He sent notes to the various rulers, asking their friendly assistance in the settlement of the frontier question.

None of them gave him any encouragement or reason to suppose they would uphold him in case the matter was brought to an issue.

The Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, having assured him of his friendship, advised him, in very plain language, to conclude peace on the terms dictated by the Powers.

He added:  “The concert of the Powers is firm and united in its decisions.  Therefore I request your Majesty to take my advice into earnest consideration.”

The Sultan’s great friend, Emperor William of Germany, has also intimated to him that it would be wise for him to obey the wishes of the Powers, and not resist the demand for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Thessaly.

The Russian sentiment is also strongly against Turkey.  The official newspaper of St. Petersburg utters a warning to the Sultan that if he remains obstinate, the Powers will resort to decided measures to enforce obedience to their commands.

France has sent him a very decided refusal to interfere in the matter.

All this time Turkey has been pushing her war preparations forward, and is ready to take prompt action in case the peace negotiations should fall through; indeed, the Turks have already recommenced hostilities.

Two thousand Turks besieged the town of Kalabaka in Thessaly, the Greeks defending the place until they were overpowered.

A great number of the inhabitants fled to the mountains for safety, but those who were not fortunate enough to escape were cruelly massacred by the enemy.

* * * * *

The Powers have agreed upon the conditions for self-government in Crete.

A Christian Governor is to be appointed and an annual tribute of $50,000 is to be paid to Turkey.

The payment of the tribute will not be commenced until five years have passed, because Crete has been so laid waste by the war that she will not be in a position to pay her tribute until she has had time to recover.

The foreign troops are to remain on the island until a Cretan militia has been organized.  This militia is to be commanded by European officers.

The Turkish troops that remain on the island are to be gradually withdrawn as peace is restored.

The Governor is to have the right to appoint and dismiss all government officials.

The Assembly, which will manage the affairs of the island, is to be composed of an equal number of Christians and Mohammedans.

The affairs of Crete seem thus to be happily settled.  It is to be hoped that brave little Greece, who so recklessly went to her aid, may fare as well.

* * * * *

There is a report from Havana that General Weyler has at last been recalled to Spain.  It has not so far been confirmed, and so may not be true, but it states that the Spanish Government, disgusted with Weyler’s failure to pacify Santiago de Cuba, has determined to recall him.