Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1912-02-04


 Religion and Nationalisn1 Orc.
 In the Ottoman empire there is no non-religious class at. least openly The young Turks are doubtless skep- tical in all matters of religion, and the more conservative Moslems call them infidels. Outwardly the Young Turks conform to the usages of Islam. Prl- vateiy, I have seen them smoke during the Kamazam fast, and when travelling with them on ships at this season have known them to eat three square meals day
 This liberality is likely to be serious factor in political develop ment in Turkey, although in the west Greek figures on top of the front wall. It is the dream of even the bootblacks, who swarm the streets in such num- bers, that the old days will come again.
 Unfortunately, this passionate loyal 1 ty to the old heroes and the old ideals | is not accompanied by loyalty to the present rulers and leader. The hold of the royal house upon the nation is very tenuous indeed. No political leader can command a national fol- lowing for any considerable length of time. 1
 The present-day Greek has no capac- ity for self-subordination and discip- line. Even the army and navy, as the bloodless revolution" of year ago showed, is completely demoral- ized. With all his devotion to patri- otic ideals, the Greek has not learned 1 how to keep quiet and do what he is told in support of his leaders and country. He lacks capacity for CO., hesion, cooperation and efficiency. The Turkish soldier is stupid fellow, by no means the equal of his Greek enemy, yet he knows how to obey his officers and fight like demon. Per haps, as some say, here, Greece has tco many university students out of jobs; she is overtrained sentiInentally and Intellectually. I listened in the house of deputies one day while the members wrangled and quarreled like monkeys on the eligibility of no- tary public to parliament; all the while the national feeling is that the Turks are at the gate. The need for Demosthenes is plain. For all signs are wrong, and all prophets misled, if Greece is not now at the crisis of her modern history.
 Greeks Abroad DriH for Fight.
 TLere are more Greeks outsfdc of Greece than within tho country Tur- l Icy has more tifan Greece The per- i Giatence Of tie Greek national spirit is almost as marked as that which makes tie Jews in all lands q recul- ] jar people. No measures that Turkey Ees ever been able to take have been effective ill transforming her Grecian subjects into true .Ottcmans The l fundamental reason for this is relig- ious. y. eszsat as - ,e4
 Now, in her time of danger, Greece lcchs to the dispersion for succor. I learned Eere, confirming my informa. i tion from the proper American official sourccs, that the Greeks in the United States are diligently drilling for the great issue. In Boston, Lowell, Man. I chester, N. H., Chicago and many oth- CT centers of Greek immigratio the men have formed military companies, and in some cases even have uniforms and arms. They are making ready for the call which every Greek in the world is confident will shortly sound, in response toa which there will be a swift and simultaneous migration of Hellenes from Turkey, Egypt, Mace donia, England and North America, to the scene of what they fondly hope will be a new Homeric struggle. A level-headed official remarked that it would be more to the point if l the rich Greeks who are equipping , military companies would install ex- pertinent stations in dry-farming; to help Greece develop her resources. The national spirit is talking about what will happen when Greece gets back her lost territory; whereas the more sensible course would be to make the most of what she now has. It is very fine for men and women to parade in the old national costume, and to dress their children in it, and to sit about the cafes talking patriot ism and singing national songs; but the present need of the nation is for greater individual efficiency, subordi- nation and loyalty.
 The tragic phase of the present crisis in Greece is that the whole na- tion is awake to the possible impend- ing fate. A peculiarly sensitive pee- pie, of most ardent and patriotic tenn. i perament, they are yet so kampered by conditions, including their own mercurial and impractical tempera- ment, that they must face the en- croachments of the hated Turk with flowing speeches rather than with 1 well-drilled rifles.
 (Copyright. 1911, by Joseph B. Bowles.)