Mr. Tuckermen to Mr. Fish
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the volume of Consular Regulations; also of your dispatch of the 10th ultimo, No. 55.
The festivities of the Greek New Year took place yesterday. The diplomatic body assisted at mass at the cathedral and from thence proceeded to the palace, where the King and Queen gave an official audience, and the customary address to the throne was delivered, to which Her Majesty responded.
[Page 541]The eventful year which has just closed has not been without political and moral importance to Greece. In April last, the affair at S. Nierme, near Marathon, whereby four foreigners, including two members of legations, were massacred by brigands, created an intensity of feeling in this community which cannot wholly die out, and may lead to that unity of public sentiment here which is essential to the thorough removal of the scourge of brigandage in Greece and the Turkish provinces. On the other hand, through misapprehension and misrepresentation of the facts of the case, this nation has been most unjustifiably assailed, especially by the government and press of England, until a bitterness of feeling has been excited here which is not likely to strengthen the friendly relations heretofore existing between Great Britain and Greece. The result of the legal examination, which involves an Englishman in the circumstances which led to the tragical ending, is not satisfactory to the English minister, and further complications are likely to grow out of this protracted affair.
Two changes of ministry have occurred during the year. That of Mr. Deligeorgis gave promise of important reforms, and did effect much in the successful pursuit of brigandage, but the minister was without popular support. The idea that the King would, in face of this last fact, authorize the dissolution of the forthcoming Parliament, subjected the sovereign to very general and severe criticism. The return of Mr. Coumoundouros to power has restored the popular equilibrium, and the chief political organs now assert that the kingdom, has “returned at last to strictly constitutional government,” the present cabinet being supported by a parliamentary majority.
With the popularity which now surrounds the new minister, and the great opportunity which is afforded for positive and independent action in the important questions of brigandage, finance, and internal development, it may be expected that Greece will this year take some important steps in the right direction.
The National Exposition of Industry, which has just closed, was a creditable evidence of the material resources of the kingdom, and which a supply of outside capital would largely develop.
Attention has been given to the subject of commercial relations with the United States. The reduction of our import duty on dried currants will lead to the increase of the export from Greece, but it still seems desirable that a further reduction of the duty should be made in view of the fact that the existing rate is equal to about double the cost of the fruit in this market, and also because Great Britain is seriously suggesting the entire removal of the duty at her ports. This would divert shipments from the United States.
The reports of our consuls at Patras, Zante, and Cephalonia encourage the belief that much more can be done than ever has been done in direct importations from the States, and practical efforts will be made to increase these commercial relations.
I have, &c.,