The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-08-10
The War in SYRIA,

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The account we publish to-day presents
the other side OF the bloody picture in
Syria, and attributes the origig Of the war
to the conduct OF the Christians, who it is
charged, commenced aggressions on the
Druses. The statement seems TO he well
authenticated, and will be read with in
terest.
1t seems that the feud in Syria which
has resulted in atrocities so siciening, is
Of recent origin. In 1859 an emeute took
place in village called Deyt Mary, be.
tween certain Christians, known in the
region by the name Of Maroniles, and
certain Of Turkish sect Of idolaters,
known as Druses. TIE difficulty was ar
ranged TO the satisfaction OF all concerned.
It would appear, by the payment of three
thousand piasires by the Druses to the
Christians. The latter. however, being
Christians By name only, finding an easy
triumph and willing enemy, improve d
the occasion, as they thought, 10 slIr up
the old crusade against their Turkish
brethren, who differed from them in faith.
They desired to exterminale the InGdels,
and with this view organized committees,
purchased and distributed arms, and went
so far as 10 begin the campaign, by
marching on towards Schweyiat and Aitat
The places of residence of the Druse
chiefs. The Druses. who have always
considered their Maronite neighbors as no
match Tor them. did no, wal, for the attack
but marched down the Waddy and met
4 la ~
Here, 1t seems, the war began, and was
! carried on with Tie relentless ferocty that
always characterizts religious in erne.
/ cine conquest. The Druses were signally
successful. AT Lebanon it appears there
wes some bloody work, where Dluse re.
Inducements Unfortunately committed
excesses against Druse and Chrislian.-
At Zaleh, the Christians feeling strong,
| committed outr1ges, and from this point
were ox,ermnaled by their opponents.-
the troops OF the Sultan have offered little
service towards quiering matters, and
certain authorizes charge upon the Turk
ish soldiery the giving Of assistance 10 the
Druse side. Meanwhile, a panic had
seized the Christian Turks, and as MANY
as So, 600 were said TO have sought the
refuge of a Mediterranean port, and had
congregated in great numbers at Beyrout.
Every mail brought in fresh rumors from
different quarters Of the helpless congre.
cations Of masses OF Christians on tie one
hand, and their threatened attack BY their
enemies on the other. Many French
papers were earnestly urging upon Gov.
ernment the necessity of co operating with
England and RUSSIA to confirm the integ.
rily of the Empire, towards which so
much blood and treasure was sacrificed
four years ago. Others are clamorirg
for the dismem bermen; and Sublugation
OF the country that forms the Exception to
the progress Of Europe. The Porte has
addressed letter to France and England,
while all the muster, military, naval and
diplomatic, has beer going on, in which
he promises 10 restore peace TO The
country, punish the guilty parties and
render justice to all. In regard to the in
tervenlion OF France and England, moth.
ing d, finite is reported. The rumors are
confrmatory of the opinion that the Sui
tan is unequal to the emergency, and that
the Emperor Of France, who must now be
iii want Of military employment for the
army, and fresh excitement for the rising
discontents in the French nation, will un.
dertake the office Of protector Of the faith
in SYRIA Cleveland Leader.