stirred up the Cretan trouble, and so she has to appear severe to show
that she is in earnest in trying to prevent war between Greece and Turkey.
It is known that she is unwilling to support Turkey against Greece, and
that the Queen is taking an active part in the Greek question, and
restraining her ministers from taking severe measures with Greece.

On the other hand, it is reported that the German Emperor only joined the
rest of the nations on the understanding that his advice should be
followed. He suggested that the Powers should first blockade the Piræus,
which is the great port of Greece, at the head of which lies the city of
Athens. Having arranged the blockade, the Powers were then to send a final
message to Greece, ordering her to withdraw from Crete, and if she
refused, were to proceed to bombard Athens.

This gentle advice not being followed, the German Emperor became highly
insulted, threatened to withdraw from the alliance, declared himself no
longer in sympathy with it, and had to be coaxed and flattered till he
grew amiable again.

Russia is openly in favor of Turkey, and is indignant with Greece for her
warlike attitude, and that she should refuse Home Rule for Crete unless it
is under the guidance of a Greek prince.

It is quite certain that Greece knew all about these disagreements when
she sent her reply, and was fully aware that her refusal would throw the
Powers into the greatest confusion.

Little country though she is, Greece has the best of the argument.

If Europe decides to drive Greece out of Crete, she will have a great deal