States, and threatens dire and dreadful things.

The young Czar of Russia, with his gentle eyes and delicate face, does not
look capable of severity.

But he is a Russian. And he has settled himself in the seat of his
ancestors, evidently with a stern purpose of carrying out their despotic
policy.

Small matter is it that King George of Greece is his mother's brother.
Small matter that the young Admiral of the Greek fleet is his cousin and
loved companion, whose quick, strong arm and ready courage saved his life
in Japan five years ago.

He will not be swerved by personal influences from the course demanded by
Russian interests.

The Emperor of Austria has no family ties, no personal feelings to sway
him; and he is the natural ally of despotic Russia and Germany.

With these three men, lies the fate of Greece, Crete, and perhaps the
"Eastern Question" to-day.

Will they meet the other three States half-way, and effect a peaceful
compromise? Or will they carry out the threat of the German Emperor, and,
in the words of her own brave Prime Minister:

_"Wipe Greece off the map of Europe"?_

Now this is the story of the Greek and Cretan troubles of which every one
is talking in Europe and in America.

Some time it will be printed in grave-looking histories, and will perhaps
seem very dry and dull to the young people who have to commit to memory
the strange names of men and places, and perhaps, the dates of great
battles fought!

It is your privilege to read this thrilling story from day to day, as it
unfolds.

The European and Cuban despatches which your fathers and brothers eagerly
read and talk about at breakfast every morning, are _history_. Not dried
and pressed between the covers of a school-book, with all the life and
spirit taken out of it; but history warm and palpitating with life;
telling of things which happened yesterday, and are happening to-day, and
which we all fear or else long for to-morrow.

Every American with the blood of a patriot in his veins is longing to
hear to-morrow that _Cuba_ is free, and that _Crete_ is safely restored to
the arms of Greece. This will happily close two of the most thrilling
chapters in the history of modern times.

MARY PLATT PARMELE.

SUPPLEMENT TO:::

=THE=

=Great Round World=

=AND WHAT IS GOING ON IN IT=

* * * * *

VOL. 1 MARCH 25, 1897. NO. 20

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