Mr. Tuckerman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * * *
The unsatisfactory condition of the Cretan question has embittered the public mind and accounts for much of the acerbity in the discussions of the Chamber. It seems to be the generally received opinion here that the disaffection of the chiefs, as recently reported to you, is a blow from which the insurrection can scarcely recover. Some unexpected political turn in the European combination may impart new vigor, but at the moment it looks as if the affair would dwindle to proportions which will permit a freer exercise of power on the part of the Turkish authorities in Crete than circumstances have for a Jong time past permitted; it may even go so far as the acknowledged recognition of the Ottoman supremacy; but unless the character of the people of Crete has been totally misrepresented and the aspirations of the Greek nation grossly exaggerated, the spirit of revolution in that island will but slumber, restlessly, until opportunity gives fresh occasion for revolt. This will be the conclusion drawn by the people of this kingdom, even should the war in Crete be officially recognized as being at an end. The independence of Crete and its eventual annexation to Greece is regarded as an absolute political necessity, the progress, and, indeed, the life of the kingdom being dependent upon its territorial enlargement. This may be considered as a tenet of the political faith of Greece, hence any check which the Cretan movement may receive will be a postponement, not an abandonment, of the struggle for independence.
* * * * * * * * *
A report, said to be official, of the actual number of Cretan emigrants in Greece, has been circulated by the French legation here; this shows but 39,269 left from the original number, generally reported at 60,000. It is known that many have died from exposure and want of food before the necessary arrangements could be effected for their well-being. This would account for, say, 5,000, principally children. The Turkish minister informs me that between 4,000 and 5,000 have returned to Crete under his auspices, which leaves some 11,000 unaccounted for. It is important to keep these statistics before the mind, in view of the contributions which America and other nations have made, and are still making, for the relief of these sufferers. * * * *
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.