tunate inhabitants of Thessaly seem to be having a very hard
time of it. It is said that the province is full of brigands, and that
many people who fled to the mountains to avoid the Turks have been
seized by these vagabonds and held for ransom.

For years Greece was a very unsafe place for travellers on account of
robbers.

In the days before railways, when people had to travel by coach,
brigands infested most of the mountains and forests in Europe.

It was their habit to keep a regular lookout for travellers, and, as
soon as they approached, rush out upon them and rob them. If any
important person happened to be in the party, the brigands would make
him captive and hold him until his friends paid a large sum for his
freedom.

Brigandage has lingered longer in Greece than elsewhere, because there
are fewer railroads in that country.

* * * * *

There is little likelihood of decided action on Cuban affairs for the
present.

It is evident that President McKinley does not mean to do anything rash
in this matter.

He is reported to have said that he thinks the subject should be
considered with the greatest care, and that no hasty conclusions should
be arrived at.

There is a report that he intends to outline his Cuban policy, and then
entrust it to the new Minister to Spain. Much thought has been exercised
in choosing this official, the President having finally nominated Gen.
Stewart L. Woodford for the important mission. It is thought that
nothing will be done in regard to Cuba until after General Woodford
arrives in Madrid.

The President has received Mr. Calhoun's report, and from the statements
which this gentleman made on his return it would seem impossible any
longer to deny that actual warfare is being carried on in Cuba.

When Mr. Calhoun was questioned on the subject, he replied:

"War is going on in the island. True, no great battles are being
fought, no Gettysburgs or Chickamaugas, but there is war nevertheless."

He was asked if he thought the war would soon be over. He said he could
not form any idea about it; all he knew was that a very cruel war was
going on, and that both sides were doing their best to ruin the country.

Some people who profess to know say that any action taken by the United
States will be in the line of home rule for Cuba. The President
questioned Mr. Calhoun very closely as to the possibility of the Cubans
accepting home rule, and Mr. Calhou