The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-10-06
THE TROUBLE BETWEEN TURKEY
AND ITALY.
Italy Charges Mistreatment and
Inability To Get Redress.

The trouble between Turkey and Italy
which has eliminated in war, dates back
to 1873. when, with the making of the
treaty concluding the Russo Turk ish War,
the powers are understood to have agreed
to permit Italy pacific penetration of
Tripoli /" Turkey asserts that this right
has been respected ever since Italy has
colonized Tripoli until her interests in
that African province are very great
She has asserted, however, that her sub
j cts have been mistreated by the
Ottoman authority and constantly dis
eliminated against Frequent disputes
have arisen, but the prolonged negotia-
tions have never resulted satisfactorily 10
Italy.
At the time the Franco German differ
euces regarding Morocco were acute Italy
turned her attention again TO Tripol and
10 subsequent negotiations with Con
stantiuople set forth that many outrages
against her subjects had been perpetrated
aud for which no redress had been made
She assumed a decisive attitude and
presently began the mobilization of her
army and navy.
few days ago the first squadron of
the Italian Navy was sent to Tripolitan
waters, and it has since patrolled that
coast. At the same time Turkey was
warned not to send soldiers or munitions
of war to Tripoli. A Turkish transport
bearing few men and arms and ammuni-
ton later arrived at Tr poll from Con.
stantinople, but was not molested on the
ground that she had sailed before the
Italian warning had been received.
Italy, in the meantime, brought her
army to the Italian coast, where it has
been placed on board transports ready to
proceed to Tripol or other points. A
second squadron is destined for Saloniki.
Although Tripoli was not formally de.
clared Turkish villa,et until 1885, il
has been under Turkish domination from
the sixteenth century, the only interrup
ton being in FRA. when the Arab popu
lation contrived to gain slight measure
of independence The Sanjek of Beng
hazi has been administered separately for
a little less than 40 ears.
The chief authority, both civil and
military, in Tripoli rests with the Cover
nor General, under whom are number
of lesser officials with authority over sub.
ordinate governments, cantons or dis
tricts. Sheiks still possess authority
over various Arab tribes and Berber as
semblies still raise taxes Benghazi has
mutessarif who is directly responsible 10
the Porte. In general throughout the
country all important officials are Turks.
The western boundary of Tripoli as far
south as Ghanames was settled by France
and Turkey in 1892, but the southern
limit still remains un6xed. The entire
area under Turkish domination is esti-
mated at about 100000 square miles,
with population of from 100000 to
I, 500, 900, about two fifths of the inhabi-
tants being residents of Benghazi. The
people generally are Berber. but there
are very many Jews. The European
population amounts to about 5000,
mostly Maltese and Italian Arabic is |
generally spoken, although Turkish is
the official language. The principal
towns are on the coast, and include
Tripoli, with more than 40, 900 inhab- |
tants; Benghazi, with more to $4,000 in
habitants; Derne and Khoms. The most
important inland settlements are the |
caravan Aalting places of Ghadames,
Murzurk ami Chat.
The revenue Of the villayet not calcu-
lating what is assigned to the Turkish
debt, is derived from customs, land taxes
aud tithes.
Tripoli is occupied at all times by a |
force of 10000 Turkish troops. There
was formerly sort of reserve con-
sisting of several thousand men living
about the capital. who enjoyed certain
privileges in return for nominal military
service, but the force was dsbanded a |
few years ago. There is no CONSUMPTION,
although an effort has been made 10 es-
tablish a small militia force
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