Mr. Tuckerman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your three dispatches of August 31, Nos. 7, 8, and 9.
The national Chamber of Deputies resumed its sittings on Monday last, and with a fair prospect of disposing of various important questions, which the unexpected adjournment of the chamber had left in a very unsatisfactory condition. It was evident at that time that a partial if not an entire change in the ministry must be effected, in order to reconcile parties on pending questions, many of which were to be made the handles for more violent personal attacks upon the ministry by the opposition. It was as evident to the partisans as to the opposers of the prime minister, that no important measure could be carried without more harmony also among the friends of the administration. Under pressure from the latter, Mr. Bulgaris consented to receive the resignations of Mr. Simos, minister of finance, and Mr. Barboglis, minister of justice. The successor of the former, Mr. Balassopoulo, and of the latter, Mr. Antonopoulo, have served in former ministries. Mr. Simos, the retiring minister of finance, is universally recognized as a man of marked ability and integrity, and one not easily replaced in the peculiar department in which he has served. Whether those who demand a more liberal employment of the public funds will be gratified in this respect by the new administrator, remains to be seen. An empty treasury, and full appropriations for every drachma of revenue, with a deficit of many millions, if the present “extraordinary” expenses continue, offer little opportunity for either extravagance or economy. One of the motives for the change of ministers—which does not appear publicly—is the necessity which exists for certain changes in the personnel of the judges, before the consummation of the act which makes the members of the courts of adjudication, of appeal, and of accounts, irremovable. This act goes into effect on the 17th of November next. Mr. Bulgaris is said to have made other concessions to his friends, particularly in respect to the “distinction of the powers,” which have tended to strengthen his position. This was shown in the vote upon the question of the royal ordinance, which conferred upon the prince royal the title of the “Duke of Sparta.” It was contended that this decree is contrary to that provision of the [Page 136] constitution which forbids titles of nobility in Greece, and that it is likewise “at variance with Hellenic manners and traditions.” The president of the council, Mr. Bulgaris, declared that the constitution “opposed all inequalities of condition between Greek citizens; but this did not concern the members of the royal family.” The minister was sustained by seventy-eight voices against twenty-six, a majority which, as indicating strength in more important matters, promises a longer continuance of the present ministry than was anticipated at the close of the last session. I think that I perceive in the government, as at present organized, a more independent action with regard to foreign affairs, and, if I mistake not, this will result in open expressions of displeasure on the part of England and France, whose material interest it manifestly is to stop Greek agitation, particularly on the subject of Crete. This seems, however, a hopeless task; both the struggle itself, and the agitation which initiated and keeps it alive, have become chronic. In Athens, the committees of relief have lately received fresh contributions of funds— from what source does not appear—and these seem to be sufficient to sustain the refugees in Greece, and the fighting Greeks in Crete, for sev-ral months to come. I am privately informed, and have reason to believe the statement, that a body of “volunteers” is being drilled and armed, with the intention of proceeding to Crete to aid. the insurgents. This shows the revival of an element which was prominent at the commencement of the war, but which failed of success. But there is nothing in these circumstances which promises any material supremacy to either combatants. The insurgents in Crete have shown themselves unable to meet the conflict at arms on the open field and in the presence of Turkish cavalry. It is equally certain that the mountain fastnesses are inaccessible to the Turks in any force likely to be sent to face such perils. The warfare may therefore be prolonged indefinitely. This fact should be considered gravely, in considering the action or rather the non-action of the three powers. As to Prussia, whose present weight in the political scale will force her, sometime or other, to join in the European sentiment on Greek affairs, I feel assured that her lately increased commercial interests in Turkey will cause her to be found in accord with Great Britain and France. It is thus evident that the American idea with regard to Greece, to say nothing of Crete, is not that of Europe, and that it will be ineffective against such material interests as I have hinted at, unless pronounced in the most unequivocal terms and with an emphasis which shall command for it attention. The King is about to return from Cephissia, where for some weeks past he has remained in camp, living the life of a soldier, while in command of the regiments which have been encamped there during the summer. The Greek government has just signed a contract for fifteen thousand “Remington” United States rifles, for the use of the army.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.