Norwich bulletin., 1909-04-20

lHpOTLdHt feature Ot the situation IN
the Turkish capital today was. the re-
port that Sultan Abdul Hamid had
abdicated. 1t caused the greatest ex-
citement in the lobbies of parliament
and spread with lightning like rapidity
throughout the city. A rumor Of the
flight of the sultan on a warship fol-
lowed closely on that of his abdication.
but neither could be confirmed.
Crowds Gather at Embassies.
Large crowds gathered at the Brit
ish embassy, where other reports had
it, the sultan had taken refuge. and
there were were also scores of inquir-
les at the Russian embassy concerning
the truth of the rumor that his ma
jesty was under the protection of Rus
STA on one of it's guardships.
At both of these embassies all
knowledge\ of the sultan's movements
was denied, and the Turkish foreign
office also gave a strong denial to one
and all of these rumors.
Palace Under Strong Guard.
The abdication OF Abdul Hamld,
however appears not to be improba-
bic and it is believed that within a
day or two that constitutionalists may
| accept as his successor Prince Yus-
sof Izzedin, the eldest son Of the late
sultan, who is second in line. since
they are strongly displeased with Abb
dull Hamid's attitude. The palace to-
day was under a strong guard and
even high officials were not permitted
to enter it.
Troops Approach Gates of City.
The advance of the constitutional
forces began this afternoon. Small
parties were sent out to reconnoiter,
and Z o'clock this evening they We're
within sight of the gates of Constan-
tinople. They encountered no resist
ance, nor does anV resistance seem
likely unless at the palace The
headquarters Of the constitutionalists'
army are at Dedegatch. and Gen. Hus-
nj Pashas forces, WHICH now number
between 10000 and 10000, occupy a
range of hills about ] twenty miles
forcements are adding to their num-
bers.
It is not likely that the entire army
will reach the capital for some little
time, as Husni Pasha and his military
| associates deem it advisable to with
hold their advance until they are
| strong enough to win success by over
whelming numbers.
They hope that the so-called reac-
| tionary opposition will yield without
| fighting. The bringing up of the re-
| Inducements is under the direction Of
| Niazi Bey and Enver Bey. The civil
direction of affairs continues at Sa-
lonica, at which place constant COM
munication is maintained with Con-
stantinople.
No Preparations for Resistance.
There have been practically no prep
| arations so far as can be observed, to
resist the advance of the Salonica
troops.
American Women Driving About City.
The city appears very quiet and
European and American women are
driving about the streets as usual. Ad-
mira and Mrs. c. NJ. Chester and
Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Chester of New
York arrived here yesterday from
| Palestine.
Deaths at Adana 400.
1t is announced officially that the
deaths at Adana during the rioting
numbered 400, among the killed being
many Turks. The Turkish lines to the
provinces, however, are badly inter-
rupted. and details of the massacres at
Adana. Tarsus and other places are
J lacking.
Sultan's Soldiers cowed by Approach
of Troops.
Even while the rumors Of the sui
tan's abdiOation are uncontirmed, they
seemed to produce a feeling OF dis
tinct relief in Constantinople. and the
advance of the Salonica army, which
is slow but steady, makes the settle
ment of the question of administration
a matter of hours. The general be-
lief IS held that the enveloping move
ment will be completed by tomorrow
night or early Wednesday morning.
The soldiers Of the garrison appear to
| be thoroughly cowed by the advance
of the Third army corps, and the only
| cause for apprehension is the attitude
of the fleet, which Is held to be doubt
full.
Izzet Pasha and other government
! delegates who were sent to confer
with the Salonicans, returned here
today. Izzet Pasha had long con-
ference with the grand vizier. All that
is known of the result of the negotia-
tions is that the Salonicans reiterated
the demands already made and threat
ened to send five battanons into tAs
city for the purpose OF assisting Tne
authorities in maintaining order.
Waiting Outcome Of Events.
At ten o'clock tonight the council
of ministers were still deliberating at
the Porte. Business Of all kinds Is
practically suspended, and the civil
and military officials appear paralyzed
waiting for the outcome Of events.
There is much satisfaction at the
signing of the protocol. which excludes
apprehensions with regard TO the In
tervention of Bulgaria to add to the
difficulties of the crisis.
Sultan's Overthrow Would Be Peace
fully Accepted.
The consensus of opinion is that If
the abdication of the sultan is brought
about, his overthrow and the procla-
nation Of his successor will be ac-
cepted peacefully. Many Turkish fam
lilies in the Stamboul quarter are re-
moving to abodes of greater safety,
but in general, the people, though
fearful of coming events, are await
ing them philosophically and with
resignation.
TDnnDG Tn ENTER HITX TnnAN