Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-11-23
TURKEY IN WAR TINE
Scenes in Constantinople When
Italy Begun Hostilities.
Christians Feared Massacre, but Gov
eminent Held Fanatics Firmly IN
cheek-Ris Wave Of Patriot
Ism Is Shown.


Ism Is Shown.
Chicago.-The Daily News publishes
the following dispatch from its Con
stantinople correspondent;
The news of the declaration OF "aTt
though not unexpected, fell like q
bombshell on the people of the MS.
toric capital on the shores of the Bos
porus
Crowds gathered here and there
awaiting developments. IurDaneo
"hodjas" with white flowing Deards'
murmured curses on the infields VINO
dared threaten the children OF the
prophet. News vendors shouted at the
top of their voices the latest extras OF
the enterprising newspapers, and cafes
and mosques were filled with pollti'
clans discussing the news and propos-
ing immediate action. 1t is curious
phenomenon that Turkish crowd
al such critical moments always
thinks of one thing, the massacre OIL
Christians. Demonstrations were pro-
posedand immediate expulsion OF
Italians demanded. 1t may be SAID
however, that the government TOOK
immediate precautions and patrols OF
police and gendarmes were stationed
everywhere to prevent any rash action
by the irresponsible crowds.
On the European side Of the town
the impressions were different. The
native Armenians and the Greeks were
apprehensive and expected an attack
by Kurdish "hamals" (carriers) on the
Christian quarters at any moment.
Native Christians have seen so much
bloodshed in this capital that it seems
natural TO expect violence at such a
time. The cafes were full oil CORE.
spendents, members of various for
eign embassies, local officials, mer'
chants and others. Rumors OF all
kinds were in circulation. Some sug.
gested that the native houses should
be protected by American, English or
that every one should be armed.
There was a rush to the shops of deal
ers in small arms and extravagant
prices were asked for .reVolvers OF
very inferior quality. -
The position. it may be said, would
not have been SO grave had it not been
for the resignation OF the cabinet and
the inability of Said Pasha to form an
other. The country seemed practical
" without a government for a few
days. II was this undecided state OF
affairs that caused the intense excite
ment which was increased by rumors
that the Ottoman fleet had been de-
stroyed by the Italians.
However, the belated formation OF
a. cabinet mad quieting effect on pub
lie opinion and fear and INDIGESTION dis.
appeared.
After receiving news Of the safety
Of the Ottoman fleet people began
thinking Of collecting money for more
warships. Voluntary subscriptions
poured in from all sorts and conditions
OF people. Turkish women brought IN
their gold ornaments, diamond rings
and bracelets. Patriotism among or
ientals is expressed sometimes in such
4 spontaneous manner that the aver
age European cannot comprehend IT.
The patriotic feeling Of the Turk is
chiefly based on religious feelings and
instincts. He does not sacrifice ev-
crything for his country so much as
TO safeguard his religion; it is this
feeling that is SO widespread among
tho Moslems Of the world.
It. is this religious union which has
brought together all Mohammedans OF
whatever nationality. One often hears
of the significant threats of the Mos
lem regarding the "djehad' or the
"holy war" Any one who has resided
efficiently long in Meslem countries
appreciates the fact that holy war
is not an improbable thing.