For more than two years they have carried on the unequal war. Clever enough to avoid meeting the Spaniards in any pitched battles, that, if lost, would ruin their cause, they have succeeded in harassing their foe, wasting Spain's money, wearing out her patience, and keeping her at bay until time has made better soldiers of them, drawn more friends to their cause, and rendered the conditions more equal.
The success of the Cubans can be looked forward to with confidence, because they are well generaled. The failure of the Greeks was expected with equal certainty, when it became evident that the Hellenic army had no leaders.
The Turks are pressing on, and will continue to do so until the negotiations for peace are actually begun. Every Greek town they can capture, every mile they can advance into Greek territory before peace is formally asked for, gives the Turk the right of demanding better terms when the final arrangements are made.
In Thessaly the Sultan's army has occupied Volo and Pharsala, and there is no doubt that it will soon gain possession of Domokho.
In Epirus the Turks routed the Greeks when they attempted to advance after the retreat to Arta.
The army is said to be completely discouraged by the frequent defeats, and sorrow and discontent reign throughout Greece.
The Greeks are a very excitable people, and it was only natural to suppose that when the fortunes of war turned against them, they would seek to throw the blame for their defeat on their rulers.
Every trouble that has befallen Greece has been laid at the door of King George and his sons.
There have been wild rumors of making the King give up his throne, and it was reported that a Russian vessel was moored off the Piræus to rescue the Royal Family in case of need.
These stories have not been verified, and probably have little truth in them. When Greece calms down a little she will learn that her King has been doing the best he could for his country and his people, and their old kindly feelings for him will return.
The Royal Family have kept themselves quietly in their palace during the worries, the Queen and Princesses working unceasingly for the relief of the sick and wounded.
Gomez is in Havana Province, and it is said that the Spaniards were defeated in a battle at Guines, thirty miles from Havana.