Petersburg.
Ever since the Greeks struggled into freedom, seventy-five years ago, and
became an independent kingdom, it has been the dream of the Cretans to get
back to their mother country. Recently their sufferings have been past
endurance, and at last, in their helpless wretchedness, they cried out to
Greece to come and take them under her protection. They said: "We are one
with you in race and in religion. We speak your language; you are our
natural rulers. Let us be a part of your Christian kingdom."
With splendid daring and enthusiasm Greece responded to the appeal.
King George sent men and arms and ships, and his brave young son Prince
George as Admiral of the fleet, and declared his determination at all
hazards to take the island under his protection. Not only would he fight
the Turks in Crete or in Greece, but he would carry the war into the
Ottoman Empire itself, if necessary.
The Powers were aghast. Fight the Turk! Was that not the very thing they
had for a century been trying _not_ to do? Disturb the Sultan in those
dominions of which he was the only safe and harmless occupant! Tear away
the barrier between Europe and Asia, and let the torrent rush through--the
prizes going to the strongest! What madness--what folly! What impertinence
for this King George to assume such a responsibility, and to invite such a
crisis!
But King George never wavered in his purpose.
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