Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-27

| Pera Palace, Constantnople.
After three days, into which feel as II
! had comprised the sightseeing Of CEN
turtles. 1 am sitting in my room before
two candles, with my unpacked trunks
around me. Tomorrow We leave for
Athens, and ! suppose Rome will rest us
up bit. At present feel as II my back
was going 10 be tired for all eternity.
This morning we saw the selamllk or
! sultans procession to the mosque, which
takes place every Friday. when he leaves
! the palace with his escort and passes
| through square of 1000 soldiers 70
small mosque in the palace grounds. 1t
was one Of the most impressive sights l
! have ever witnessed.
A CROWD IN THE RAIN.
At 10 We started out with our permits
to the Ambassadors pavilion in the pal
ace grounds. The procession was not to
be until o'clock but as there were only
four windows and crowds Of strangers,
we had to secure places hours before
hand. IL was a beastly morning and we
drove through a driving rain and. as
luck was with US. took our seats before
one Of the small windows just before
lines Of all natonalities of foreigners
marched in and stood at our backs. Down
below us there was the roadway leading
TO the mosque from the palace, just
across from Us the mosque gate, and be-
yond that the blue sea of Marmora and
the minarets and cupalos of the city
MUCH GOLD-LACE DISPLAYED.
The waiting was not dull, because hum
dreds OF Turkish officers and noblemen
began 10 assemble. ] have never seen
such display of gold lace or so many
decorations. Some Of the generals were
so weighed down they could barely dis
mount. Presently the troops arrived-first
the open square was lined with cavalry
mounted on the most exquisite things in
mortal shape. pure Arabian horses, with
coats Of satin and eyes like fawns. The
place was soon bright with hundreds Of
small Turkish flags prettiest of all
flags for ornamental purposes. Next the
foot soldiers came. forming q living mass
on both sides Of the road from the Pal
ace TO the mosque. / have never seen
such soldiers. There was no show, no
gala attire no self-cOnsciOusness about
them nor was there one raw looking re-
cruit They looked as If fighting were as
easy as walking, and I warrant that it
would take more than the enemy's guns
a
curious green turban, but most wore the
fez and blue uniform. They were ugly as
individuals. but superb as forces, and
made all other soldiers I have seen look
as if they were gotten up for the occasion.
The ottoman empire may be doomed
think it is-but 1t will not fall without a
struggle.
THE CROWN PRINCE
When the troops were drawn I'D moro
generals and royal personages-several
young princes, the Sultan's sons-glitter-
ing in gold-laced uniforms mounted on
horses that were dreams of beauty. Then
came a carriage. on either side of which
walked several tiny boys Of or years
all in uniform. with little swords at their
sides and little boots 10 their knees. In
the carriage sat the Crown Prince q think
il was he). a tiny tot Of or 3. dressed
in the regulation uniform. his fat hand
clasped over his sword. His tutor lifted
him in his arms and carried him up the
mosque steps placing him on one side Of
the doorway. lie was the sweetest tot /
ever saw. and when his tutor wanted !
him to move, he lifted him from one spot !
to another as if he had been a doll.
THE SULTAN HIMSELF.
Next followed two closed carriages con-
tanning ladies Of the royal household. one |
his mother or wife. for a general came |
out before one carriage and told the |
troops TO present arms. The carriages |
stood in the mosque grounds with the Ia |
dies inside. but the horses were taken |
out. All this time bands were playing. |
flags flying and officers dashing 10 and |
fro. Then all was mOuOnless, the troops |
stood like granite, until suddenly one |
single ringing cheer rose from them and
III L
guard. The soldiers formed one living
square around him, leaving an immense |
space. I'm which walked his staff and gem
erals in the army. lie himself rode I'm a
large green, gold decorated carriage, |
driven by man in scarlet oriental dress,
i'm gold. Osman Pasha, I'm all |
his decorations, sat on the front seat, the
Sultan very simply dressed upon the back.
was greatly surprised at his appearance.
He is neither so small nor so nervous
looking as / had been told. He has a
striking Jewish-looking face and a great
deal OF dignity. The troops gave one
other cheer and he saluted right and left.
OSA1AN PAsHA.
Osman Pasha is very distinguished
looking, but although he is much hand
somer than the Sultan. do not recall his
face so well. our view was excellent. we
had we spoken to him. He entered the
mosque. the officers bowling low as he
passed, but the baby in uniform stood
straight before him ana took no notice
After he had gone inside there was pc
Rod Of waiting in which smaller gilt
trimmed carriage. drawn by two pure
white Arabian horses and guarded bv
four men, came down from the palace
When az the end of twenty minutes the
sultan came out, again the carpet was
spread before the smaller carriage and
fter kissing the tiny prince. he got into
he carriage alone. took the reins in one
land and guided the paving horses as
lightly as possible, while he saluted his
oldiers. IL was an impressive sight. lie |
lrove so easily. and the magnificent !
horses, chafing under the harness, SEEM
ID walking on air-as If conscious that
thousands OF eyes were on the man be-
lind them. The generals followed on foot.
unning I'm their gold lace and decorations
II his carriage wheels. their hands upon
he spokes. Then the princes returned !
o the carriages Of the ladies' The win
lows were raised, and we saw two ex-
iuisite women In gauze wells as sheer as
MIST one Of them looked up at us. drew
Ter veil almost from her face. and smiled
L us. They were Circassians. | suppose.
md one, the more serious of the two
must have been Sultana. She had an |
wal face and violet eyes.
HALE STARVED DOGS.
We came back TOR luncheon and went
'ut again TO the Mosque OF Ahmed-the
most Jea tifll OF The mosques. / think.
hen, IS the sun came out, We climbed
o the top Of the Galata tower and saw
So 10 ole Il L.