* * * * *
These two resolutions gave expression to the sentiments
of the American people, who sympathized strongly in the
Cretan struggle for independence. For a time the courage and
determination of the insurgents inspired confidence, and it
seemed as if they would prevail; but, after a protracted
struggle, they succumbed to superior force. The following
contemporary account is from the Washington correspondent of
the _Boston Journal_.
“Mr. Sumner’s resolutions appealing to the Turkish
Government in behalf of Crete, which were passed by both
Houses of Congress, have been much spoken of in diplomatic
circles. Some think they were too late, as in their opinion
the Cretans are already vanquished. This is not the
opinion with the Greek Legation, who is very hopeful, and
insists that the Turks can never prevail. The resolutions
themselves, even among those who do not sympathize with
their object, are regarded as a masterpiece of composition,
inasmuch as, while very strong, they did not fail in
courtesy toward the Turkish Government. There was a great
pressure to have the independence of Crete acknowledged,
especially by the Greek Legation, and by friends of the
Cretans in Massachusetts; but Mr. Sumner took the ground
that independence was a fact to be determined by evidence,
and that, whatever might be the opinion of individuals with
regard to the future result, there was no official evidence
showing that independence was yet established.”