[Extract.]

Mr. Tuckerman to Mr. Seward.

No. 8.]

Sir: After an active debate, the Chamber, on Tuesday last, accepted the “Address to the King,” as prepared and approved by the majority of the committee. * * * * * * *

Within a few days the Greek government has come to an understanding with the Belgian company, Langrand-Dumonceau, whereby the latter agrees to construct three connecting lines of railroad within the limits of Greece proper, without expense to this government; the latter conceding the necessary land required therefor, and certain mining and other privileges, and participating in the profits of the enterprise with the ultimate right of purchase. The estimated cost of construction is 140,000,000 of drachmas, say $23,000,000, and the time seven years, These lines are to traverse the kingdom from Cape Sunium to the frontiers of Turkey, connecting the principal ports of the Peloponnesus with the isthmus of Corinth and with Athens, forming rapid communication with Brindisi, in southern Italy, and with the Austrian lines leading to middle Europe, and ultimately furnishing “the most direct and rapid route of travel between Europe and India.” It would be interesting to dwell upon the details of this important enterprise, had not experience shown that “agreements” of such a nature, in Greece, are by no means guarantees of their accomplishment. This remark is no reflection upon the Greek character, since this enterprise, like that of the still uncompleted road between Athens and the Piræus, is exclusively in the hands of foreigners.

Mr. Stillman, in a recent dispatch from Canea, reports several conflicts between the insurgents and the soldiers of the Sultan, with results not [Page 128] wholly in favor of the former. The small steamer Enosis has again successfully run the blockade, delivering a cargo of food, clothing, and ammunition. A considerable portion of the first two articles was shipped by the “American relief committee.” In the regularity and number of her trips the Enosis is likely to equal the famous Arkadi. While this pendulum swings between Greece and Crete the movements of the insurgents will not be suspended. It is estimated here that the Cretan insurrection has cost the Porte upwards of $70,000,000. A Turkish authority recently admitted to me that it had cost not less than $15,000,000. The revenue of the island of Crete, in time of peace, is stated at 10,000,000 of francs, or about $2,000,000. The conflict is disastrous to Turkey, Candia, and Greece beyond any calculation in figures, and humiliating as it must be to the Ottoman government to admit that the two years’ waste of men and money is not likely to be compensated by the voluntary return of the Cretans to their allegiance, it is equally unfortunate for the people of Greece that this disturbing question is no nearer a settlement. It absorbs the popular mind, interferes with the circulation of national industry, and is productive of internal dissension.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES K. TUCKERMAN.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.