The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-05-19
Letter nom Mr.. George W. Yeissr.

On account OF small boats, narrow anu
dangerous channels, and frequent storms
on this part Of the Mediterranean Sea, l
dreaded the voyage from Beyrout to Con-
stantinople, thence to Athens, distance
of 400 miles, more than any other part
of nv voyage. We were, however, very
fortunate in securing good boat, had good
service. calm sea, and, therefore, very
pleasant voyage.
In this voyage we passed between scores
of islands. These islands are all of volcanic
origin, are mountainous, and the scenery
very beautiful. We landed at Rhodes,
where Paul landed, and strolled through
the streets Of this ancient city for several
hours. We next passed the island Of
Patmos, and then landed at Smyrna, in
Asia Minor.
This is beautiful city and some parts
are quite modern. Population $50, 900.
The city is noted for the manufacture of
"Smyrna rugs, and for being the largest
drug exporting depot in the world. 1t Is
also the site of one of the seven churches
of Asia and the place where Polycarpe suf-
fered martyrdOm. .
From Smyrna we went by train, 4S
miles, to Ephesus. This was, perhaps,
the largest city in the world in Paul time.
Today there are only few small dwellings
with population less than one hundred.
For more than six miles we travelled
through ruins of the ancient city. Here
St. John lived before and after he was
banished.
The ruins of the church of ST. John,
where the apostle whom Jesus loved was
pastor. are still here. Not much remains
of the temple of DIANA but the ruins of
the Amphitheatre are very extensive. Al
ter visiting St. Luke's tomb and other
places of interest our party returned to
Smyrna and sailed the same day for the
Dardanelles. This is narrow channel
forty miles long and three -fourths Of mile
wide. All vessels sailing for Constantine
pie and the Black Sea must pass through
here. On account of the great Importance
of this water way in case of war all Europe
is watching this channel with jealous eye.
If properly fortified no man of war could
pass through.
Constantinople is large city, and 1t is
said if seen from the bay it presents the
most beautiful scenery in the world. The
Mosque, the church built by Constantine,
the Museum, the Sultan going to prayer on
Friday, and the bazars are some of the
points of interest. The church built by
Constantine 1852 years ago contains eight
columns of the Temple of Diana at Ephe-
sus, and eight from the temple of Baal at
Baalbec.
In the museum here is the finest collec-
ton of sarcophagi in the world. The col
lection was secured from Tyre and Sidon.
These beautiful marble sarcophagi were a
luxury of the wealthy, and valuable jewels
and gold were buried with the corpse.
''No Jewels or Gold in This Sarcophagus'
sthe inscription a King of Tyre put on
his coffin. This he did to prevent thieves
from robbing his tomb, which was often
done. But the museum ghoul doubted
his words and found jewels and gold of i'm
mense value in his sarcophagus. The
mummy of the King and his jewels and
gold lie side by side. Here lies perpetual
liar.
By securing permit from our Consul
and paying 80 cents "backsheesh' we
were permitted to stand on an elevated
place and see the Sultan of Turkey pass to
and from the Mosque where he goes every
Friday at 1890 p. IN. to pray.
H., ,o1,aa 10 about am xrards from, this
mosque and 10, 900 soldiers and 300 cav
airy stand guard as he drives along. Bands
PLAYED all around About % soldiers were
stationed among our party, so vigilant were
thew less some one should throw bomb al
the Sultan.
The Sultan is So years old and it is law
full for him to take new wife every year.
Before we left Constantinople we took i
voyage to the Black Sea just 50 we can say
1--WE sailed on the Black Sea-" "Wha
fools ace nlortals be.
Athens was the seat of government Of
Ancient Greece. The ruins of the Acrop
ais, the Parthenon, where all the God
were worshiped, and the temples, show
what Athens must have been when Pau
stood on Mars Hill Athens today is
western city, streets wide and clean, beau
tiful public squares, and the people intelli
gent and prosperous.
On Tuesday, April "a, our party wen
to the Amphitheatre to see athletic drills
which were given before the Royal family
About 600 students in athletic uniform
were in the drills. The King awarde,
prizes and the exercises were fine and great
ly enjoyed by an audience Of 40, 900 peo
pie.
The Amphitheatre is about 700 feet lon
and has seating capacity of 60, 900.
The Royal family, King George and tn
Queen, the Crown Prince and his wife
walked the whole distance of the theatr
and took seats among the audience.
was Democratic walk.
No 10, 900 soldiers guarded them; 40,
600 people applauded them, to which tn
King frequently bowed.
Our party secured reserved seats aroun
the King. We also provided number
Greecian flags and stars and stripes. Whe
the Royal family appeared three cheer
were given and our enthusiasm and fiae
brought the King to ''stand still y II
bowed, and bowed, and bowed again, an
then took a seat The next morning tn
press gave us quite compliment.
On account of recent massacres of Amer
lean Christians in Crete by the Turks,
feel myself very much favored that ha
Il Il II I y. u
opposed each other in the bloody struggle
You remember, dear readers, how thor
sands of prayers were offered througho,
the civilized world in behalf of the Armer
ian christians who were driven from villae
to village and murdered by the Turks.
The Sultan of Turkey worships NOLAN
med, and so do the people of his dominion
Crete belonged to Turkey, and on accour
of religion the Turks began to massacr