Turkey has been bankrupt for many years, and owes money to most of the nations of Europe, so when Russia learned of this dangerous activity on her part, she took advantage of the old debts to prevent it.
She sent word that if Turkey was in a position to buy a navy, she must be also in a position to pay her debts, and therefore Russia would like to have the old account of 1878 settled.
This is a war debt which Turkey owes Russia because of the last war between them.
This debt is an extremely heavy one, and the Porte, becoming frightened lest Russia should insist on its payment, hastened to inform the Czar that nothing definite had been arranged about the navy.
Russia replied that the moment Turkey shall attempt to build up her navy or increase her war supplies, she will insist on the payment of this debt.
After a few days of reflection, the Porte informed the Russian ambassador that Turkey had decided not to make any changes in her navy for the present.
Between them, Austria and Russia have succeeded in crushing the Sultan's ambition for the present.
These are, however, not all of Abdul Hamid's troubles.
Crete, which he had begun to regard as his rightful property, has once more become a thorn in his side.
Confident of his power, he has been assuming a haughty tone with the Greek ambassador sent to settle the treaty, and insisted that he accept the terms as they were without venturing on any changes. He has also kept his soldiers in Crete, and sent a Turk as governor of the island despite the protests of the Powers.
He has, in fact, been doing pretty much as he pleased, believing that Europe was afraid of him, and that he was master of the situation.
Now the Powers have combined to teach him the difference. They have joined together, and in round terms bidden him obey them or take the consequences.
You remember that home rule was promised to Crete, and that (after the peace negotiations were signed) the Sultan announced that he would see about the reforms later.
The Powers have now sent word to him that home rule must be granted to the island at once, the Turkish troops instantly withdrawn, and a Christian governor appointed.
Word has been sent to Turkey that if she oppose the Powers they will blockade Constantinople.