The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-27
Plan to Discuss Matters.

LIS pdrlldIHentdFS teaue1S WISH to diS- cuss this programme at a public sitting before they approach the Sheik LII Islam on the subject, for in the popular belief, it is with this man, who lives a secluded life of a mysterious, semi-holy charac- ter that the difficulty lies. He Is not likely to act without giving serious con sideration to this important matter talk ing counsel with the principal uema and seeking the opinion of the wisest and most powerful men in the church.
 The constitutionalsts have no wish to oppose ecclesiastical authority nor to un- dertake the tasks of progress without the support of a majority of the wise men, and if they strongly oppose the abdication of the Sultan, it would hardly be insisted upon a present, although this is regarded as the simplest course to avoid further complications with Abdul Hamid.
 Mehemmed Rechad Effendi, the heir apparent to the throne, who probably would be selected for the succession, has lived practically a prisoner for 25 years, guarded in the palace. Since the July revolution, however, he has often been Seen in the streets of Constanti- nople, looking from the carriage win doWs on the scenes in the thorough fares, which must have been strange ly interesting to him. He is gray haired and not very strong, to judge from his appearance. He Is 65 years of age and well educated. although in- experienced in the affairs of the world.
 Final Act in Siege.
 This afternoon witnessed the final act in the siege of the Yildz, General Sehefket, commander of the constitu tionalists, overawing the Albanians into surrender. This force, which was composed of 200 men. was stationed in the imperial palace. The Albanians were not engaged in fighting on Sat urday, but they consistently refused to lay down their arms. General Scheflxet sent up strong body of Macedonans and six field pieces were placed in a prominent position above the palace. Other guns were disposed on the neighboring heights, while the troops commanded all the approaches. The red flag continued, however, to fly defiantly until 2 o'clock when the watchers saw 1t dropping slowly down the flag pole, making place for the white token of surrender. A few min utes later crowd of fugitices were seen pouring down the dusty road leading to Beshimtash, where they were fastened together with ropes and con ducted under military escort to the headquarters of the commission of in- ouiry The prisoners, including domes- tics, eunuchs, pages, secretaries and practically the entire male staff of the palace. as well as the famous fusileers, fhe spoilt proteges of the Sultan. Their commander was arrested in disguise at Galata and severely handled and sub jected to indgnities-
 salonikins Severe.
 The Salonikns show great severity. Many of the arrested softas credited with being reactionaries have been brutally treated, and others, concerning whose loy- aty there is doubt. have not entirely escaped. The vigorous search continues, even into the European quarters. It Is estimated now that at least 1000 prison CTS are in the hands of the SaloniSins. Those liable to severe punishment, such as the rebellious Saloniki chasseurs have been securely roped. Among the civil ians arrested are Maurad Bey. editor of the Mizan, Abdur Rahman Tffendi as- sstant minister of finance, and several high officials of the Porte number of recationary newspapers have been sup pressed.
 Fresh battalions continue to arrive from the country districts. As they came in today, each marched to the palace of justice, where the parliament was sitting, and saluted the representatives of the new government. Many of the soldiers went to the mosques today to pray.
 Americans Not Scared.
 Most of the American tourists have left the city. Ambassador Leishman, who has received many teegrams inquiring wheth- or if is.safe to visit Constantinople has replied that such course would be in-
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