Should the Sultan consent to the demands of the Powers and restore Thessaly, the Sheiks might call out their tribes and carry on the war themselves.
The Sultan has therefore to be very careful not to anger them, and it is for this reason that he delays, hoping that in time one party or the other may give in.
The Powers are, however, quite tired of the delay, and the latest despatch says that they have sent the Sultan a collective note, which means a letter expressing the sentiments of all the diplomats concerned.
This note states that they cannot allow any further delay, and demands that the Porte arrive at a decision immediately.
It is also stated on good authority that the Greek Government has arranged a loan to pay the money that Turkey demands as a war indemnity, so that just as soon as the peace negotiations are concluded Greece may be ready to pay the required sum.
The report about the wounding of General Gomez has been contradicted.
It seems that the Spaniards and Cubans had an engagement near the Jucaro Moron trocha.
A body of insurgents under General Vega were trying to join the forces of General Gomez, when they encountered the Spanish troops.
The insurgents gave battle, and were getting the best of the fight, when a second Spanish column appeared in sight.
The insurgents, finding themselves outnumbered, retreated.
In the engagement General Vega was wounded, his horse being shot under him, and he himself falling unconscious to the ground. His staff surrounded him, and carried him away to a place of safety, but not before the Spaniards had seen what had occurred.
Knowing Gomez to be in the neighborhood, they supposed it was he who had been in command, and so the mistake arose.
It is a happy thing for the Cubans that Gomez is still spared to them. The terrible disasters of the Greek campaign have shown us how necessary good leaders are.
General Weyler has announced his intention of doing no more fighting until the close of the rainy season.
He is on his way back to Havana. He has not pacified Santiago de Cuba as he promised to do, but now declares that it is impossible to attempt any military operations during the rainy season.
The Cubans do not agree with him. The rain has, so far, not dampened their ardor.