The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1897.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 136, 20 May 1897, Page 2

The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1897.

The Wat- between Greece and Turkey is practically ended and Greece has been brought to her knees by the Power which she so wantonly insulted. It is now recognised by the Powers that the time has arrived when they must step in, stop the useless slaughter and apportion the spoils which the victors can claim. As regards monetary indemnity, it will be for the arbitrating Powers to assess the amount, in doing so they will rather consider the ability of the Greek Kingdom than the actual loss Turkey has sustained. The demands which Turkey makes arc of course quite out of the question. Greece could not pay ten million pounds, so that it would be utterly useless to award such a sum to her conquerors. Then again Turkey demands the re - annexation of Thessaiy, which; it will be remembered, was taken from her by the edict of the Berlin Conference. To this it is not in the least probable 'hat the Powers will agree. Then again she demands the. absolute capitulation of the Greek forces. This of course is a very extreme demand, and if acceeded to would inflict upon Greece greater ignominy than any nation has been subjected to in modern times. It is stated trom Athens that the foreign Embassies have protested against the annexation of Thessaiy and the extreme penalty of capitulation. In the meantime the Turkish army is before Doruoku, which, according to the rather inflated proclamation of the Greek Government, is impregnable ; but, on ihe other hand, we learn that the position is capable of attack from the rear, where it is stated to be weak and easily assailable. If the same success attends the Turkish arms at the end of the war as has been the case throughout, the discussion as to capitulation will not be necessary, as the main body of the Greek army will become prisoners of war. Hard though it may be upon the Turks to be debarred from reaping the fullest satisfaction for having been forced into war, it is inevitable that they shall accept what Europe offers to them, rather than what may be their just dues, and what if untrammelled they would be able to take. We believe (hat the next news we receive will be that Domoku has fallen, or that the Powers have compelled Turkey to accede an armistice. The war has been a small one comparatively and after its commencement has caused much less anxiety to the world than before the Greek forces crossed the frontier. The anticipations fortunately have been proved to have been worse than the reality.