After a few days of reflection, the Porte informed the Russian
ambassador that Turkey had decided not to make any changes in her navy
for the present.
Between them, Austria and Russia have succeeded in crushing the Sultan's
ambition for the present.
* * * * *
These are, however, not all of Abdul Hamid's troubles.
Crete, which he had begun to regard as his rightful property, has once
more become a thorn in his side.
Confident of his power, he has been assuming a haughty tone with the
Greek ambassador sent to settle the treaty, and insisted that he accept
the terms as they were without venturing on any changes. He has also
kept his soldiers in Crete, and sent a Turk as governor of the island
despite the protests of the Powers.
He has, in fact, been doing pretty much as he pleased, believing that
Europe was afraid of him, and that he was master of the situation.
Now the Powers have combined to teach him the difference. They have
joined together, and in round terms bidden him obey them or take the
consequences.
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