This is a war debt which Turkey owes Russia because of the last war
between them.

This debt is an extremely heavy one, and the Porte, becoming frightened
lest Russia should insist on its payment, hastened to inform the Czar
that nothing definite had been arranged about the navy.

Russia replied that the moment Turkey shall attempt to build up her navy
or increase her war supplies, she will insist on the payment of this
debt.

After a few days of reflection, the Porte informed the Russian
ambassador that Turkey had decided not to make any changes in her navy
for the present.

Between them, Austria and Russia have succeeded in crushing the Sultan's
ambition for the present.


* * * * *

These are, however, not all of Abdul Hamid's troubles.

Crete, which he had begun to regard as his rightful property, has once
more become a thorn in his side.

Confident of his power, he has been assuming a haughty tone with the
Greek ambassador sent to settle the treaty, and insisted that he accept
the terms as they were without venturing on any changes. He has also
kept his soldiers in Crete, and sent a Turk as governor of the island