CONSTANTINE'S RETURN

Since the Parliamentary elections in Greece, it has naturally been a foregone conclusion that the exiled Constantine would be recalled to the throne. The recent plebiscite has but put the stamp of public approval upon such a course. Constantine may now enter his country with assurance.

Whether he will have so much assurance when once he has arrived, is another question. England and France, much as they would like to keep him out of power because of his pro-German tendencies, can not or will not go to such an extremity in the race of the whole Greek nation. But they can, and undoubtedly will, withdraw their support, both martial and financial, from the country. It cannot be denied that the Greeks are free to choose whomever they desire to rule over them; no more is it to be expected that the Allies will look favorably upon a state which has endorsed the hostility its ruler showed toward the Allies during the war.

Greece has important projects in Asia Minor and Turkey which it will be difficult for her to consummate unaided. She needs loans and credit, troops and munitions; what is more, she needs the backing of Europe's influence. From present accounts, none of these things will be forthcoming. Constantine may be a popular here, and Greece may enjoy the luxury of his regal presence in Athens; but that luxury is apt to be an expensive one.