There is a report that a Greek ship entered Canea, the port of Crete, and
did not salute the Turkish flag. This looks very like war.

It is the custom for every vessel on entering a foreign port to salute the
flag of that port, and a failure to do so is considered a very grave
insult.

The latest news seems very serious indeed, almost as if this Cretan matter
were going to bring about the European war that has been so long feared.

Russia has suddenly become very indignant with England, declaring that she
has stirred up this Cretan trouble, so that, in the confusion that will
follow, she may be able to secure some important ports in the
Mediterranean Sea.

The Russians have ranged themselves on the side of Turkey, and insist that
the only way for peace to be restored in Crete is for Russian and French
war-ships to occupy the ports, and force the people back into quiet.

England will not submit to anything of this sort, and if Russia and France
take such action, war is bound to follow.

It must not be supposed that a war with Turkey is going to be an easy
thing.

The Turkish soldiers are a fine, well-drilled body of men; indeed, the
English Minister to Greece stated that the Turkish soldiers were the
finest he had ever seen.