, 1912-10-30

CO oUO - C14ut VI a NIIlIt 1NOudI LmD6c-
or, Constantine Gn the fourth century, who
became a convert TO Christianity aud ia
voured that religion by his laws. He built
Constantiuople which has ever since borne
his name, and made 1t the capital of his en-
pire.
Mahometanlsm had not then been founded,
but came into being in the seventh century.
Mahomet was an Arab, said to have been IN
his youth a camel driver, but who aft forwards
proclaimed himself a prophet and accom-
pllshrd the really wonderful work of convert
ing the Arabian tribes from their belief in 300
and odd idols to a belief in one Divine being.
He also wrote for his followers their sacred
book, the Koran.
The adherents Of this remarkable man
fought for their faith and conquered the
surrounding countries, extending their pow
or along the north shore Of the Mediterra-
mean. aud even into Spain.
The Turks, who entered Europe from Asia
about seven centuries later, had adopted the
religion of Mahomet, although of a different
race from his first followers. Along with
the faith they also adopted the warlike me-
thods of spending it. The founder of That
branch of Turks which invaded Europe was
OsmNn or Gilman; hence the name of Os-
manlls or Otielnans, which is often given to
these people.
The successors of Osman occupied Asia
Minor, and fnally in the fourteenth century
crossed the Hellespout, or Dardanelles,
which separate Europe from Asia, and con-
quered many Of The n%eighbouying states. 1t
was, however, q long time before they were
able to take CoDstantinople but this was ac-
compllshed by one of Osman's successors,
the Sultan Mahomet IT,, in \. d. 1853.
The Turks continued to push gradually
forward into Central Europe till about zoo
years later we find them bessie ging the city Of
Vienna. This proved 10 be the turning point
in their fortunes. They were driven back
and had to retire.
Since that time Turkey has been fire.
qnently involved in wars with her neigh
bours, iii nearly all Of which she has been
defeated, and in consequence has had 10
part with her provinces one after the other
till we find her territory reduced to its pres
ent comparatively small extent.
What is to be the outcome Of the war? is
OF course q very interesting question, but
one which it is impossible TO answer. If we
compare the two parties as to the extent Of
their respective territories, we find that Tnr-
key IN Europe has roughly an area Of 65
thousand square miles while the four states
have IN all about 81 thousand, if again We
compare the population, Turkey has 6 mil
hons while the four states have in all over
> millions. SO far it is plain that the advan-
tage is on the side Of the Quad:uplice, but
matters OF much more importanca have to
be considered, for instance, what is the
strength of the respective armies? SO far
as we can judge from information at hand,
there would be about 500, 600 men ultimately
available for service on each side. The Turks
are known 10 be good sol Tiers and the Bull
earian troops are sad to be q fine lot of we'll
trained and well equipped men. If the Turks
are urged on by the desperation of men fight
ing for their 10 nes, the allies, on the other side,
nto carried forward by IA great enthusiasm,
as is illustrated by the following.
The N. Y. Times of 8 October, after writ
ing of the popular pressure Oh the Bulgarian
government, continues thus:
Confirmation of what has been said as to
the forces jmpelling King Ferdinand of
Bulgaria to go to war is found in q letter
just received at Paris by the brother of q
Bulgarian Captain now at the front. The
officer writes:
"This week brings decisive events. Either
the Powers must effectively guarantee the