretans or Greeks.
But the Greeks are not submitting tamely to the blockade.
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