Mr. Gladstone is such a fine old man, that we are sure that this report will be proved false.

* * * * *

There is a report that the Sultan has broken the armistice, by sending fresh troops into Thessaly and continuing to fortify the towns of Volo and Prevesa.

Word has also reached us that the Governor of Volo has issued a proclamation, ordering the people who ran away from the town when the Turks entered it to return.  Unless these people go back within two weeks, all the property they left behind them will be seized and confiscated by the Turks.

The unfortunate inhabitants of Thessaly seem to be having a very hard time of it.  It is said that the province is full of brigands, and that many people who fled to the mountains to avoid the Turks have been seized by these vagabonds and held for ransom.

For years Greece was a very unsafe place for travellers on account of robbers.

In the days before railways, when people had to travel by coach, brigands infested most of the mountains and forests in Europe.

It was their habit to keep a regular lookout for travellers, and, as soon as they approached, rush out upon them and rob them.  If any important person happened to be in the party, the brigands would make him captive and hold him until his friends paid a large sum for his freedom.

Brigandage has lingered longer in Greece than elsewhere, because there are fewer railroads in that country.

* * * * *

There is little likelihood of decided action on Cuban affairs for the present.

It is evident that President McKinley does not mean to do anything rash in this matter.

He is reported to have said that he thinks the subject should be considered with the greatest care, and that no hasty conclusions should be arrived at.

There is a report that he intends to outline his Cuban policy, and then entrust it to the new Minister to Spain.  Much thought has been exercised in choosing this official, the President having finally nominated Gen. Stewart L. Woodford for the important mission.  It is thought that nothing will be done in regard to Cuba until after General Woodford arrives in Madrid.

The President has received Mr. Calhoun’s report, and from the statements which this gentleman made on his return it would seem impossible any longer to deny that actual warfare is being carried on in Cuba.

When Mr. Calhoun was questioned on the subject, he replied: 

“War is going on in the island.  True, no great battles are being fought, no Gettysburgs or Chickamaugas, but there is war nevertheless.”

He was asked if he thought the war would soon be over.  He said he could not form any idea about it; all he knew was that a very cruel war was going on, and that both sides were doing their best to ruin the country.

Some people who profess to know say that any action taken by the United States will be in the line of home rule for Cuba.  The President questioned Mr. Calhoun very closely as to the possibility of the Cubans accepting home rule, and Mr. Calhoun replied that he thought the Cubans generally would be in favor of such a measure.