Semi-weekly independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1895-1897, 1895-12-28
ONE WIFE a YEAR.
The Sultan Makes Selection with
Much Ceremony.


The Sultan, who has come before the
public in such an unenviable manner Of
ate, need not be lonely while hiding in
ais palace
1t is not generally known thar this
potentate is obliged to marry many
women against his will, yet this IS true.
The law of Turkey forces hen ID take
new wife every year This law IS
about hundred and seventy-five years
bid, dating from the time Of the Sultan
selim. who, wishing TO abolish polyg-
amy, had but one wife; but the high
iignitaries of Turkey decided that the
ancient laws should be maintained.
On the prophets birthday, beginning
1t sunset and lasting till sunrise,
holiday is kept. on the Sth of RamaZan.
! national and religious feast. and it
IS at this time the selection of = maiden.
put of the one hundred and one who
nave entered the lists. is made.
The officials who have the matter in
charge rarely allow any of the poorer
glasses to compete. and. accepting
brides, presents and promises of diplO-
matte aid, gather the young girls to-
gether and give them Instructions re-
garding dress and the etiquette of the
occasion. The dress consists of a large
white linen sheet thrown over the
shoulders in Roman fashion. sandals on
their feet, hair hanging loosely, and 10
gems or ornaments.
On the important night the Sultan
mounts fine horse and is accompanied
by all of the palace ministers of state.
pashaS, and -de-camp in their gala
uniforms. representing all the states
over which the Sultan yields his scep-
ter. Military bands make loud and wild
music, and the hundreds and hundreds
Of soldiers that line the streets carry on
their bayonetS Chinese lanterns to IL
illuminate the procession of their ruler.
At length the Sultan arrives at the
Sule;manich Mosque overlooking the
10ly carpet or prayer-rug. Here he
stands while 4 sermon is preached to
him, and then lie goes to the great
square. This is crowded with persons
Of distinction. and in the center is
placed 4 pavilion Of scarlet velvet, rich
~ embroidered, and decorated with
the Sultan's monogram. the official en-
olem OF Turkey. These draperieS are
testoOned upon silver poles. and within
them now are seen the high priest and
the heir to the throne Around this
stand the one hundred and one maid
ems. attired in the white toga. each
holding a towel in her hand. and max
Ing complete circle around the Sultan.
a prayer IS made, the heir approaches
his father, and, kneeling, offers him
two pigeons. The Sultan. kneeling also.
takes knife from his belt, invokes the
aid of the prophet in the selection OF 4
new wife. sacrifices, rises, washes his
hands In the golden basin held by the
priest, and dries them upon the towel
or the young girl hG selects.
Fortunately for her comfort. she has
nothing to do with housekeeping: for
the Sultan's household. consisting Of
5000 persons, requires no little eXecu-
tive ability in running the machinery.
The treasurer of the household attends
TO this. Not less than ten tons of fish
are bought Il week: $1,000 pounds of
bread are eaten daily, baked in enOr-
nous ovens near the palace; one ton of
ice is bought every day for the inev-
liable pilaff; 600 pounds OF sugar. one
ton Of beef, another of veal, to say
nothing of coffee, vegetables, fruit,
sweetmeatS, nuts and confectionery.
Altogether his annual household eX-
penseS amount to $42,000,0O0.