No. 226.
Mr. Read
to Mr. Evarts.
Athens, Jauaary 29, 1878. (Received February 25.)
Sir: Referring to my Nos. 342 and 345, I have the honor to report that the news of the proposed terms of peace, which reached Athens on the 26th instant, and which contained no mention of Greece, created intense feeling in the city of Athens. Small crowds began to gather in the streets, discussing the unfortunate turn of affairs in an excited tone. As the day advanced the assemblages increased in size and importance, and expressions of contempt were loudly uttered against the former ministry who had failed to declare war.
A large number of persons gathered outside of the Chamber of Deputies, as it was supposed that a sitting would take place at 2 p.m.; but in this they were disappointed. As Mr. Coumoundouros, Mr. Zaimis, and the president of the chamber were passing the chamber in a carriage, the people raised loud cries in behalf of war, and then launched insults against the above-named persons, following the carriage even to the ministry of the interior, where, however, they were prevented from entering by policemen stationed at the gates. They then proceeded to Concord Square, where they obtained a flag and made their way to Constitution Square. Their shouts gathered a still greater number of people, who were finally addressed by a student of the university, a certain Autonopoulos, who spoke to them as follows:
My countrymen, free Greece ought to give freedom to the East. Hellenism, from the year 1862, has trusted to the traitors of the present moment the charge to protect the land which was acquired by the blood of our fathers. These men, since that time, have loaded upon the shoulders of the unfortunate people 150 millions. We must confiscate their property as the least indemnity of the nation. Eight months ago we united them in order to protect the imprescriptible rights of Hellenism; but instead of acting together for the accomplishment of the work which they were requested to perform, they hid the sacred deposit confided to them. [Voices from all sides, “Death to the traitors!”] Now, one only thing remains for us to do—either to live with dishonor, or die with honor. [Voices, “We must die with honor and glory!”] Forward, then, to punish the criminal traitors! [Many voices, “We must to-night kill them and declare war!”] We must now go to the King and say that we have no government, and that we only have a King and a flag.
The people then advanced toward the palace, throwing stones at the gendarmes, who tried to prevent them. They continued shouting about half an hour for war and for the punishment of the ministers. The King finally came out upon his balcony, attended by the Queen, the heir apparent, and the marshal of his court, and said, “I love this country; I adore my home as you do.” [Voices, “Long live the King! War! war!”] The King: “I advise you to be quiet, because the greatest prudence is required in the present circumstances.” The King, after these words, withdrew.
The crowd then turned their way toward the university, where they expected to seize the arms of the University Phalanx; but finding that they were not there, they proceeded toward Concord Square, followed by a large body of mounted gendarmes.
It was 4.30 p.m. as the crowd halted near the house of Mr. Tricoupi, and began to stone it. Just at this moment I turned the corner of the street, next to Mr. Tricoupi’s house, totally unconscious of the attack which the crowd had just made. As I reached the residence of the ex-minister I found the sidewalk covered with stones, and the windows, doors, and walls broken and disfigured by various missiles. I had [Page 363] scarcely time to realize the situation when a man ran toward Mrs. Read, crying, “Get out of the way; the soldiers are coming!” Just then a volley of stones fell behind us, and I caught a flying carriage and placed my wife in it. The driver whipped his already frightened horses and dashed into the street in which we live, immediately in front of the mob, which was giving way before a charge of the cavalry. As the horses ran, firing was heard, but it was impossible to tell whether it came from the crowd or the soldiers. The crowd, notwithstanding the attempt to disperse it, continued to increase, and took its way to the house of Mr. Zaimis, which suffered an attack similar to the one made upon Mr. Tricoupi’s mansion. Here another attempt was made by the government force to disperse the crowd; but the soldiers were repulsed. Here, likewise, the deputy director of police, who acted with great energy and courage, was severely wounded.
The residence of Mr. Coumoundouros was the next object of the fury of the populace. But when the invaders attempted to force an entrance they were met by a determined resistance; and in the struggle shots were exchanged, and one person in the crowd was killed and four were wounded. Being defeated in this attempt, the crowd, headed by Colonel Coronaeus, a deputy from Cerigo, now proceeded to the houses of Mr. Delyanni, Colonel Zimbrakakis, and Mr. Deligeorges, where they found no one, and contented themselves with breaking the windows. They then returned to the palace, sent Colonel Coronaeus to explain to the King that they desired a declaration of war and the punishment of the ministry. But His Majesty having more important business at that moment did not receive the colonel.
In the meantime a great fear fell upon the city, and all the shops were closed, for many thought that the troubles would continue during the night. But the crowds eventually dispersed about six o’clock, although the agitation continued. The authorities displayed great energy in the re-establishment of order. They mustered all the troops of the city and the neighborhood, and sent patrols into every street throughout the night.
The next day the excitement still continued, and crowds again gathered here and there in the central streets and squares. The number was greater on account of its being Sunday. At about 1.30 p.m. many students and others gathered in great numbers upon the Square of the University where they were addressed by two speakers who concluded by saying that the late ministers must be punished for having failed to do their duty. While one of the speakers was still haranguing, a company of soldiers advanced with fixed bayonets, and after some time, and firing several volleys, succeeded in dissolving the crowd. The people then gathered in Concord Square with a flag. The public force, however, pursued them, and succeeded in dispersing them.
The government forces were now called to another point. A speaker at the Piraeus had gathered there a great number of the populace, and after a short speech, in which he declared for war and insulted the former ministers, said that the people listening to him ought to go on foot to Athens and express their views to the King. As they were entering the city, however, they were met by the government troops and requested to return. They nevertheless persisted and threatened. Then the officer in command ordered his men to fire, and four were wounded and two killed. The populace, seeing that the soldiers were disposed to repeat the experiment, dispersed. Some of them, however, took up the two dead bodies and escaping by another street carried their burden to Constitution Square, whither they were followed by another crowd. They now attempted to make their way toward the palace to exhibit the dead [Page 364] bodies to the King. But the troops stationed in the square would not permit them to pass, and they went away leaving the bodies. At about 5.30 p.m. a comparative calm ensued.
During the night great care was taken to guard the different streets and the places where government arms were stored, for the mob threatened that they would seize these arms and revenge the attacks of the soldiers.
The next day, Monday, there were more threatening demonstrations at 1 p.m., the hour when the session of the chamber began, and it was thought that the ministers and ex-ministers would not be present, but they arrived, surrounded by a strong guard, and passed quietly through the force of 300 soldiers stationed about the Parliament building. This show of courage and determination effectually put an end to further attacks upon them.
One of the most remarkable features of this painful crisis was the unanimous confidence and respect manifested toward the King. Throughout the whole movement not a word was breathed against the character of the sovereign. It must be a great source of satisfaction to the King to feel that his unremitting and conscientious labors in behalf of Greece are appreciated by his subjects.
I have, &c.,