Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1915-01-31
They Believe That Conflict Will Release Them from
 Thralldom of the Turk.
SUEZ CANAL IS SAFE
Years from 1S45 to 1880 of Turkish Tyranny and Massacre, and Be.
 lieve Justice Is to Be Done.

of hope that the war will release them for ever from the thralldom of the Turk, and vii bring contentment and good government to Christian and Mo- hammedan alike. To no class has the proclamation of protectorate over Egypt been more acceptable than to the Syrians, many of whom found 1t impossible to live in their own coun try, owing to Ottoman extortion and brutality. If this war ends the old chaotic state of things, and no syrian doubts it, it will have secured happi- ness to one of the most law-abidins people of the world.
 Having shown their delight over the beginning of a new era for Egypt, the people who had been Ottoman sub jects in Asia, Minor can talk of noth- ing else than the prospects of their country's deliverance. They have been taught the virtue of patience by. long trials at home, but the thought that relief for their kinsmen is at hand makes them anxious that the Turk should rush at the British forces guarding the Suez canal and C's'roy himself. They are impatient at tke delay. and the sea: is upperE,ost Tn their minds that the Turkish army will never make the attempt. The canal wil be defended at all costs, fol Britain would not risk the loss of pres tige which even slight damage to the waterway would entail.
 Without going into details, it may be said, with absolute confidence that the canal is safer thar ever it was, and that the precautionary measures taken by General Maxwell secure for the shipping of the allies and neutral countries a perfectly open passage The Turk will never throw his sand beg into that water. The bags, req uisitioned on the orders of German officers, are just as likely to block the canal as Mrs. Partington's mop would be to 1ry it up.
 The Lebanese have long memories. They recollect how their fathers suf- fered, during the period from 1S45 tu 1860, the fifteen years of Turkish tyr amy and massacre, whe n,he majority of the male population were put to the sword. That red period came to an end when the French sent ar axpedi- ton to Syria, but the work of the 5000 troops who pacified the country built roads, and made the Turk re. build villages and pay an indemnity. was not a sufficient penalty to exact for the horrible crimes of fifteen years The full penalty has yet to be paid, and not till the land has been relieved of the extortionate and callous official Turk will the people believe justice has been done.
 The efforts of the French are re- membered with the deepest gratitude Children are taught that the French soldiers saved the race from ire trievable disaster.
 In the Lebanon there are about 400,- 900 Maronites, mostly Catholics, wno recognize the pope as the head of their church, hut in the administration of the church Rome has Title to do. Some Maronites belong to the Greek Ortho- dox church, others are Protestants. Between 10000 and 5O,OOO of them are capable of carrying arms. There are a few Maronites at Aleppo and Da- mascus, and number are in Egypt. where they have a bishop. Prayers are offered up in Maronite churches for the success of the allies. In one town in Syria 500 Maronites volun- ieered to go to Europe and fight. hut the French consul could not accept their service.
 Against the Marnnitcs one must put the Druses. They are probably al- ready employed by the Turks. There are about 60,00O Druses in the Leban- on, and similar number in the Hauran. Formerly theye were Anglo phile to man. but they are an un- Etable, though warlike race. and they have fallen under the influence of German officers. However, they would not weigh heavily in the scale against Britain.
 When the news reaches Syria that Egypt forms part of the British en- pirc there will be joy in the Lebanon. The Lebanese have always had a warm place in their hearts for Egypt and few years ago. when Prince Mohamed Ali, brother of the late Khedive, made tour of the country. he had re- markable reception. on one occasio on nearly 5000 horsemen gathering in his honor. and escorting him through g portion of their territory.
 It was the Lebanese who assisted Ibrahim, tie son the great Mohamed Ali, the forefather of the new sultan of Egypt, to invade Egypt. Ibrahim almost had t,onstantinople at his mer. cy, and if at later date England mad not ordered that Mohamed Ali should reduce his army 1S,0OO men and cease 10 employ his fleet, the rule of the Turk in Egypt might havr be n brok- en long ago. England has male amends for that mistake. and if she k0k yyid of lei IL ties for civilization che will obtain in Syria welcome from people who have long looked for a helping hand.
 The liver loses its activity at tilues and needs help. HERBINE is an eff fective liver sumulant. It also puri-