New-York tribune., 1891-05-04
POPULARITY OF SULTAN ABDUL HAMID'
FESTIVITIES ON HIS BIRTHDAY-HIs SUCCESS
WITH IMPERIAL FINANCES.

WITH IMPERIAL FINANCES.
Abdul Hamid. the Sultan of Turkey celebrated
the fftietb anniversary of his birth March 26,
and the occasion was one of great and universal
rejoicing in Constantinople. Some of the reasons
for the reigning mOnarch's popularity are shown
in the following extracts from the letter Of an
American who witnessed the festivities:
Never has one seen such rejoicing among the people
in Constantinople-of all classes and all natonalitles-
as on the occasion of the ffeth anniversary of the
birth of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, ABDUL
Hamid H. He is really loved by his people, and
well deserves their affection. No worthier ruler ever
ascended the throne Of the empire. Abdul Hamid mas
remarkably sagacious mind and still more remark
able activity 1t is astonishing that he endures so
much work. but he has strong constitution, and his
life WILL trust be spared for long period for the
happiness and prosperity of Turkey.
Constantinople and all the suburbs were Illuminated
on the anniversary, March 90. 1t wonderfully
beautiful spectacle, and those who had the opportunity
of Witnessing it will never forget it. All the officers
Of State the patrarchs Of the different nationaliteS
who live in the Turkish Empire with equal rights, went
to the imperial palace to pay homage to the Sultan
II was fete day. The following is a copy-as given
by the Turkish newspaper "Sabahf-of the letter, ad
mirable I'm its simplicity and dignity, in which the
Sultan Abdul Medjid the father Of the sultan Abdul
Hamd fifty years ago announced to the Grand Vizier
Reouf Pacha the birth Of the present sovereign:
@My faithful Vizier 1 send you by the Derus
S.adet Aghass this letter. in which, by the grace Of
God announce to you, well 10 all the subjects
of my imperial the happy 6irth yester f
imperial prince, to whom have given the name of
Abdul Hamd. - ~,
May the Almighty profong his days, and may his
birth urOvc good to myself and To all the ser
wants of cod TO afford all opportunity to share in
this iOy order salute with five guns for seven con
secnfive days and the Ministers and subjects faithful
TO the state and all who wish II, will cause the city
be illuminated during the seven consecutive hghts.
Nav God preserve dynasty, and grant comforts to
its servants"
Turkey ought to be congratulated on having such a
great and wise ruler as the present sultan Not only
has he placed his army on the best possible basis but
ne has AT the same time raised Turkish finances to
prosperity unheard of in previous regns. Not single
loan has been asked from any foreign market in the
reign of Abdul Hamid and the credit of Turkey in the
bmrses of Europe has never been so great as at the
Dresent time Th result is due entirely to the efforts
Of the sultan To him also Is due the Increase OF
schools and the higher standard of education through
ont Turkey All those who have visited Turkey In
the years will recognize the immense prosres
made i'm fhe construction of railways and In developing
fine c0uDtrvs resources. All this is due 10 the per-
sOnal initiative of the present sultan, whose love OF
his country is deep-rooted in his heart.