New-York tribune., 1901-04-28

Figures have seemed to show small decline
in the Mahometan population of Tunis and Al
giers; but this is due to the work Of the SuItans
emissaries. who invite the faithful to emigrate
to a land which is under the sway of true
believer. rather than be ruled by infdeis, prom
ising them the reward Of God for their devotion
In addition to this sort Of propaganda, the Sui
tan IS said to be in constant communication
with the sheiks of the country. many of whom
are fanatics of the first water. The Senouissia
from their convent at Djagboub zealots though
they are, try 10 exercise a restraining influence
on these narrowmni.d Il enthusiasts. In the
case Of this society, many instances are told of
kindness to travelling Christians and Of at
tempts moderate the prejudiCes Of the neigh
boring sheiks. They are. none the less most
active in proseNting Already the converts in
the interior number ten millions. Geographi-
cally two-thirds Of Africa belong 10 Islam
In Morocco. where fanatcism : found at its
height. the Sultan's influence is little felt The
Shereef OF Fez. a descendant Of the Prophet. de-
clares himself the rishtful Caliph ana has a
strong following among his neighbors.
THE GRAND sHEREEF HELPS THE SULTAN
The Grand Shereef Of Mecca. Aoun-er R4faL
extends the Sultan's influence in various in
eenious ways. Mecca the sacred spot to all the
Moslem world. is naturally he centre of its
ltll5lDuS IEOuSHl, ana 4 Whisper bFrdlnri tFtft
travels swiftly 70 every part Of the globe The
Shereef has organized corps Of guides who not
only show the pilgrims the sacred glories Of the
holy -Ity but also instil useful political ideas
As the desire to fulfil the commandments of his
religion by making a pilgrimage is strong in
every Mussulmans breast, the opportunity Of
the ''mountaouafs' is great The pilgrmage ges
50 badly regulated that a se nse of i'll usage
elbows devotion in the minds Of the newly ar
rived and makes them easy marks for the wary
guides. one Christian 1ation. the Dutch. en-
coIr&ges and regulates these journeys. for the
canny reason that the travellers may have an
opportunity to compare their own well ordered
infdel government with that Of the holy but
uncomfortable Hedjaz.
Islam is supposed not to move yet it has
learned most effectually t. Sc * conversion by
other means than the sword. Students of the
subject say that changes are observed. always
toward greater liberty. but, Of course. only
among the better educated. There is undoubt-
edy desire to advance the kingdom of Islam
by quicker methods. The Sultans victories over
Greece brought a sufficiently strong indica-
tion Of this fact. The British Government in
India. though aware that IN the event Of war
the country the Mahonetans might turn
the scale went piacidly its way assured that
the right Of its form of government would in
time demonstrate itself TO the most unruly. or
at least trusting that the mutual jealousy Of the
Hindoos and the MahOmetans would keep them
, from becoming unitedly rebellious. But in At
rca the feeling showed itself in such editorial
/ articles the following. taken from Eel
Mouayed" a journal published at Tangier:
Is possible to turn aside the attacks. press
back the European invasions the territory
Of Mussulmans and to take back the rights Of
states which the Mussumans have lost? Yes
answer If a voice. coming from Western Africa
/ traversng the plains of the Sahara passing be-
yond the confines Of Nile to the valleys of
Arabia. coming to India. travelling over the
plains and mountains of Syria should bring an
eo no TO the city OF ConstantnOple"
The question is. VIII tnat voice he heard and
. if SO what answer viii the Sultan dare to ma ake ?
VIII the revival of Mahometanism which the
suItan seems to be projecting on an even greater
scale he solely political in form. will some
great reformer arise to purify the ancient faith
/ and make it a world power for good? Perhaps
| the world is soon To the answer to the
| riddle.