Connecticut western news., 1890-01-15

houses are about thirty.
 THE PRICE OF A SLAVE.
 An Abyssinian maiden from IA to 17 is worth from 60 to 12O liras Ca lira is worth about $4.5O), but handsome one is sure to bring 300 iras. White slaves are more abundant. Maidens from 12 to 15 are quoted from 60 to 800 liras, and those from 16 to 20 from 60 to l, ,O00 liras. The price varies ac- cording to beauty, size, complexion and accomplishments. Singers and musicians generally bring good price. It should be noted here that the slaves exported to Egypt greatly improved the breed of the Egyptians. One can immediately distinguish an Egyptian who has had for a mother or father 8 Circassian slave, from the pure Egyp- tiah. Many people here buy slaves for legal marriages, preferring them to Turks. The reason is that slave has no relations (mother-in-law especially, , and therefore no visitors or callers. She endeavors to please her husband. She is obedient and economical, and very afectionate even, if pretty well treated.
 SLAVES WHO ARE WELL TREATED.
 Many slaves would not leave their masters for the world, but many oth- CTS would be too glad to obtain their liberty. Some are we'll looked after, well cared for, richly dressed, and have costly jewels. They dine with their lady and are treated as compan- ions and members of the family. Among the possessors of slaves who were the most noted for their kind ness and benevolence was the late Princess, the daughter of the first Vii ceroy of Egypt. During her lifetime she gave monthly allowances from two to 50 iras to each of her slaves. She had some 80 of them married to re- spectable gentlemen, and gave to each 8 dowry of from $5,o00 to $25, 1000. Before her death, three years ago, she made will granting freedom to all her slaves, and distributing to them valuable presents and settlements.
 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE.
 give these details as an impartial writer should do; but impartiality must also make me say that there are other slaves who are treated with brutality and barbarity-when 8 girl of thirteen is compelled to submit to the barbarism of men of the worst type.
 There are hundreds of young girls who are sold to persons who sell them or exchange them for others of greater beauty. It is revolting to see to what extent slavery is encouraged here, and how many of these poor creatures would like to fly away from the brutal ity of their masters, and how many others are exported against their will. In general, slavery here is the curse of the country.
 In few lines I will explain how a slave is bought or sold. She is taken home-visited by a midwife and a doctor to see her state of health. If her state and accomplishments are ap- proved she is purchased. The follow ing is copy of the purchase contract ; 'I Ohe name of the proprietor of the slave) declare to have sold to X (the name of the purchaser) the slave. ... for the sum of. ... piastres in gold, which slave is my property. I have received the money in full, and declare that X (the slave) is now the property of and that he is satisfied with her actual state. (Seal and name of the seller.'.'' Slavery isagainst the Moham- medan religion. l have consulted many high authorities about it and find it illegal.
 THE sULTAN's FIFTEEN HUNDRED SLAVES.
 But here customs and usages become law, and the Imperial harems contain more than 1900 purchased slaves. Many slaves have run away from their masters to the British Ambassador and her Majesty's Consulate, but all that these authorities could do was to put themselves in communication with the police. Once the slaves go to the police, God knows what becomes of them. The British Embassy and Con- sulate have no authority to protect slaves. Slavery could only be SUD- pressed by the Sultan issuing a general decree granting liberty to all slaves, and that could only be done through the strong repre- entation and pressure of Europe. We know that this slavery is the curse of society here, the cause of polygamy, which brings thousands of other evils with it; yet Europe, which is desirous of abolishing it in Africa, ignores its development in the centre of Europe. To ignore the state of Constantinople, at the gates of Europe, is astonishing and really in- conprehensible.
 A TURKISH LIBERALS APPEAL TO MIR. GLADSTONE.
 If the Powers wish to leave affairs in Turkey, it is the duty of the press,