With information of the defeat comes news that is of such great importance
to the Greek cause that the present check may prove to be of very little
importance.
This news is that the Albanians have risen against their masters the
Turks, and joined with the Greeks.
Albania was at one time a part of Greece, but that was in the early
history of the Empire. It at last secured its freedom and became an
independent country.
In 1478 the Turks conquered Albania, and it has been under Turkish rule
ever since. The Albanians have no love for the Turks, and though they are
supposed to be obedient to the Sultan's wishes, he does not dare to
appoint any but native Albanians to govern them. The people have always
contrived to give him all the trouble possible.
The Greeks hoped that the Albanians would join them, as well as the
Macedonians, and so, despite the reverses that the week has brought, with
these powerful friends to help them, they must be feeling more sure of
success than they were a few days ago.
Bulgaria is also becoming restless and making demands of the Sultan,
threatening to revolt against him if he does not give them what they ask
for.
The Prince of Bulgaria has made a trip to Berlin to borrow money for the
war. And it is likely that the Sultan may soon have so many enemies to
fight that he will wish the Powers had allowed him to arrange the Cretan
matters for himself, without interfering and bringing this hornet's nest
about his ears.
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