The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-27
A Visit 10 the sultan.

Having learned how difficult thing 1t
was to obtain an interview with Abdul
Hamid H., I'felt mighty longing for the
forbidden fruit, and eventually l enjoyed
it through the assistance OF Mikael- Ehendi,
the Secretary to the Minister OF Foreign
Affairs. He called for me, at my hotel, in
his carriage, and the vehicle took its tor
tuous way, first through the grand street Of
Pera, then into break-neck roads around
and about immense barracks, until at last
it gained the nights OF Orta-Keni, and af-
ter quite long and perilous voyage we
found ourselves before the palace. Yildiz-
Kiosk palace OF the Starr, the actual resi-
dence OF the Sultan, is an isolated retreat
where the disturbances OF the outer world
can scarcely penetrate, and whose inner
disturbances rarely and inexactly reach
the ears OF the outer world. The carriage
stopped In narrow garden, where we re-
manned, under the strict surveillance OF
the sentinels, while our names were an
nounced 10 the chamberlain OF the service
To the right, to the left, before and behind
us, trotted sentinels, soldiers, servants,
workmen flor they are forever adding to
the kiosk, and IL threatens TO become n
small city ini,self) in one continual stream,
but none entered the doors OF the palace
and saw no one 90 out.
After very few moments we were ad.
milted and passed up long, steep stair
case OF oak, with balusrade OF crystal,
and then through narrow galleries, between
thick walls, making veritablo excursion
down suites OF rooms, all furnished in the
European style, and finally, coming TO a
halt in q saloon, where we were served by
negro with coffee and cigarettes, while
VIC awaited the good pleasure OF the cham
berlain. From some room very near us
heard the voice OF n man in dreary, drawl-
ing monotone, and Mikael. Enond in.
formed me that each Friday, in the kiosk,
are sung the praises OF departed Sultans
But for this monotonous chant, silence
rcigned In the Palace OF the Star. IL
seemed TO me million servants, or officers
Of the kiosk. passed and repassed through
the rooms while we waited, but they ex-
changed no words, only an occasional
sign, and their steps were noiseless. A veil
ofmystery,se smed to envelop our surround
ings, and was distinctly conscious OF a
sense OF oppression.
In the heavy atmosphere about me rose
visions Of grand vizien, dead and gone
powerful, tenible-passing through these
thick-walled corridors, their sweeping
mantles OF gorgeous brocade, their in.
\ famous snares. But instead there came
toward us courteous gentlemen OF tho
nineteenth century, accompanied by his
chamberlain, both men dressed alike in
long black redingotes with scarce n shade
/ OF difference beyond the shirt-colar worn
by the Sultan and dispensed with by his
/ chamberlain. A small man, less than
medium hight. but we'll made, and with
the dark hair aud eyes OF his race, a
pointed Van Dyck beard Of raven black.
ness this is Abdul-llamid, Sultan OF
Turkey. The mans gaze is something re-
markable, at once soft and keen, and
while utterly frank and straightforward,
yet expressing both doubt and suspicion
OF what IL may find in another's. Look
ing into these questioning eyes, realize
that this monarch, even in his own
/ palace, does not feel secure. II may be
that hc suspects no one, but no is man
who doubts all tho world. At the
same time, lac is really loved By his PEG.
pie, TO whom u Sultan who can spare
Il hehAN hNAh hAo htANhA w hiNNA' W
the affairs Of his country is an unceasing
source Of surprise. Abdul-Hamid has
cast of the precedent and example OF the
monarchs OF his race, and works as hard
and faithfully ~ any OF his ministers, oI
whom he demands strict accounts, and
who come TO no serious decision without
his order lie is very aiiable, and received
US with the utmost cordiality. | could
not pass for Turk, nor he for a French.
man, aud our conversation was not NJ
brisk as | should have liked IL TO be. We
received every possible courtesy, however,
and although difficult enough OF accom-.
plishmeni, found an interview with the
Sultan TO be very nearly ~ commonplace
in realty rs the meeting with any other
gentleman. Through tho interminablg
suites and narrow corridors again, down
the steep staircase. out through the rank.
OF soldiers aud servants, into our carriage
and across the Ona-Keni, and this tim,
with our faces turned from the sullan'i
| Palace OF the Star.