ria, and hoped that nothing might intervene to
endanger it.

By this little action Austria and Russia succeeded in weakening Turkey
still more through her treasury; but even then they were not satisfied.

Russia had found out that the Sultan intended to spend part of the
indemnity Turkey was to obtain from Greece in strengthening his navy; in
fact, with Germany's help he meant to have the finest navy in the world.

This did not suit Russia at all. It became known that Germany had
arranged to supply Turkey with a perfectly equipped navy--guns,
equipment, and all complete--for one-quarter of the money coming from
Greece.

Turkey has been bankrupt for many years, and owes money to most of the
nations of Europe, so when Russia learned of this dangerous activity on
her part, she took advantage of the old debts to prevent it.

She sent word that if Turkey was in a position to buy a navy, she must
be also in a position to pay her debts, and therefore Russia would like
to have the old account of 1878 settled.

This is a war debt which Turkey owes Russia because of the last war
between them.

This debt is an extremely heavy one, and the Porte, becoming frightened
lest Russia should insist on its payment, hastened to inform the Czar
that nothing definite had been arranged about the navy.

Russia replied that the moment Turkey shall attempt to build up her navy
or increase her war supplies, she will insist on the payment of this
debt.

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 togeth