Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-04-24

Constantinople, April 20.-The most
important feature of the situation In
the Turkish capitol was the report
that Sultan Abdul Hemid had abdi-
Gated. 1t caused the greatest excite
ment in the Hobbies of parliament. and
spread with lightning-like rapidity
throughout the city. A rumor OF the
flight of Sultan on warship, fol
lowed CT kn that of his abdication.
but neith1 h be confirmed; Large
bassy, where. other reports had 1t, the
sultan had taken refuge, and there
also were scores of inquiries OF the
Russian embassy concerning the truth
of the rumor that his majesty was
under the protection of Russia on one
Of its guardships.
At both of these embassies all
knowledge of the sultan's movements
was denied, and the Turkish foreign
Office also gave strong denial to one
and all of these rumors. The abdica-
ton, of Abdul Hamid, however, ap-
pears not to be improbable. and it Is
expected that within day or two the
Constitutionalists may accept as his
successor Prince Yussof Izzedine. the
Oldest son of the late sultan, who is
second in line, as they are strongly
displeased with Abdul Hamid's atti-
tude. The palace Is under a strong
guard, and even high officials were not
permitted to enter 1t.
Young Turks Army at Capital.
The advance of the Constitutional
forces began Monday. Small parties
were sent out to reconnoitre. and in
the evening they We're within sight
of the gates of Constantinople. They
encountered no resistance, nor does
any resistance seem likely. unless 1t
Is at the palace. The headquarters of
the Constitutionalist' army Is at De-
deagatch, and General Husni Pasha's
forces. which now number between
10000 and 10000, occupy a range Of
hills about twenty miles from the cap
ital. Every hour reinforcements are
adding to their numbers.
Even though the rumors of the sui
tan's abdication. are unconfirmed they
seemed to produce feeling of distinct
relief in Constantinople, and the ad-
vance of the Salonika army, which is
slow but steady, makes the settlement
of the question of administration a
matter of hours The general belief Is
held that the enveloping movement
will be completed by tomorrow night
or tomorrow morning. The soldiers
of the garrison appear to be thorough
ly cowed by the advance of the third
army corps, and the only cause for ap-
prehension is the attitude Of the feet,
which is held to be doubtful
Business Suspended.
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 pro-
tocol, which excludes apprehensions
with regard to the Intervention of
Bulgaria to add to the difficulties of
the crisis.
Throughout the night there was
great suspense at the Yildiz Kiosk
Everybody remained awake, and many
attendants fed. fearing an attack upon
the palace which is situated on the
heights outside the city and is exposed
to coup de main, without the neces-
sity of entering the city.
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-
complished peacefully.