National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-06-20
NatioHal gepabl


Olive Harper, writing from Constantinopltt
describes visit to harem Of one OF tAe'
wealthiest Turks In the city. She says: "Aff
ter the tiresome dinner was done, we all ad4
journed to the saloon, and gtrls came In e
sing and dance. They brought their awk<
ward lutes, and thrummed away at them snc
sung interminable songs In monotonous man
ner that almost set me to sleep In spite Of my
SELF Then four of them rose, and, throwing
aside their jeridgees, began to dance, If dan
cling IL can be called. They all wore trousers
and slippers, and for bodices only little sort
Of Spanish Jacket that left nearly all the bust
and stomach exposed down to the belt, being
only held together by button and loop. Their
hair was braided and hanging down their backs
and full Of little juggling coins. Their motions
and actions generally were to my way Of think
ing very INDIGENOUS, and ! was glad when they
nad finished and took their leave, painting and
flushed with their lsacivious pastures and con
tortions. Then the Pasha elapped his hands
and four slaves came IN and set up q large,
white screen, and another came In with little
table, on whicA was large sized magic lantern,
to make what they call ona6res CIiaofses. I
watched this with some CURIOSITY. for I had
heard that this was fayorite Amusement with
Turkish women. This was pictorial drama, \
IL represented . woman and her many intrieues
In due rotation, some Of them being Of q comic
and some OF very serious character, wherein
she seemed to bsin great danger Of discovery
until the final result took place. She lost her
head at last. Some Of the pictures were the
most indecent possible to imagine: but these
women seemed to take the greatest delight "a r
them, and to laugh with the most Innocent
pleasure. did not dare to say word against
che exhibition there; but didn't look at them
except from behind my hands. That Is the
truth. After this exhibition was over pro-
posed 70 go home, and the Pasha then rose and
reminded me that must make choice of
some article In the house to take with me by
way OF souvenir. ! objected, told him my
memory Of this day would serve to recall his
family to mind, and much more of the same
sort; but he told me II had been wen received
there, and had no secret grievance against any
OIL his family, must take something, or that
misfortune would certainly attend him and
his. The women offered by dumb signs their
jewels, but was too good-natured to take
that advantage. looked about me IN despair
for some trife, and at last saw an odd-shsped
black inkstand and stand-holder. I told the
Pashs that, If he would permit, would take
that, as by that means should always have
his gift before my eyes. had no sooner
stopped speaking than l saw had made mis-
take. l believe never opened my mouth ret
without putting my foot in IT, The women
all looked blank, and for q moment the Pasha
was staggered. FASTENED to retract, but it
was too late, and have the fnkstand now. Co
ing home, the Pashs sent his secretary and fe-
male slave with me, and from them found
out the value of the things. They are Of
black stone, set with coral and turquoise, and
were made to order out Of piece Of the pro-
Phet's tomb at Mecca, which the Psshs had
obtained at great price on his pilgrimage. +
might better have asked for one 81 bis mot
costly jewels, one Of his horses, or bis Damas-
Gus sword" .. ~ .---..s..-