"Liberty Still Rules"

The Cabinet, recently formed by M. Georges Kafandaris (TIME, Feb. 11), Was duly sworn in at Athens. Premier Kafandaris declared that he would follow M. Venizelos' policy in effecting internal conciliation over the dynastic question and in cultivating friendly relations with foreign powers. His Cabinet is composed of Venizelists.

The fact that Georges Kafandaris, ex-Minsiter of Justice and a fervent constitutional monarchist, has been made Premier of Greece, is proof that the power of Venizelos still dominates the political situation.

The dramatic scene that forced into retirement the "Wise Old Man of Greece" (Venizelos), a man who means as much to Greece as Woodrow Wilson meant to the U. S., took place in a little bedroom in the ex-Premier's residence at Athens. Here four doctors examined him and after a muttered consultation in one corner of the room they returned to the bedside and told their patient that he must give up his political duties and quit Athens for his health's sake.

When darkness once more shrouded the western world, it became known that Venizelos had resigned. But he will remain at Athens "for the sake of Greece."

At the birth of Venizelos, two Greek Orthodox priests and two Mohammedan hodjas had prayed in four different languages for two days and two nights that he might have a long life; for his mother had lost her first two children. On the third day, now 60 years ago, a boy was born and a priest named Yarotheos (old god) on account of his miraculous powers baptized him, saying: "I baptize, thee Eleutherios (Liberty), for thou shalt deliver our long suffering Crete from the tyranny of the Turk."

Another version of his birth is founded upon the superstition that a foundling will thrive when adopted. "Baby Eleutherios" was supposed to have been abandoned by his parents. Some relatives who were, by previous arrangement, passing by, picked him up and restored him to his father and mother as a "foundling."

Venizelos' father was a merchant and desired him to adopt a commercial career. He was sent to Athens to study law. Some years after, he headed a revolt in Crete against the Turks which was entirely successful. The Turks offered autonomy for Canea, but Venizelos refused, desiring union not of the town of Canea, but of all the island of Crete with Greece. His attitude caused a riot in which he was nearly stabbed. At night when he was asleep his house was set on fire, but he succeeded in escaping.

Soon after this, Venizelos' power was recognized and the Greek King left him in charge of the island. His labors were such that it is said he created an entire system of jurisprudence in 21 days. In 1905 he went to Athens as the first deputy from Crete and then commenced his great role in statesmanship.

He was expected to overthrow the Monarchy, but he opposed the people and advocated a revision of the Constitution. He worked in harmony with King George I in reorganizing public instruction, justice, police, finance, etc. His part in Balkan scheming is by now part of history. Judged ethically it may not be to his credit, but from results his actions were certainly justified; for in the two Balkan Wars he doubled the territory of Greece. After King George was succeeded by his son Constantine, Venizelos' power dwindled, because he found himself in direct opposition to the pro-German royal policies; but as leader of opinion he was always powerful.

Eleutherios is a big man, ascetic, energetic, persuasive. He has lived a life of extreme simplicity and self-abnegation; has worked as many as 16 to 18 hours a day; has proved himself to be expert in handling crowds, without resorting to the tricks of oratory. Once he and his friend, Premier Pashitch of Yugo-Slavia, were in St. Petersburg on a diplomatic errand. Reporters questioned M. Pashitch, who would only reply: "It is impossible to say any-thing." When they interviewed M. Venizelos they found him walking up and down deep in thought. He was pressed for information and consented finally to say: "I can only confirm all that has been said by my honorable colleague, M. Pashitch, with whom I am in complete agreement." He is a born diplomatist and one of the finest revolver shots in Europe to boot.