The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-12-28
MORO(CO'S RERELLION.
Its Purpose to Prevent the YounE Sultan
From Introducing Reforms.

The man who heads the present attempt
to overthrow the Government Of the Sultan
of Morocco is reported to say that he has
not the slightest intention of Selling the
throne. His mission, he says, is to wage
holy war against Christians, keep Euro =
pcans out of Morocco and remove the present
Sultan from the throne on account Of his
tendency to listen to European advice and
yield to foreign influence.
He says that he and his followers will
nominate a Sultan from some Shereeflan
family who will promise to continue the
war against the Christians. According to
the correspondent Of the London Times at
Fee, the rebels are very strong in numbers
The rebellion is al expression Of total
dissent from and reprobation Of the sultan
recent scheme Of reforms. Walter B.
Harris. who had many interviews with
Morocco's young ruler last year. reported
that he was wholly unlike other Oriental
potentates in thoughts. habits and manner
Of life.
He is keenly sensitive to public opinion
in Europe. is interested in educational
systems abroad and in the workings of
constitutional government, and is anxious
to keep on good terms with the Powers,
Mr. Harris said.
The Sultan told Mr. Harris that as soon
AZ his Government was better organized he
hoped to travel abroad and learn what he
could for the benefit of his country.
To refor IN Morocco, to introduce modern
and liberal ideas into its system Of gov
eminent. may require genius and strength
beyond the powers Of the young ruler.
In 1884 DR.. Oscar Lenz, one Of the most
acute observers Of affairs in Morocco,
wrote that though the father Of the present
Gal haI nnpteS nd
man Of independent and energetic char
acter. as well as an autocrat, he was not
In a position to introduce evolutionary
reforms against the will Of the official class
The fanatical party was too strong both
in the country and at court to be forced
to submit to- drastic measures OF reform.
When the late Sultan's son came to the
throne in 1894 he was mere boy of IA. Dur
ing his minority Sid Ahmed, the Grand
Vizier OF Morocco, ruled the country with
the iron hand Of an absolute despot: He
held the country together. quelled re-
bellions and subdued disorderly tribes
with the utmost cruelty and at the same
time by wholesale confscation and enor-
nous exactions amassed great fortune.
Two years ago the young Sultan reached
troll the stern old Regent died. The report
that the old man left his great fortune to
the new Sultan is probably incorrect.
At any rate. II IL known that the Sultan's
finances have been in bad way. and that
since he cImo into actual power he has
raised considerable money by the sale
OF part OF his jewels. It Is not believed
that his Government has to-day the none
tary resources necessary to equip a force
and maintain II In the field for the sup
preston of a great and determined revolt,
There are Moors of progressive ten
dencies and they have hoped for great
things from their Sultan But 1t Is very
hard to change the old system. 1t has
been the time honored practice for Gov
| crnmcnt officials. all Of whom receive only
nominal pay, to prey upon the officials
below them till the local sheiks finally re-
coup themselves by preying on the people.
Squeezing" Is the main business Of the
governing class. and these officials do not
wish for any change
Added to this policy OF corruption is
the blind prejudice Of ignorance which
makes both the powerful and the lowly
believe that all foreigners are hereditary
foes. who cannot possibly wish them we'll
and who are most earnestly desired 10
leave the Moroccans to themselves. With
such condit ions "a these firmly rooted In
the country. the small body Of progressive
Moors will he most fortunate II the present
Sultan " ever able to bring about a 1.-THE
Of the reforms which they are expecting at
his hands.