No. 245.
Mr. Read to Mr. Evarts.

No. 410.]

Sir: The expectations raised here by the meeting of the congress at Berlin have been thus far disappointed. The crisis in Greece is a vital one. She has strained every physical and financial nerve to place herself in a respectable position; and she has had a right to believe that her just claims would be admitted. Yet the news which arrives from Germany is not entirely reassuring. To-day’s dispatches say that Count Schouvaloff has vigorously argued against her admission to the congress, and conflicting reports are published every moment, showing the feverish state of the public mind. The semi-official organ of the prime minister says that the congress has admitted in principle the representation of Greece in it, but that no decision has yet been reached as to the exact title under which her representative is to appear. Notwithstanding this declaration, the cabinet do not seem to be entirely confident that matters concerning Greece are to end peacefully.

The journal already quoted remarks in a leading article: “We have no particular reason to believe that the final decision of the congress will be in conformity with the principles of progress and justice, and there are some indications which persuade us that the unanimity of the congress will not be maintained. Whatever turn affairs may take, we believe, without hesitation, that the eastern nationalities will have finally their rights and their liberty.”

The difficulties of the situation have caused Greece unceasingly to prepare [Page 376] for eventualities. A Greek flotilla of four ships, soon to be joined by a fifth, has been maneuvering daily off Phalerum, and instructing the sailors in the tactics of modern naval warfare. Two more Krupp field batteries arrived the day before yesterday, and the King, accompanied by the minister of war, was present at their landing. A numerous army is concentrated at Chalcis, where a regular camp has been established, which is soon to be honored by the presence of the sovereign.

The organization of mountaineer infantry is progressing rapidly. As soon as the regiments are formed here they are sent to the frontier for drill.

It is freely said on all sides that if the congress does not give Greece what she justly claims, viz, in round terms, Epirus, Thessaly, Macedonia, and the islands, she will make war and strive to obtain her own and aid her oppressed brethren in the above provinces, even at the risk of losing her national existence.

It is impossible not to admire the courage of the Greeks and their able King, whose motto is, “My strength is the love of my people.”

I have, &c.,

JOHN MEREDITH READ.