Mr. Tuckerman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The reassembling of the Chamber of Deputies, the premature dispersion of which some weeks ago caused much discomfiture to the ministerial party, is now expected to take place during the coming week. The members who are now in Athens are, however, few in number, and it is apprehended that a majority will not be present for some weeks, in which case the vote on the budget will be yet further postponed. The newspaper reports of “conflicts” between the troops sent to the province of Œtylon to preserve order, and the friends of M. Conmoundouro, the opposition candidate, who wished to force an election, are unfounded. The government seems disposed to postpone to an indefinite period the re-elections in the disputed districts, and popular feeling is much excited thereby, but as yet there have been no serious disturbances of the peace.
A few hundred more of Cretan refugees have returned to the island, under the auspices of the Turkish legation at Athens. The embarkation of these people has been seriously opposed by their fellow-countrymen here, and it has been found necessary to employ a guard to protect their departure. From Crete itself I have detailed information, from a reliable witness, who has passed two months with the insurgents, that there is no evidence whatever of a falling off in the enthusiasm of the Cretan chiefs or soldiers. The whole body of the latter actually under arms, or in a position to be so at any moment, numbers but seven thousand. They, however, have possession of the greater portion of the mountain-ranges extending from a point on the southern coast near Sphakia, and extending easterly and northeasterly, including the range of Mount Ida in Central Crete. This shows, nominally, about one-half of the territorial surface of the island in the possession of the insurgents, while the flat country is held by the soldiers of the Sultan, against the cavalry attacks of which it would be impossible for the insurgent troops to stand. The mountain defenses being equally insurmountable by the Turks, it follows that, with a sufficiency of food and ammunition, this “guerilla,” but not, as has been stated by the London Times, “thieves’” warfare, may be kept up for an indefinite period. Certainly, we may look for its continuance all the coming winter, should no foreign intervention occur. I think there exists no doubt of the fact that the Greek government and the “central committee” are in accord on the subject of the Cretan struggle, and that the popular pressure will force means of supply, in defiance of attempts on the part of the conservative element to let Crete alone.
The Cretan insurrection has probably cost the Greek government, thus [Page 135] far, 15,000,000 of drachmas, say $2,500,000, which is a very serious sum in view of the state of the treasury and condition of the finances.
The provisional government of Crete has received, as I am privately informed from an official source, an intimation from Mr. Elliot, her Majesty’s representative at Constantinople, that the recent appeal of the Cretans to the British Crown will be ineffective. It is now proposed by the insurgent chiefs to address a joint memorial to the three powers. Much interest continues to be expressed in the note which, it is understood, Mr. Morris expects to receive from the Secretary of State in accordance with the resolution of Congress in behalf of Crete. * *
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.