New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-08-27
4sHE SULT4NS GOOD LUCK.
Extraordinary Turns of Fortune
FAVOR Ruler of Ottoman Empire.

Inc damned but his SuDJeClS, y
in view of recent events. regard him as best
by Allah and in a very particular degree
under divine protection. This reputation is to
him not only a source of prestige but likewise
Of security. For in Oriental countries one
dreams of lifting finger against those upon
whom providence has set its mark by some
public manifestation of interest and favor 1t
is for this reason that lunatics and imbeciles
are not only allowed their liberty in Moslem
lands but are. moreover, treated with the most
marked forbearance and kindness. They are
believed to be objects of special solictude to
the Almighty proverbiay and per-
sfstently lucky, and especially one who has re-
peatedly escaped, so to speak. from the jaws Of
death, enjoys much the same consideration as
crazy people, in that a belief is created that be-
ing under the immediate care of Allah, any at
tack directed against him is calculated to in
vtte dire misfortune to and divine wrath upon
the assailant.
few weeks ago the Sultan seemed to be in
the direst straits. His supremacy as Caliph
was being attacked from many directions. The
greater part of Arabia IN revolt. and re-
ports of defeats sustained by his troops in the
Yemen reached Constantnople almost daily.
Both Mecca and Medina seemed to be on the
eve Of casting off their allegiance to the Sublime
Porte, and the Grand Shereef of Mecca
prompted. IT was generally believed. by agents
OF Lord Curzon, was reported to be about TO
proclaim his independence, the ground that
as the lineal descendant of the Prophets grand
son. Hassan. he was more entitled to the dig
nifty Of Caliph than his Ottoman majesty who
can claim no such nlustrious ancestry To-day
the Grand Shereef of Mecca is dead. his sudden
end being shrouded in mystery that may never
be dispelled. Lord Curzon. whom Abdul Hamid
had grown to dread as his most dangerous
enemy, and who, during his term as Governor
General of India, had contributed more than any
other force to impair the spiritual supremacy
Of the Sultan over the Moslem world, has aban-
doned the Viceroyalty of India, and with it
hts terribly effective campaign against the Padi-
shah in Arabia. while the marvellous preserva-
ton of Abdul Hamid from death the other day
when the bombs Of his would-b be assassins
killed and injured scores OF his attendants has
absolutely convinced. not only his own sub
tectA. but Aahometans In all parts of the uni
verse, that he is under the particular protection
sf Allah.
Row absolutely marvellous was his escape on
the occasion Of the recent dynamite outrage at
6tamboul has only recently become known
Contrary to hts won't he had remained behind
efter the conclusion Of the Friday prayers In
arder to address a few words to the Sheik-ul-
[stnIn, leaving the dignitates Of his suite to go
ON before him 1t was at the very moment that
he was about to emerge from the Mosque that
Tho explosion took place Had he not remained
behind to talk to the Sheik- uI-Islam he would
undoubtedly have been overtaken by the same
appalling fate to which the Grand Duke Sergius
and his father. Gar Alexander II. succumbed at
an Interval Of nearly quarter Of century All
he previous attempts made to assassinate bdul
H2mtd-and they have been many In number
have occurred within the precincts Of the Yildiz
The tndiscretian OF officials This last outrage
however. may be said to have been witnessed
b thousands. and the fact that he should have
not even received scratch, while SO many of
mn encourage were either killed outright or
enocdng1y mangied has created an impression
- profound among his co-religionists that only
onnss who are acquainted with Oriental life by
resaoence IN the East can appreciate its depth
Lnrd Curzon had In his hands all the threads
- cie campaign tn Arabia, by means Of which
Che entire Yemen to be emancipated from
the rule Of the Sultan and the former petty
s0V1eignffes restored. subject to the supremacy
q Caliph. In the person Of the late Grand
Hhereef Of Mecca, who would have been sus-
ecpf1hie to British influence as owing his power
IN large measure to English support and pro-
lection 1 do not know for certain whether II
Was Lord Curzon who instituted this camna,en
Bun. at any rate, his name has been identified
herewith throughout the Orient and It was to
E9m that the various chieftafns Of Arabia Ioa,raa