The admirals decided that the forts of Malaxa and Keratide must be kept
out of the hands of the Cretans, and so they sent word to the insurgents
that the Powers forbade them to attack either fort.

The Cretans did not take the slightest notice of this order, but
continued the attack, and drove the Turks out. The allied warships in the
Bay of Suda at once opened fire on the Cretans, who withstood the fire
bravely.

The result of the whole matter has been that, though the insurgents gained
a decided victory over the Turks, the foreign Powers have stepped in
between them and their prize, and are occupying the town of Malaxa.

The Cretans must heartily wish that the Powers would go away and mind
their own business, and leave them to settle their own affairs.

If it were not so sad and so serious, it would be amusing to watch the
double game that Turkey is playing with the Powers, and how she is
laughing in her sleeve at the whole of Europe.

After months of conferences, and diplomatic fussing over plans of mighty
reforms which the Sultan was to make for the unfortunate Armenians, the
"unspeakable Turk" has not made one single effort to improve the condition
of these unhappy people. He has waited until the Powers of Europe have so
tangled themselves up over him, that he finds them befriending him, and
firing on brother Christians for his sweet sake, while he is still at
liberty to have a few more Armenians massacred without the fear of any
consequences.