The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1909-04-22

fall. Reported 10 rave Flco-Prince
Nussof lzxedins to Be Proclaimed
Sultan.
Constan,,nople. April 2O-The most
important feature OF the situation in
the Turkish capitol was the report
that Sultan Abdul Hemid had abdi-
Gated. II caused the greatest excite
ment in the Hobbies OF parliament. and
spread with nghtning-like rapsdity
throughout the city. \ rumor OF the
flight OF the sultan on a warship. fol
lowed closely on that OF his abdicatlon.
but neither could be confirmed Large
crowds gathered at the British en-
bsssy. where. ether reports had II. 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
once also gave a strong Denial 70 one
and all OF these rumors The abdica-
ton. Of Abdul Hamld. however. sp-
pears not TO be improbable. and IL Is
expected that within a 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 Hands atti-
tude The palace Is under strong
guard. ana even high officials were not
Permitted 70 enter It.
Young Turks Army at Capital.
The advance Of the Constitutional
forces b. gan Monday. Small parties
were sent out 70 reconnoitre. and In
the evening they were within sight
of the gates OF Constantinople. They
encountered no resistance. nor does
any resistance seem likely. unless II
Is al the palace. The headquarters OF
the Constitutionalist's army is at De
deagatch. and General Husni Pasha's
forces. which now number between
20 900 and 10000. occupy a range OF
hills about twenty miles from the cap
ftal Every hour achievements are
adding 10 their numbers.
Even though the rumors OF the sui
tan's abdication are unconrrmed they
seemed 10 produce a 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 10 ~ 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 20 be doubtful.
Business Suspended.
Business OK 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 10 add 10 the difficulties Of
the crisis.
Throughout the night there was
great suspense At the Yildiz Kiosk
Everybody remained awake. and many
attendants fied. fearing an attack upon
the palace. which Is situated on the
heights outside the city and IS exposed
70 coup de main. without the neces-
sity OF entering the city.
The consensus OF opinion Is that II
the abdication Of the sultan IS brought
about his overthrow and the procla-
nation OF his successor viii be ac-
complished peacefully.