Premier Delyannis Talks

New York, Marcli 9.- A special to The Herald from Athens says: Your correspondent has interviewed Prime Minister Delyannis on the subject of the Cretan question and the poliey of Greece concerning her reply to the ultimatum of the powers. "What reasons," was asked, "had Greece for interfering with the Cretan iuestion and sending troops to Crete?" "Greece," replied M. Delyannis, "could no longer be indilíerent to the deplorable state of the island. For the last seventy years the Cretans have been strikingr for freedom, which European policy has ever since refused to grant them. This circumstance has naturally provoked frequent insurrections, and, ín consequente, many thousands oí refugees seek shelter and proteetion from their kinsmen Ín Oréeos against Mohammedan Intolerante and fanaticism. We have spent many millions for Crete, and our present financial state must be greatly attributed to this circumstance. Could ve. then, any longer disregard our supreme duty toward brethren, affiliatcd through the same vernacular, the creed and feelings. or see them massacred by the Turks?" "The reforms promised by Europe were, owing to passivè opposition oí the sultan, never realized. Therefore, we sent our ships and army to secure peac? and hapiness in that unfortunate island." "Will Greece comply with the ultimatum to recall her ships and troops?" "I cannot definitely reply as to this. Still, as far as I know. the king". the nation, and the government will stoutly insist upon the present policy. The idea of settlinK by autonomy the Cretan question we cannot accept, as it does net guarantee the pacification of the island, which is the sole solution of the connection between Crete and Greece. For what the powers intend to do. whether blockading the Piraeus, as in 1886, or using other force. they are reBponsible - that is to say, if their purpose is to preserve the peace in the east and to prevent the Cretan question from producinff a general European war." "You mean to declare war against Turkey?" "We don't wish war. We are only getting ready to defend ourselves, followlng the suit of the Turks. Should the Turks attack us, we believe we are Btrong enough, as in 1886, and we can easily raise 110,000 men. Besides, we rely upon sympathy and support of all the Hellenes abroad." "Do you think the incursión of Blgarians into Turkish territory is to be apprehended in case of a Greek Invasión of Macedonla?" "I do not believe such would be the case. Our relations with Bulgaria are bo greatly improved that nothing is to be feared from that quarter."