Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1876-05-18
The Grand Turks Household.

The EcOH0mists FrdncaiS Ia Paris pa
peri, in an article on the Sultan Of Turkeys
household, says; The Grand Marshal Is
the head functionary of the palace. He
has the supervision and responsibility of
all that passes in the selambike, the part
OF the palace where the Sultan spends the
day, takes his meals, and receives visitors.
The post Is nj present vacant, The salary
Is variable. Ferid Pasha, the last holders
had 276,O0O francs a year, with ra,ions
representing 81 900 francs. The Cham
berlains are not SO much administrators,
as domestics, paying the Sultan all the at
tentiOn deyolving on Wallets de chambrc In
Europe. He treats them harshly. When
in an i'll humor he insults them, strikes
them, drives them from the palace for the
most frivolous reasons. One few sec
onds behind in bringing his master his
praying carpet was sent into the palace
band. He has no turn for music, and Is
negotiating in secondrate posts. The
Office of Chamberlain IL, nevertheless,
much coveted, It's disadvantages being
compensated by large profits. The high
est persOnages seek their friendship in
the hope OF furthering their ambitious
views. These services are handsomely
rewarded. The Chamberlains announce
their appointment 10 the Grand Nizier,
the Ministers and Governors. Custom re-
quires each ofthcse personages 10 give the
bearer OF good tidlngs from II ,000f. to
% 000f as present The numerous con
cessinns to the Viccroy Of Egypt have al.
ways been announced TO him by the
Chamberlains, who have received
$40, O0Of., 400, 000f, 575 ,000f., md even
cocoon. The number OF Chamber.
lains varies according to the Sulan's
caprice. Usually there are seveL
or eight, but at present only five. The
Chief Chamberlain has S2, SOOf. year, a
palace rent free, equivalent to 34,5OO.
There are five secretaries. The Chief Of
them reads 10 the Sultan the daily report
prepared by "A special office, composed Of
Young men of the first Mussulman fami.
lies To him the Grand ViZicr and other
high functionaries address the cOmmun.
cations intended 10 come under the eye OF
their master, who is al such a distance
from common m0rials that nobody would
ever presume TO address directly 10 him
any official or other communication. The
five secretaries and four writers cost
24S, 4o9s For the moment the
post of Palace Treasurer Is "a real sinecure.
For several months neither employees nor
tradesmen haye been paid, all the ayaila.
bic money being reserved for the Sultan.
The Trcasurers salary Is Al ,O00f., with
rations IL ,040f.,g and four secretaries,
6,j60f An astrologer has - ,S00f His
duty is TO consult the moon and stars. He
sets to work when the Sultan Is unwell or
Is TO make a journey. His oracles are
listened to with respect and his directions
are followed. His influence is great in the
palace and out Of doors. The chief bar
Der, who knows how To hold his tongue
no slight merit, especially In Turkey--not
uttcring word when cutting his masters
beard and hair, has 5,j20f. The Sultan
does not drink coffee, but custom requires
tito be served 10 everybody repairing 10
the palace on business. The chief cafetier
has 5,520f, his six assistants 10, SCOT, and
the coffee costs 80 00M. a year. The Nus
suImans, after their meals, have the ex.
ceIlcnt habit of rinsing the mouth and
washing the hands with periumcd soap.
This department, with its chief and six
assistants, costs ~, 1857 per annnm.