The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-13
among German-speaking Protestants out
side of Germany.
Won der GoItz Pasha's Views.

Won der Goftz Pashas views.
Won der GoItz. the late reorganizer of
the Sultan's forces. has this to say:
During the past few weeks great num-
Der of people who never set foot on Turk
ish soil and are seemingly entirely unac-
quainted with the conditions and institu-
tions prevailing in the Orient, have aired
their views and have launched fulsome
criticism against the imperial army, init
mating that it would be quite easy for any
European power to vanquish the MussuI-
man forces. That is not only erroneous,
but dangerous assumption, totally at d.
vergence with the true facts. Since the
last war the Sultan's troops have immeas-
urably advanced in drill, well
strategic respects. IL is no longer force
subject to sntiquated methods and notions.
IL IL entirely untrue that the reforms pro-
posed by myself and the staff of German
instructors were executed only on paper. as
has been repeatedly asserted. To the con-
trary. they have been religiously put into
practice and theoretically studied with that
zeal ordinarily accredited only to German
profoundness.
1.-The modern Turks are hard workers. and
in their military duties. which they hold sa-
cred, they neither hesitate nor falter after
the head OF the empire and of Islam has
ordered new and special efforts TO be made.
That the Sultan was I'm earnest with respect
to the army reforms, need not be set forth.
Ever since the last war he has been anx-
ious to do all in his power to put his army
on the most modern footing. His friendship
with the German Emperor is the conse-
quence of the personal interest both feel in
their respective armies The Sultan being
satisfied that German drill and strategy are
superior to any other system, he allowed
myself and brother officers full sway in our
departments. We reorganized his standing
army down to the last CATERS button, as
the phrase goes, working tremendously
with the Turkish authorities, who gladly
recognized us as teachers If il comes to
war the success of our efforts to raise the
Turkish troops to the standard of modern
efficiency will soon become apparent. 1t
was part of the Sultans policy not to let
the world at large know what we were do
ing and what we were accomplishing. IL
the powers had known the full extent of
Turkeys indirect preparations for war,
they would surely have interfered, either
by accusing his Majesty of double dealing
or by cutting off our supply of war mate
rails by financial jugglery.
STRENGTH OF THE ARMY.
1.-The strength of the army is entirely
sufficient, considering that one word OF the
Sultan suffices to call the entire male popu-
lation, as far as they are believers, to
arms. The world knows only of Moslem
defeats in our days Turkish officers and
generals have had a bad name, not because
they lacked in asgressiveness and courage,
,bax, hod 81 tn
mend them. This state of things has to-
tally changed. Ever since 1886 large de-
tachments Of Turks have. after receiving
preliminary instruction at home, taken serv-
ice in the German army, to return after
year or so of hard work and spread the
knowledge thus gained among their COM
rades. In the same way, but merely Tor
instructive purposes. have exemplary Ger
man officers taken positions with the Sui
tan's troops.
1T happens frequently that foreign ofn-
GERS entering the service of friendly ma
ton do so on account Of difficulties at home
They seek change OF air to escape cred
itors, or on account of differences with
their superiors.' The Sultan very properly
declined to receive men situated as in
structors His friendship with the Kaiser
guaranteed the character of all the officers
engaged for his army: they were all picked
soldiers, tried teachers, men of stamina
| and experience. The majority had served
at least part OF their time with the en-
| gineer corps. The book of instructions
newly introduced into the Turkish army is
| similar to the German military code
1.-The Turkish officers corps is now very
progressive and respectable body of men.
| While i'm the Sultan's service l delivered
| two or three lectures every week before
| army officers, followed by a lengthy discus
| sion. / was astonished at the character OF
| the speeches, questions and demonstrations
| / heard. They proved above all that these
| much malgned men are of studious habits
| and take their profession very much in
! earnest. They know that safety lies in
| knowledge.
MOSLEM SPIRIT ALIVE.
| AS to the Moslem military spirit 1t Is
| as strong to-day as ever during the last
| two centuries. The Turk is a most en-
| during creature, hardy and capable Of with
| standing great bodily infections His cour-
age has never been doubted. Such SOL
| der needs only capable officers to be al
| most inyincible, and the Sultans army Is
| now spiendidly officered and good material
| is added daily. The war academy, which, in
1883, numbered 453 pupils. has now 1900. But.
| il has been asserted, the Turks have no re-
| serves That was true fifteen years ago.
| but since the period of service has been
reduced from Ave to three years this defect
| has been done away with. The reserves are
| now I'm splendid condition and the army
shows the same groups as the German.
| The only fault 1 find with the military
administration of Turkey is its refusal to
/ admit Christians to its standing army.
| This discrimination fosters race hatred; 1t
| makes the Turkish army political and
| even a fanatic body. But the Sultan prob
ably desires TO appeal directly to the re-
| ligious instincts Of his people whenever in
| ternational difficulties are threatening. The
| mobilization of the Turkish army. IL such
becomes necessary. will be effected within
| one week; the Macedonian contingent will
| be in marching order within five days"
A Successful Writer.