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204 CHRISTIAN GREECE AND LIVING GREEK. There were no revenues with which to pay and provision the fleet, to purchase stores and am- munition, to pay for repair of vessels. All had to be furnished from the former savings of the proprietors of the ships. The leading families of Hydra acquitted themselves of this duty nobly. Wealthy families have been reduced to want and thrice suicide has been committed to escape starvation. Even with the immense sup- plies which Greece received from the Philhel- lenic committees of Europe and America, the revolution seemed not infrequently to be in danger of extinction from the actual starvation of the whole population. The establishment of new Greece by the powers was an evident mockery. No nation whatsoever could have flourished under the con- ditions given in this case. The Greeks were ex- horted to be free with their chains half-severed, to run in the race with shackles on their feet, to be a model for the very Europe which from the beginning demoralized them. Europe de- manded an impossibility of Grecee. r Of the regency which acted during- Kii|g y< Otho's minority no onk understooid'"a word or Greek. Had this regen??7-~cohsisted of men more experienced in practical affairs, its mem