Evening star., 1897-06-10
Experiences of the Generals Party in
Oonstantinople.
RECEIVED BY TIE TURKISH SULTAN
Greeted by Osman Pasha--Yacht-
ing on the Bosphorus.
A HU RRIED NSPECTION

L
life and scenes in the Turkish capital. In
describing the weekly devotions of the sui
tan at Constantinople he writes:
The Sultan Going to PRAYERS,
Once week the sultan leaves his palace
and proceeds to his mosque, q hundred
yards or SO from the gate, for the purpose
OF making his devotions. 1t is always an
occasion of great solemnity and dignity,
and is made splendid by a review of some
10000 troops. blare of bands of music,
ana the presence Of all the nobility and
omcials OF rank in town. All appear in
oress uniforms and decorations, and make
q scene brilliantly gay and bright
A certain kiosk commanding q view of
the ceremony from its windows, is at the
disposal Of the diplomatic corps and their
friends. Through the kindness of Minister
Ierreii. our party was invited to witness
the scene from this special kiosk, just
within the palace grounds. The general and
Captain Maus blossomed out in regiment
ais. looking very fine. We were conducted
.nro1gn the streets to the spot by an Off
Ger from the palace in great state, and
were escorted into fine apartment and
ranged at the windows that commanded
an excellent view Of the grounds and the
mosque: me Russian. servian and Per-
sian ambassadors and many personages in
d1nerent costumes and decorations entered
the room. 1ntroductions, cigarettes and
SAn8 III tnc SuItdn.
Presently the military display began. 1t
was really grand sight. With perfect
order, the various regiments took their
positions in glory of color to the tune of
Sousa's marches. There is no discount on
the suitan's 10000 men, either in physique,
discipline or form. They are a splendid
body Of men. Presently carts of sand ap-
peared. the contents of which were spread
ny many men for the purpose of making
tn the street quite clean for his royal majesty.
Then profound silence. The troops stood
ike wax images. their bayonets flashing
In the sun. Suddenly the voice of a priest
chanting the call for prayer from the
minaret was heard by the great assembly
The gate of the palace grounds opened
and the carriages bringing the numerous
wives came slowly forth, the chief eunuch
leading the way. They proceeded to the
mosque, when the horses were detached
and led away. Again silence.
A bugle call. a sudden present arms and
the g1ided carriages containing the sultan
and Osman Pasha emerged from the pal
ace grounds, surrounded 10y a body 9uard
and followed by a myriad of pashas and
other dignitaries. AS the sultan went by
he saluted the troops, and they replied by
the gesture of throwing dust upon their
heads He also looked up D our window
and saluted, all bowling. Driven to the
mosque. he alighted from the carriage with
Osman Pasha and enteced the temple.
There was an intermission Of some fifteen
minutes, when the troops marched away.
leaving only a guard aud a crowd of OH
GERS. The service over the sultan again
appeared and, entering n small carriage.
drove himself, a way Of Indicating that he
still holds the reins Of government we'll in
hand. Disappearing within the royal
grounds. the great gate closed and the
ceremony of the selamlk was over.
During the service in the mosque al
officer came from the sultan to present his
compliments and to say that he would be
pleased to receive the general and his
suite in his palace after the ceremony.
Received by the Sultan.
Accordingly, we were conducted by the
beauty and splendor, recalled the descrip-
tions in the Arabian Nights. and we were
led to a building, divested of our wraps, by
a crowd of servants in frock coats and
fezzes. and then were ushered into a sale
d attente, where we were obliged to wait
until the Russian ambassador had finished
his audience. This took nearly two hours,
during which time we consumed some very
delicious coffee, which the sultan was
pleased to send u.s. Finally our time came
and We were ushered into the royal pres
erce, observing the forms Of etiquette in
which we had been coached by the minis
ter. The room is most gorgeous one in
oriental style.
The sultan received us most cordially
coming forward and shaking hands with
each of us, and saying that he felt much
pleased that we had honored him with
rected to Gen. Miles, in whom he seemed
to take great interest and whom he was
evidently pleased to see. He asked MANY
questions concerning the American army
the Kind OF rifles and ordnance used In
regard to the present war, when compli-
mented upon the skill of his generals he
said:
Yes. my generals are very good; 1 have
carefully selected and trained them, and
with the aid of God, who is always lust.
our arms have been successful / did not
wish to fight, but the Greeks forced me to
take active measures. God has helped me-"
The sultan is not a bad-looking man; he
Is about hfty-five years of age. He is quick,
bright and alert In search for knowledge
His manner is superb-calm, easy, graceful,
cordial and very dignified. He works very
hard, experimenting and managing per-
sonally almost every detail Of his govern
ment.
After our interview, we backed out of the
room. all, including the sultan, saluting.
Interview with Osman Pasha.
We were now taken through a part of
the royal gardens. and entering another
many corridors. we were conducted into
the presence Of the old hero of Plevna, the
commander general Of the army, Osman
Pasha- He also greeted us warmly, shak-
ing hands with ALL The two major gen.
erals had sort of a love feast.
Gen. Miles-"As the greatest general of
the day your name in my country is known
to ALL
Osman-"I am undeserving, fear, Of this
great distinction
Miles-"Your defense of Plevna is the
greatest military achievement of recent
years."
Osman-'It was hard SIEGE"
Miles-"How long did 1t last?'
Osman-"Five months"
Mr.. Terrell-"Did you eat your horses
and mules?"
Osman-"We ate all our cattle and were
about to attack the horses when the siege
was ended. What do you think of our
army?"
Miles-"So far 1 have seen but little
from the car window and at the selamIik
today. They are splendid men and ad-
mirably trained; I hope to see more of
them in Greece"
Osman-"Oh! There you will see them.
The secret of success in war is persistence.
If you lose one fight, you may win the
next-never stop. Wear out the enemy.
Only persist"
Miles-"That was the distinguishing fea
ture of our Gen. Grant,"
Osman-'I regret not having met Gen.
Grant"
Miles-"You remind me much of him in
looks"
Osman-"As commander, have you seen