The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-10-07
The Turkish Problem.

The Turkish chess board offers one of
the most perpleXing problems that has
veXed the civilized powers of the world.
This misgoverned territory which
should remain under control of an inde-
pendent government in order that the
equilibrium of Europe may be re-
tanned has for years been made the
hotbed of turmoil through the efforts of
intriguing friends of surrounding ma
tions and the uncomfortable fury of
Moham mmedan fanatics who are ready
at moments notice to engage in the
butchery of Christians Of any nation
ality or faith that are within reach.
Notwithstanding the fact that reports
of the outrages at Sassoun appear to
have been greatly exaggerated, and
that much Of the trouble has doubtless
been caused by the scheming of un-
scrupulous parties who seek to bring
the Turkish government into disrepute
by keeping Armenians and natives in
been clearly demonstrated that the
Porte is unable to control the elements
which make Turkey the land of in
trigue and unrest. Under the volup-
tuous pleasures of oriental life and the
teachings of a religion which frowns
upon progress and education the Turk
ish empire has gone to decay, and the
feeble remnants Of the once sturdy
race are no match for their more en-
lightened and scheming neighbors who
are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to
divide the Kingdom of the weakened
Sultan among themselves. Sooner or
later, it is evident, this division will take
place. Every fresh outbreak in which
innocent persons are made to suffer
from the hands of the blood thirsty
Mohammedan subjects of the Porte but
hastens the inevitable.
1t is sad, but nevertheless true that
the loud-voiced sympathy of European
powers for the down-trodden Armeni-
ans is prompted more by the desire to
arouse a sentiment throughout the
world that will be favorable to the blot
maps of the Eastern hemisphere, than
by any feeling Of humanity. Official
investigation has shown conclusively
that the affair al Sassoun was exagger-
ated by press reports in a way that
would shame the most accomplished
follower Of Ananias. In one instance
the number of Armenians reported as
having been slain by Turks was prob
ably four times greater than the en-
tire population of the district, and
other statements made were equally as
far from the truth. Yet these facts
only go to show more conclusively that
the combination is against Turkey, and
that the domain of the shivering, nerve
less monarch who is unable to control
his turbulent subjects, will soon become
the bone Of contention between the
jealous powers of Europe who, in the
professed interest of Christianity and
this important territory.
Whether this division will be made
peaceably or whether at the cost of
blood, time alone can determine. The
Russian bear has long had focused
a wistful eye upon the blue waters Of
the Bosphorus and will never be satis-
fed with any other portion of the
coveted territory. But it is doubtful
whether England, France and Ger
many would consent to Russian control
Of this important channel under any
circumstances. While 1t is possible that
the carving Of Turkey might be accom-
plished without bloodshed, the indica-
tons are that Europe will be involved
in one OF the most terrible wars the
world has known before the distribu-
tion Of the Ottoman empire has been
accomplished.
An exchange says: "Queen Victoria
takes a glass of fine, old spirit, mixed
with the purest of mineral water" This
should silence any rumors that may
be afloat to the effect that the queen
takes her whiskey straight.
The point raised by Mr.. Olmstead, of
Harrisburg. upon the judicial voting
question, continues to worry nervous
people who seem to think they are in
danger of being fiim-fiammed out Of
their votes by some unheard-of techni-
calIty liable to bob up at any time.
For anxious readers the following rule