The Mena star., 1899-01-18
EXAGGERATED RESPECT.
Is Paid by the suit"n's Ea"AfnS N'n- ions to the Emblem ~f
 Uncle Sam.


 1u inc discordant martial music in- cessantly produced by the European svmpathy concert is heard the rattling .Irnder of the diplomatic bass drum tbot is ferociously beaten by the sultan as Turkey. With all his bloodthirsti- ness Inst and cruelty. there is no dis putiug the political acumen he has dis nlaved in keeping the powers from ;umping on the white meat ot Turkey. He has outgeneraled and outwltted the sbrewdest of experienced European 5;r,lomats by flirting outrageously with tbe honor of their respective nations. then engendering a spirit of jealousy between the powers. That makes a ,,,i+od movement to whitewash that dark and bloody country one of the im- aose;hilities. He sits in his harem and tbrov,e cut flowers at himself over his successful method of keeping the threat enino countries at bay. He laughs the ,owers to scorn when they make bluff at averaging the massacres of the baInless Armenians. and wipes his drip nino sword with composure. The Sick Man of Europe is pretty healthy in- dividual, inasmuch as he holds ms Key to the political situation of the contl- nent One power dare not take the initiative for fear of precipitating a general war. But there is one country on the face of the globe that the sultan resDects. and that is no other than the United States.
 He has never felt the impact of Uncle Sam's big fist in his solar pleXus, but he has read enough to be convinced that he is a hard hitter. Itwas brought home to him more forcibly by the late difficulty with Spain. Never has he refused to pay an indemnity for dam ages sustained by an American citizen in his monarchy. Never has he failed to free Yankee subject from the con- fines of prison upon the demand Of the American consul.
 As an illustration of the respectful spirit for Uncle Sam he has instilled into his subjects. the following incl dent is quite apropos: The wave or patriotism that swept over this couu- trv was manifested in various forms. Probably the most unique was the en- velope that represented the American flag. A well-known Syrian of this city had occasion to use one of these envel- opes in writing to his mother. who re- sides at Zahle, Syria. When the mail bag was opened at Beyrouth, and the contents were dumped out on the floor. the attaches were thrown into hys- teria of excitement by the finding of the letter mentioned previously The brilliant coors of Old Glory made a great impression on the innocent Turks. They thought it was state message from "his excellency, President Me- Kinley." and should be delivered inn mediately.
 A horse and buggy were procured in- stanter. and the bearer of this precious message galloped out of the city in a cloud of dust, while the dogs parked gleefully, and prayers were said from the mosques, Zahle, which was 45 miles distant. was reached in short time. and the letter delivered to the happy mother, who was overcome by the ra- pidity and wonder of it all The bearer waited impatiently for an answer. He was anxious to get on the returning steamer to please the Washington au- thorities. When told it was a private letter, he swallowed his chagrin and disappointment as best he could, and then left, after taking one more look at the wonderful envelope 1 Enuuirer