The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1909-06-03

menC introduced into the vast masses
OF the Oriental population.
When we think of the things that
have happened since 1898, we are in-
cllned to agree that an entirely new
era in the world is opening up. Won
derful transformations are in pro-
gress, such as the transition in Pap
an and even more rapid reform in
China, considered hitherto impossi-
BILE; then the creation of parlia-
ment in Persia; and now, finally, the
establishment of a parliament and
constitution in Turkey
AS Turkey stands between the Far
East and Europe, it occupies a po-
sition of particular Importance
The Turkish dominions have been
for several generations storm cen
ter, and no European nation is ex-
empt from the influence of the world
The position of Turkey is favorable
in the development of the economic
unity of the world; if a strong and
progressive nation could hold her
territory, it would benefit largely
from this natural position.
To understand what has happened
recently, we must go back to the be-
ginning of the reign of Abdul Hamid
II. When he came to the throne
there was a strong Liberal movement
in Europe and Turkey was becoming
imbued with the ideas of the West.
1t was the age of Liberalism. There
fore, the Liberal party in Turkey
naturally asked for a parliament and
parliamentary constitution.
In response to this insistent de-
mand Abdul Hamid granted a consti-
tuition in 1876, when Turkey was be-
set by foreign dangers and when
conference of foreign diplomats was
sitting on her affairs.
This constitution was based on the
experience Of Western nations. 1t
granted parliament elected by man
hood suffrage, and bestowed the OF
toman nationality on all the classes
in the empire. Early in the next
year (1877) the parliament was dis
solved and the constitution suspend
ed, in which state it remained until
last summer.
The thirty-one years in the inter-
val cover one of the most horrid
reigns in the history of the world-a
reign which for absence of enlighten-
ed policy, for utter corruption, for
cruelty and bloodthirstiness has been
equalled by but few in the history of
the world. The central factor was
the fear of the Sultan. 1t is notice
able how often an absolute monarch
has his fear played on by persons sur
rounding him. Abdul Hamid had
come to power in an irregular way
after two dispositions. Murad " his
elder brother, who was considered
the rightful monarch, was still living,
though deposed and imprisoned for
alleged insanity. The Sultan, fear
ing for his throne, imprisoned also
his younger brother, who is now sui
tan after remaining for twenty-five
years in prison palace. The clique
which surrounded the Sultan played
so successfully on his fears that no
considerations of justice had force
with him against the advice of those
whom he trusted for his personal
safety. 1t was the case of the Rus
sian car over again, but greatly &C
centuated. There were no public
parliamentary institutions which could
call his advisers to account Public
opinion was suppressed and there was
no freedom of the press.
The manner in which the court
clique exercised government was by
a vast system of police supervision
and espionage. Spies were counted
by the tens of thousands. Every i'm
portant citizen had spies on his
track: the moment that he came nm