The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1912-01-08
TURKEY IN WAR TIME
Scenes in ConStantinopIe When
Italy Begun HostiIities.
Christians Feared Massacre, but Gov.
srnment Held Fanatics Firmly in
check-5lg Wave of Patriot
ism ls Shown.

Ism Is SnoWn.
Chicago.-The Daily News publishes
the following dispatch from its Con-
stantinople correspondent:
The news of the declaration of war.
though not unexpected, fell like a
bombshell on the people of the his
torie capital on the shores of the Bos-
porus.
Crowds gathered here and there
awaiting developments Turbaned
"hodjas" with white flowing boards,
murmured curses on the infelds who
dared threaten the children of the
prophet. News venders shouted at the
top of their voices the latest extras of
the enterprising newspapers, and cafes
and mosques were filled with politi-
clans discussing the news and propos-
ing immediate action 1t Is curious
phenomenon that a Turkish crowd
at such critical moments always
thinks Of one thing, the massacre of
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 of 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
French flags, while others suggested
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 reyolvers 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
ly without government for few
days, 1t 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 had a quieting effect on pub
lie opinion and fear and indecision dis.
appeared
After receiving news of the safety
of the Ottoman feet people began
thinking of collecting money for more
WTships. 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 I
a 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-
erything for his country so much as
TO safeguard his religion; it is this
feeling that is so widespread among
the Moslems OF the world.
1t 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
sufficiently long in Meslem countries
appreciates the fact that holy war"
is not an improbable thing.