The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-02-18

row over these bright waters, and are almost as free as other young ladies ; soon. though, when we return to our own house, we can only go out in a closed carriage or when wrapped like mummy in yashmac or tereGle. These young ladies were being edu- caled by English and French govern esses. Sometimes, am told, these women rebel eR pa0SS6, and nearly dis card the close veil or some other rcgu- lation raiment, and little notice Is taken of it until there is some scandal evolved and reported to the sultan, Then the screws arc frightened.
 Long years ago the wiscacrcs who ruled here assembled in solemn divan to discuss the cause of their decline in military prowess; and 1t seems they came 10 the deliberate conclusion that it must be traced to the fact of their women having donned tho European high shoe in place of the low rcd and yellow slipper worn by them for long generations. Immediately the decree went forth that no Turkish women should appear in public with their feet clothed ''d ld Frunkd."
 am told that even in the harems of the wealthy the "honoum" (chiet lady) often spends the morning hours busily engaged with her domestics and slaves in the commonest household duties in order to relieve the tedium of her life of seclusion. They must always have the consent of the lord of the household before they can go out. even for short call, or to any of the sylvan retreats where they SO delight to picnic with their friends; but, judging from the great number of yelled women we sec abroad on Friday Uheir Sabbath), or on gala days, we must conclude such consent is seldom withheld. Though they have always to submit to being attended by a lynx eyed eunuch, they will still look cheerful and care free, sitting about on soft rugs, eating sweetmcats, sip ping coffee or smoking cigarettes, chat ting with their neighbors
 The very poor have rarely many household duties to perform. Their children are not allowed to occupy much of their time, but arc sent to the mosque school or turned into the street to amusc themselves with other children of their class. The actual needs of the family arc easily supplied, for a loaf or two of the black bread of the country, the price of which is reg ulated by government and k very cheap, and a few pounds of grapes or olives, also very cheap, are for them quite sufficient "daily bread" and two or three simply fashioned garments constitute the ncedful raiment. There is no setting to rights" of rooms, other than the rolling up and slowing away in closets of the pallets on which they have slept. Therefore the mis- tress of house is soon at liberty to curl up in corner of her divan with her ncedlcwork and beloved cigarette, if the weather is indictment, or if the day is fine can join some group on n grassy hillside and spend the entire day in the most frivolous gossip, with their children playing about them m all the freedom of unrestrained child hood.
 It is counted in Turkey deep dis grace for woman to remain unmar- rcd. Both sexes marry young, the girl often at twelve or thirteen, the boys at sixteen or eighteen. A girl must secure husband, no matter what the sacrifice.
 II is not an uncommon thing In scc A smart young woman married to a uperannuated old man and obliged to carry on her young shoulders the bur den of providing for the whole house. hold. One such know well, who, in addition to taking in washing to pro- vide food and raimcnt, performs the various duties her husband as imam --- or minister of public worship--is now utterly disqualified for by the infrni- ties of age The office of imam In q small village embodies that of judge AS well, for Mahomctan law and relig- ion are so closely connected that the cN pounder of each can be united in one person, thus forming one body in the hierarchy. The imam of village may thus be properly considered the president of the village. The wife of the imam of whom l speak now em- bodies in her fat little person all the dignities of his office. No Mahometan house can be entered by the police un- less the imam of the parish takes the lead and Is the first to knock at the door and cross the threshold. He must also settle all disputes, grant all licenses, collect rents, etc, all of which and much more is well performed by this competent little wife. Although 1 do not think she can take his place in performing the ceremonies of mar riage or circumcision. She must often assist at washing and burying the dead. It Is easy to see how she has be-