The union Democrat., 1870-10-29
NUMBER 81.


The present attitude Of Russia, having 3
supposed connection with the Muscovite poll
lev mapped out hy Peter the Great, and
which, among other fer-reaching schemes
for national agg-andizement. contemplates
the conquest and absorption of that portion
of the Turkish Empire located in Europe.
any information concerning the strength and
resources of the latter country have an &C.
pecial interest at this time, rs it will serve
TO aid in the formation Of correct Judgment
respecting the results of a contest, when orce
it is begun, and also give direction to sympa-
thies certain to go out in favor Of one of the
two coutending nationalities.
The Turkish Empire covers an area Of l.
gil, 4s2 square miles, and this area covers
portions of Europe, Asia and Africa. tho
larger portion being in Asia. The ropula-
ton amounts to AZ, 060, $40. Of which "a, &c.
600 are Mussulmaus, $3.50, 900 Christians
OF the Greek, Armenian, Syrian and. other
Oriental rites, 10000 lsraelites, 2l4,OOO
Zingaries, and the rest Christians Of the Ro-
man Catholic rite, with few Protestants.
The monarch of the 0ttomans. who is ahso-
lutte, is known abroad as the Grand Sultan.
but bis true title ia Khan. The present
Sovereign is Abdul Azez-Khan, and he
came to the throne in 1861. The Empire is d.
vided into general governments, under the ad-
mInistration of Governor Generals, Of which
there are eight in Europe, nineteen in Asia.
and three in Africa-the most extensive and
powerful of oil being the government Of
Egypt.
The Turkish armv-to which the Ottoman
Empire must look for preservation if Russia
attempts to realize the policy of her greatest
ruler--shows an active force Of 100, 400 man; q
reserve containing the like number; auxiliary
r.
garrisons in Crete. Tripoli. &c., Ill ,0O0--,hc
whole forming a total available force of 442,-
1872. which could be swelled, and doubtless
would be under the pressure Of Russian in
vasion, to $50, 900.
The feet consists of 1856 vessels, among
which are several heavy irou-clads, CARRYING
1910 guns. It is manned by 10000 men.
including 1000 marines.
The present Sultan has instituted MANY
benifcent reforms in the civil, military and
naval departments of his Empire. A civil
code has been established, and something an
preaching to religious equality secured, while
Christians now serve in the army, adding not
n little to its efficiency. ond effectually check
ing any attempt Of the Russian Government
to create discussions among the Sultan's
Christian subjects. 1t is claimed by those
having excellent opportunities for forming
correct opinions on the subject, that both the
Turkish army and ravy are in a high state
of efficiency, well supplied with arms of =
modern pattern, and under thorough dlscip-
line.
1t will be seen, therefore, that although
called ''sics man." Turkey is yet q great
power, and that, while no match for Russia
in the matter of waging an offensive war
fare, yet standing on the defensive, and fight
ing for territorial integrity, the Ottomans
may prove foeman worthy of the hest Museo-
vite steel. AT any rate, it is safe TO predict
that the Car of all the Russias will not find
his pathway to Constantinople strewed with
palms and fowers.-Bostoa journal.