The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-10-17

the thousands Of their kindred who have
already been butchered.
Greece, Romania, would doubtless join
in-both have old scores to settle. With
Russia and Austria at once mixed up IN
the fray. Italy, France and Germany
might see their way clear to take hand
and even far away England. ONCE friendly
to the Turk. might join issue.
Turkey occupies peculiar place IN
Europe 1t is really more Oriental than
Occidental Yet it holds many of the keys
to all Europe. Russia finds itself blocked
for a free passage to the Mediterranean.
Austria's frontiers are much harrassed-
The little European kingdoms resent the
Sutans domineering ways.
To the average European the Balkan
question is the gravest of all those poll
teal problems which are continually be-
setting Europe and its closely gathered
monarchies. The expulsion OF the Turk
has been in mind to them ever since 1856.
when the Ottoman forces grst crossed the
Dardaneues from Asia Minor.
At that time Europe was easy for
soIidified enemy. 1t was split up into many
turbulent and contentious states. Servia
was conquered in 1889. In another year
Bulgaria was added to the Turkish domir-
ions and in 1896 Greece was overrun and
put to the sword. Only a remnant OF
the once breat Byzantine empire remained
thereafter. This held out for more than
half century against the Ottoman horde
but in 1853 Constantinople capitulatcj
and with it fell the last of the great en-
years.
Solyman H.. "the magnificent and the
law-giver." greatly extended the rule of
Islam during his splenid reign. He added
Hungary to his empire and drove the
knights of Sir John from the island Of
Rhodes. It looked as if the Turk would
finally have all Europe at his feet
In 1929 the Ottoman army laid siege to
Jenna. This failed. But all the while
the Turks We're exteding their domain.
Solyman died in 1866. after a reign of Is
years. The year 1852 marked the Turks
high ride in Europe. Then came the be-
ginning of the end. which is even not yet.
4 great army set out from Turkey 10
subdue all Austria 1t laid siege TO Vienna
again in 1888. The campaign resulted in
dire risaster This victory of the cross
over the crescent began the steady de-
cline which is still going on today and
now Their are those who predict that the
century win see the end of Ottoman rule
in Europe.
One by one of the Kingdoms wrestled
their freedom from the grasping Turk.
Austria threw off the yoke Hungary
came next Russia took a slice Of terri
tory away. Greece gained independence
and Servia became self governing Now
comes the final struggle of all-rebellion
within Turkey itsef
Turkey doesn't propose to give up with
cur a fight. Their are now $4,000 men
under arms. This great army can be in
creased almost up 10 he limit of the men
able to bear arms within the length and
breadth Of the Turkish empire in case of
serious war Mobilization might be
difficult, if the last time the Turk called
his men together is to be called any
criterion.
Nevertheless. today the available
strength Of the Terrible Turk shows a
total OF more than $4,000 officers and
I-913.e0oe men and 1872 guns
Here are statistics to prove II:
Every Turk is under Obligation to serve
in the army from his twentieth to his
foTtieth year, six years in the line called
Nizam Cthree years under the colors AMI
three years in tho reserve Of the lnel
eiCht Years in the Redif and six wears IN
the Home Reserve or Mustaphis Tn.
Turkish Mahommedar male population
proper for recruiting purposes is about
100000; that number includes males Of al,
ages from childhood up. except the Arabs
Of Yemen. Syria ana Tripoii. who arc
more or less nouadic and not amenahle
10 military service Counting one out e
every four. the total Of all available
military material from the age OF l. TO 81
is L5a.oa
The yearly recruiting contingent Is.
acording TO regulations. between IS els
and 1000 men. which gives on paper from
ISIS Up 20 today twenty-five contingenSs
or a total Of I.7soeo men having military
instruction
This figure supposes that every 7ee,5
men enter tie army. each one st for The