The Greeks under Arms

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 12, 1867

The Greeks under Arms.

THOUGH reliable news from the seat of war in the East reaches the world but rarely, and then only through private channels, there can no longer remain the least doubt that the whole Greek population of the Turkish empire is under arms, and determined to die or perish for independence. The northern frontier is said to be almost hermetically closed by masses of Turkish troops, but enough escapes to show that the movement now embraces Thessaly and Epirus, if not Rhodes. The inundation of the plains of Thessaly, which prevents the Turkish forces from approaching the Agrapha mountains, is very favorable to the insurgents, for it enables them to gain time for the concentration of their strength. In Candia the patriots seem to maintain their ground, while GARIBALDI's example and stirring appeal will bring to the cause thousands of those restless and adventurous spirits with whom Europe always abounds.

In the meantime, the popular enthusiasm has risen to fever heat in Greece proper, and cannot much longer be restrained by considerations of policy or the threats of foreign powers. New appeals for help continue to pour into Athens from the risen patriots. The deputies of the people of the Agrapha district demand the interference of their free brethren, and their co-operation in re-uniting them with their common country. The Thessalians have published a protest to the foreign consuls against Moslem oppression. The President of the Holy Greek Synod has been implored for money and arms. The Cretan committee at Athens works night and day to provide means of aid. In short, it seems that the Greek's religion is still a national one, and that his patriotism continues now, as heretofore, to be connected in his mind, not only with the Pagan Hellas and the triumph of the Panagia, but with the cause of the eight-pointed cross.

With the whole Grecian Archipelago in convulsions, can the great powers remain long idle spectators? England desires to be neutral. France is extremely reluctant to interfere, but, when the cannon thunder, they may be compelled to adopt an entirely different policy. The policy of Russia will, no doubt, have some bearing on this point; but should Greece formally take the part of her countrymen against the Porte, and declare war, they will all have to join.—Detroit Post.