The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1925-12-01
DRUSE AND ARABIAN WAR
p1ORs MODELLING AGAINST
FRENCH FOR CONFLICT.
THOUSANDS FLEE FROM HOME
Natives, Harassed by Bandits and
Clashing Factions, Living Amid
Starvation, Disease and Many Pri-
vations. France Holds Protectorate.

The threat OF holy war today is
castjng its shadow over Syria and its
chief city, Damascus, the scene OF des-
oration, starvation, disease, battle and
,ooting. a victim of French army ar
tiIlerv. Syria, the province which has
baen center of strife through all his
torv today is in the midst of revolt
which may plunge Moslem Asia Mi
nor into a bloody conflict with the
christian nations which are its neigh
bors.
Arabs, Syrians and Druse tribes
men already have begun modifying
their armies.
The natives Of Syria and the resi-
dents OF the city of Damascus thus far
have been the only real sufferers. Ref
upees are leaving Damascus at the
rate of thousands daily, according to
reoorts, and residents of the country
side surrounding the city are suffering
at the hands of bandits and pillagers.
Il is estimated that 5000 men, wo-
men and children have been killed or
are missing, that one-eighth OF the
civ of Damascus is in ruins, and that
thousands of dollars in loot has been
stolen by the brigands terrorizing the
rural sections in the vicinity OF the
city.
Conditions Are Unspeakable.
Conditions in Athe vicinity of Damas-
Gus are unspeakable Thousands Of
refugees are crowded into camps
where disease and hunger stalk hand
in hand. Many of the refugees are
sheltered in houses built of junk, as
many as eight or nine persons being
crowded into single desolate ROOM
cooking, eating and sleeping in this
tiny quarter.
Sanitary conditions are inadequate
and water and food are scarce. Many
OF the refugees are ill-scores have
died of disease, too-and the children
especially are pale and sickly.
France which holds a protectorate
over Syria, by reason Of mandate
given by the League of Nations, must
act quickly, if religious war is to
be averted, it is agreed on all sides.
Druse warriors, Syrians and Arabs
are bitter against, the foreigner" and
are secretly taking up arms and gath
ering recruits. The whole situation is
actually a spark which may burst in
to flames OF war at any moment.
France for years has been having
trouble with the people it governs in
SYRIA, but no crisis has been so Sc
rous as the present one The trouble
began in Damascus after French sol
diers executed a score OF bandits and
then placed their bodies on public ex-
hibition as a warning to the natives
The natives, incensed at this horrl-
bic display, attacked body of French
troops, and a revolt was the result
French troops attacked the natives
with field guns, airplanes and machine
guns. Thousands were slain and part
OF Damascus was destroyed in the bat
tie that followed, lasting for severa
days.
lust now the situation is quiet, but
it is feared that it is the kind OF quiet
that precedes a storm of violent pro
portions. The French government ha:
begun to strengthen its forces IN Syria
10 onset the HlODlllEdtlol VI tliS II"
tive warriors. Just at present 1t seems
hardly possible that a clash can BE-
averted
Bandits Have Free Hand.
To add to the troubles of the PEG
pie, bandits have a free hand in the
vicinity of Damascus. Many OF th'
men have rushed to the colors, ant
the French troops are too busy to pay
attention to hooters. SO the thug
swoop down on farm after farm, car
rying off all the valuables in sight
burning and destroying property, an(
taking many captives to be held To-
ransom.
The people mill about the country
side like bewildered sheep. The roads