The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-07-13

Turkish pattern, By which they piedgv
themselves to free their country abso-
lutely from Italian domination.
Where Diplomacy FaIla
To meet this menace Of rejuvenated.
modernized Islam, European diplomacy
has 80 far proved impotent to invent
any new method Of defense. 1t is fol-
lowing Its antiquated policy Of seeking
to divide the Moslem world by sub
terraneen intrigues. England, after
staging the deposed sultan's flight
from Constantinople to Malta, has
sent him on a British warship to
Mecca. where II appears that the refu-
gee has been received with all the
honors due to the true caliph by Hus-
sein, king of the Hedjaz and guardian
of the Holy Places of Islam.
Both Hussein and the emir of Nedj,
the ruler of the Wahabls, are recipi-
ents of large Subsidies" from the Brit
ish treasury, which accounts for the
ready hospitality they have afforded
to the discredited, half-witted Dex-
caliph. 1t remains to be seen, how
ever, how long they will be able to
conceal from their ignorant subjects
the fact that all the rest of the Mos
lem world has recognized and pledged
allegiance to the new caiiph, Abdul
Medjid, in Constantinople, elected by
the national assembly of Turkey.
Most Eastern experts with whom l
have spoken are of the opinion that
when the truth dawns upon the Arabs
of Nedj and the Hedjaz as 1t already
has upon the Senussis, this astute
scheme of setting up rival caliph
will come to naught and the whole OF
Arabia will once more look toward
Constantinope for spiritual, and inevi-
tably also political, guidance.
While the Turkish leaders have d.
vested the caliphate Of its temporal
power, they are making every effort
to enhance Its popular prestige as an
important factor in the revival of Is
lam. With Oriental pomp, unseen
since Abdul Hamid's time, the new
caliph goes to pray every Friday In a
| different mosque, driving In an open
carriage with four horses and out
riders, preceded by his bodyguard In
splendid uniforms and followed by
brilliant suite keeping in the public
eye as much as possible in order to re-
vlve the religious fanaticism Of the
multitude. The decrepit ex-sultan,
hidden among his women In the un'
approachable palace Of Dolma-Bagt-
che, was q tragic-comic figure, held up
to ridicule by Turks Of all classes.
The new caliph, highly educated,
aristocratic prince in the prime Of life,
and of austere morals, thoroughly In
accordance with his elevated religious
dignity. is rapidly becoming really
popular spiritual leader. 1t Is not I'M
possible that his seat may soon be
transferred from Constantinople to
Angora, whittier the sacred relics
and other treasures Of the seraglio
have already been secretly removed,
and II so, measures will probably be
taken to have his election by the Turk
ish national assembly ratified by q
special congress of delegates from all
Moslem countries.
Islam a Political System.
Islam Is not merely a religion. but
also political system. All modern
Investigators of Eastern unrest agree
that Moslems are better fitted to EN-
brace and pur into practice the pre-
cepts of democracy than other Orient
ais, because the principles of demo
cratic government are contained In the
Koran.
1t would be difficult indeed to find
outside of the United States, more
democratic regime than that prevail
ing in Angora today, where the depu
ties of the national assembly have re
fused the ratification of the peace prof
ect elaborated by the cabinet. aftel
weeks of stormy debate. Under the
!, same circumstances any European par
lament, and particularly the British
house of commons, would have blindly
indorsed the treaty submitted to 1t II
few hours. True democracy has III
diplomatic drawbacks, but It seems un
fair to accuse the Turks Of Orienta
procrastination because the nationa
assembly of Turkey happens to be act
ing very much like the American sen
ate.
In Scutari, on the Asiatic shore o
the Bosporus opposite Constantinople
there is celebrated "tekke" or mon
astery Of bowling dervishes, which II
pre-war days used to attract larg'
: crowds of foreign tourists. Tourists
don't go there any more now, because
they sfear their presence may awaker
: the .fanaticism of its devotees-an en-
, tirely grourdless apprehension, for th'
: dervishes. being really ecstatically sin
cere seekers after the divine spirit
: are the most tolerant Of all Moslems.
Not long ago the writer was spec
tator at their weird service. BY th'
: constant and ever increasingly violen
repetition of the name Of God the der
, wishes had worked themselves up al
: usual to the highest pitch Of religious
, exaltation. when nationalist office
3 in full uniform, who was standing be
+ side me, suddenly rushed into thei
{ midst with wild "Allah-hoo-ooo" ant
toined in their exercises, outyelling tn