The population of this unfortunate country, being unable to bend itself to this state of things, has several times since 1830 found itself forced in its despair to have recourse to arms to recover its rights. At this present time it has again risen, and in abstaining from all acts of violence, it peaceably asks for justice from his Majesty the Sultan, the reduction of taxes, and an improvement in the administration. And if we, the most prudent, had not restrained its impetuosity, the population would have flown to arms, to engage in its despair in an unequal and sanguinary contest. Madam, one of the reasons of state policy which led the great Powers to replace us under the dominion of Turkey, was no doubt the amount of the Mussulman population in our island, which was considered higher than that of the Christian population. But now the Turks compose but one-fourth of the whole population, which amounts to 300,000 souls. It is unjust that the most numerous should suffer on account of the lesser number, whereas if we were under a Christian government our Turkish brethren would enjoy the same happiness and the same advantages as ourselves. Moreover, in order to keep the country in subjection, Turkey is obliged to keep up an army and a fleet, and to spend enormous sums of money, without its being of much service to her, whereas Crete, if united to Greece, would confer great advantages on the whole Greek race, and would be able to embark on a system of civilization. If the creation of an Hellenic kingdom has for its object the regeneration of this people, Crete, which is purely Hellenic country, would become one of its foundation stones. Madam, long experience has proved that, from the manner in which our island is governed, all improvement and all advancement are impossible for this wretched country. We consequently entreat your Majesty and their Majesties the Sovereigns of the two other Protecting Powers of the Greek nation, to deign to excuse our one wish, viz., union with our brethren of Greece. It is only under this condition that we can be happy, and contribute to the advancement of our race. Should that, however, be impossible at present, we beg your Majesty, in your infinite goodness, to endeavor to obtain for us a political organization, under which there may be laws and regular tribunals, less grievous and better imposed taxes, by which the morality of the people may become possible, that at least one part of the revenues of the country should be expended on its improvement, and generally that our just grievances may be redressed by a Christian and paternal administration. This is what, in imploring the magnanimous interposition of your Majesty, we venture to ask of the powerful monarchs of the three Great Powers. We sign ourselves, etc. The Deputies of the Section of Canéa, Heraclim, Rethymne, etc. CANEA, May 15, 1866. [Translation.]