Durango semi-weekly herald., 1902-01-20
colo historical Society
capi,ol Building
Religious Liberty 10 Groundwork Of
the Austrian Success In Bosnia.

SARAJEVO. Bosnia, Nov. 2s.-
(William E. Curtis in the Chicago
Record-Herald.)- The Scheriat-
schule Is peculiar institution, in
which is taught Moselem. Christian
and Jewish law. In fact. the instruc-
ton covers the laws of all races and
religions which is necessary to this
mixed population, where the govern
ment endeavors to respect the re-
ligious scruples of every citizen and
to adjust Its requirements to the or
dinances of the different churches.
The Austrian statesmen who were
required to solve the Bosnian prob
lem recognized the Importance of
fact which many rulers in all parts
of the world and in all times have
forgotten or overlooked-that relig-
ious sentiment and conscience lie
deeper than any other influence
that effect human action.
AS l said the other day. the popu-
lation of Bosnia is about one-third
Moslem, one-third orthodox Greek,
one-fourth Roman Catholic, and the
balance Jews, Prostestants and be-
| levers in other creeds. Each indi-
vidual is not only allowed to worship
in his own way. but is excused from
the observance of laws which con.
fict with his religious duties. For
this reason different courts are pro-
vided for the trial of different races
| Speaking generally, the laws of Tur-
key still prevail in Bosnia, because
the country is nominally Turkish
province still. although it never
again will come under Turkish pow
er. There is much that is good in
the Turkish statutes. and when hon.
estly administered they are pecul-
iarly suitable for the government of
that race. 1t has been necessary,
however, to supplement them with
local statues. which are enacted by
an assembly chosen by the taxpayers
of the country. The legislature also
assesses taxes and makes appropria-
tions for public purposes to be dis
bursed by the executives.
| To instruct and qualify natives for
the bar, the bench, the legislature
and positions in the executive de.
partment of the government, the
Scheriatschule was established. and
1t now has about 200 pupils who pay
a small entrance fee and moderate
price for their rooms and board. 1t
occupies. a large rectangular building
of the oriental style. built OF hori;
zontal rows Of black and white stone
that suggest a prison garb. II Is ap.
preached by broad stone stairs with
portierres of flowers on either side,
and the entrance is lofty arch
which leads into central court dec
GRATED with fountain and flowers
Upon this court opens lecture-rooms
libaries and recitation-rooms, dor
mitory, refectory and chapel, well
constructed and fitted up with mod
ern conveniences. Great care has
been taken by the Austrians to make
the Bosnian schools models.
There Is fine national museum.
Bosnia unusually rich in ethnology
and practically an unexplored field
for ethnographic research An in.
ternational congress Of archaelogists
and ethologists met here several
years ago, and the members were
handsomely entertained by the gov
ernment with the hope OF stimulat
ing scientific interest. Its reports
attracted considerable attention. but
| cannot learn that the United States
was represented. Prehistoric re-
mains are remarkably numerous
and have been practically undisturb
ed except by the ignorant populace
who have searched some of them for
treasure and dismantled others fol-
building material. The country has
seen successive civilizations from
century to century, and at several
periods reached a high degree of cul
ture under the Romans and the
Greeks, which in turn were engulfet
or destroyed by barbaric invasions
only to spring up again in another
form. Its art and architecture are
largely buried under the soil and are
represented by ruins in the valleys
OF the mountains. In addition L
Roman and Greek remains there are
traces of Germanic, Gothic, Saracen
ic and Turkish occupants, but tht
field, as l have said. is PRACTICAL,
unexplored and should tempt tn,
learned societies to undertake sys
tematic investigations such as hav,
been carried on in Greece.
There are good hotels In ever,
part of the province. most of then
having been established by the gov
ernment either directly or indirect
ly by the payment o
subsidies. as an inducement to travel
ers. and they have proved to be val
liable inducements. The policy pur
sued here has been SO different iron
that adopted by the United State
congress in our new possessions
We passed law forbidding the In
PRODUCTION Of a new capital and tn
organization of new enterprises u
develop the Industry and materia
resources of Cuba, Porto Rico an
r the Philippine Islands. because on
: legislature was afraid thaI somebod
Y would derive profit from the az
e plication Of money. energy OF brain,