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Page 3
The army sent by Spain against Cuba was about as large as that sent by
Turkey against Greece, but there were only one-fifth as many Cubans to
fight the Spanish army as there were Greeks to fight the Turks. The
Cubans, moreover, were badly armed, knew little of the trade of
soldiering, and were merely a band of sturdy patriots, fighting with a
determination to conquer or die, while the Greeks were finely equipped
soldiers.
One would have supposed that the Greeks would have given the Turks some
hard fighting, and have been able to make their own terms in the end, and
that the Cubans would have been subdued in very short order.
[Illustration: ATHENS: KING'S PALACE FROM THE GARDENS.]
How different the results have been.
Greece with her splendid army had no leaders worthy of the name, and has
been whipped and shamed in two short weeks of war.
Cuba, in spite of her motley, ill-armed bands of soldiers, is happy in the
possession of some great leaders. Cuba had her Maceo, and has yet her
Gomez and her Garcia.
What have these generals done for her?
For more than two years they have carried on the unequal war. Clever
enough to avoid meeting the Spaniards in any pitched battles, that, if
lost, would ruin their cause, they have succeeded in harassing their foe,
wasting Spain's money, wearing out her patience, and keeping her at bay
until time has made better soldiers of them, drawn more friends to their
cause, and rendered the conditions more equal.
The success of the Cubans can be looked forward to with confidence,
because they are well generaled. The failure of the Greeks was expected
with equal certainty, when it became evident that the Hellenic army had no
leaders.
Poor little Greece!
There is still some fighting going on.
The Turks are pressing on, and will continue to do so until the
negotiations for peace are actually begun. Every Greek town they can
capture, every mile they can advance into Greek territory before peace is
formally asked for, gives the Turk the right of demanding better terms
when the final arrangements are made.
In Thessaly the Sultan's army has occupied Volo and Pharsala, and there is
no doubt that it will soon gain possession of Domokho.
In Epirus the Turks routed the Greeks when they attempted to advance after
the retreat to Arta.
The army is said to be completely discouraged by the frequent defeats, and
sorrow and discontent reign throughout Greece.
* * * * *
The Greeks are a very excitable people, and it was only natural to suppose
that when the fortunes of war turned against them, they would seek to
throw the blame for their defeat on their rulers.
Every trouble that has befallen Greece has been laid at the door of King
George and his sons.
There have been wild rumors of making the King give up his throne, and it
was reported that a Russian vessel was moored off the Pir�us to rescue the
Royal Family in case of need.
These stories have not been verified, and probably have little truth in
them. When Greece calms down a little she will learn that her King has
been doing the best he could for his country and his people, and their old
kindly feelings for him will return.
The Royal Family have kept themselves quietly in their palace during the
worries, the Queen and Princesses working unceasingly for the relief of
the sick and wounded.
* * * * *
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