THE TURKISH CRISIS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14978, 26 April 1909, Page 7

THE TURKISH CRISIS.

CAPITAL IN THE HANDS OE CONSTITUTIONALISTS. SURRENDER OF THE SULTAN’S FORCES. THE ASIA MINOR MASSACRE. THE FUTURE OF THE SULTAN. CONFLICTING REPORTS. United Press Association —By Elootric Telegraph—Copyright. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 23. A battalion quartered at Erzeroum revolted, seized Konak and proclaimed the Sheriat. Tiro foreigners took refuge in the consulates. The troops at Scutari are against the Committee of Union and Progress. Five thousand of Shevket’s troops have landed at Ismad to intercept Constantinople fugitives. THE SITUATION AT SALONIKA. HOPES FOR THE FUTURE. LONDON. April 23. The “Times” Salonika correspondent reports that the prevailing opinion is that changes of an absolutely fundamental character are impending, and it is felt that the moment has arrived when the situation must be cleared beyond the possibility of further ambiguities and misapprehensions, and that the Augean stable must be thoroughly cleansed. An astonishing wave of enthusiasm prevails in Roumelia, and tho remarkable efficiency of tho army came as a revelation to all. It is believed that tho foreign nations will quickly recognise the immense significance of recent events and share in the optimism of tlio Salonikans. Tho “Times,” commenting on the situation, remarks that the appointment of Nazim and Edhem as the result of the Liberals' rallying was tho real turning point of the revolution, and opened the door to negotiations which the “Times” trusts will result in tho establishment of parliamentary institutions on stronger foundations than ever. THE SULTAN ASSERTS HIS INNOCENCE v THE ABDICATION QUESTION. A RECALCITRANT GARRISON. HITCH IN THE SWEARING-IN. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 23. The Sultan declares that he is innocent of all complicity in the outbreak, and refuses to discuss tho question of abdication, save as tho result of an inquiry regarding his guilt or innocence, conducted in accordance with the Sheriat. A hitch has occurred in the swearingin of the garrison. The majority declined to take the oath unless the officers swore implicit obedience to the Sultan. Thereupon the Sheik-ul-Islam and his companion returned to headquarters, stating that their mission had been largely a failure. It has transpired that agitators told the men that Shevket’s army did not exceed 5000, and that its leaders were bribed by Christians to overthrow the Sultan. The military authorities announced early to-day that the swearing-in was proceeding satisfactorily. The Government has arrested fiftysix Softas, and is exercising strict surveillance. THE COMMITTEE OF UNION. THE FUTURE OF THE SULTAN. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 23. The Committee of Union and Progress at Salonika dearies having influenced tho military leaders, and has instructed all its members to withdraw from the army. Whoever remains must bo under military orders. The omission in regard to the Sultan’s future in Shevket’s list of conditions is interpreted to mean that tho subject will he dealt with at a lator period. RUMOURS IN GERMANY AND FRANCE. BERLIN, April 23. The “ Cologne Gazette ” publishes an unconfirmed Constantinople message to the effect that the Parliament at San Stefano has decided to depose tho Sultan. PARIS, April 23. The “Matin” says tho Sultan refuses to abdicate unless the Powers guarantee that Meliommed-Rcshad Effendi shall bo his successor. It is reported that the Sultan’s favourite son has disappeared. He was accused of helping tho reactionaries. THE MASSACRES IN ASIA MINOR. NINETEEN PROTESTANT PASTORS KILLED. (Received April 25, 4 p.m.). LONDON, April 24. During the massacres in tho vilayet' of Adana nineteen Protestant pastors were killed. The massacres continue at Antioch and many Armenian villages in the vicinity of Alexandretta. The United States Government has inquired from Sir Edward Grey how far Turkey in accordance with the Berlin treaty is taking steps to stop this wholesale slaughter. THE SULTAN. THE MOVEMENT FOR DETHRONEMENT. LONDON, April 24. Tho Constantinople correspondent of tho “Times” learns, on the authority

of a deputy attending the new National Assembly sitting at San Stefano, that tho Assembly has decided in favour of tho Sultan’s dethronement. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 24. The Sultan paid bis usual Friday’s visit to tlie Mosquo, crowds giving him an enthusiastic ovation. There are indications that Shevket Pasha’s caution regarding the Sultan’s future has been strengthened by .a warning which Nazim Pasha personally conveyed to San Stefano yesterday stating that a portion of the garrison, also tho 'populace, were strongly loyal to tho Sultan, and bloodshed was extremely probable if any precipitate step were taken. Prominence was given in Constantinople to Shevket Pasha’s telegram to the Government denying that the army had arrived in order to dethrone the Sultan. i ADVANCE OF THE THIRD ARMY CORPS. CONSTITUTIONALIST FEELING IN PALESTINE. LONDON, April 24. Advice from Vienna states that Shevket Pasha’s advance on Peru and the coast has begun. It is suspected in some quarters that Shevket’s assurances are greatly tactical. The civil population and garrison of Jerusalem have telegraphed to Constantinople threatening to proclaim Palestine an independent State unless tho Constitution is restored. Mohammedans and Christians at Jerusalem are eagerly offering to join tho Seoond and Third Army Corps. RESTRICTING THE SULTAN’S AUTHORITY. LONDON, April 24. The “Daily Telegraph” states that tho agreement reached at San Stefano restricts the Sultan’s authority to the narrowest limits of a constitutional sovereign. Other messages foreshadow that after tho mutineers have been overawed and discipline re-established, tho strongest pressure will he brought to boar to force the Sultan to abdicate. FIGHTING AT CONSTANTINOPLE. SURRENDER OF THE SULTAN’S FORCES. THEIR BARRACKS CAPTURE^. (Received April 25 , 4.20 p.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, April 24. For four days the Salonika troops havo been drawing closer: On Friday evening they occupied Malrrakoi, and at daylight on Saturday advanced upon tho Yildiz garrison and Pera. At five o’clock thero was heavy artillery aiad musketry fire from the heights above Yildiz, and tho contest developed agaiaist the Matchka and Tashkisla barracks. Quietude reigned in the west of the city, Macedonian troops patrolling tho streets. Enver Bey sent a detachment of military cadets, commanded by Salonika officers, to protect tho embassies, banks and hotels, laud other measures wore taken to prevent disturbance. The Salonikans vainly invited Matchka and Tashkisla to surrender. The latter was nearly demolished in under two hours’ fighting. All tho troops surrendered before ten o’clock. Several isolated guard-houses fought gamely. The Taxim barracks, in the centre of Pora, resisted for three hours, the defenders’ bullets sweeping the main streets. Finally they were beaten by Hotchkiss fire and surrendered. Another detachment in the Tophanesh barracks barricaded themselves in a mosque but were overpowered after a stubborn resists nco. Another detachment occupied the grounds of tho Belgian Legation, causing the walls of the Legation to be riddled with bullets. The inmates were uninjured. An American correspondent was wounded in tho shoulders while snap-shotting. A fow lives were lest outside the actual fighters. While tho barracks were being suppressed, the police at Stamboul and other districts urged the people to o'pon their'shops. Shevket Pasha sent contingents to Ismiel and Eskieher, to prevent Anatolian troops favourable to the Sultan approaching Constantinople.. Unrost prevails at Skutari (Albania), Mitrovitz, Avlona and Uskub, due to tho Albanian League. TREACHEROUS ARTILLERISTS. (Received April 26, 12.80 a.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, April 25. Tho artillerists at Taxim treacherously hoisted tho white flag, and enticed the Salonika infantry ovor the open ground to receive their surrender. They thou oponed fire, compelling a retreat. Thereupon the Salonikas shelled the barracks, which the assailants rushed. Desperate hand to hand fighting followed in tho courtyard and cemetery at the rear. CONSTANTINOPLE TRANQUIL. THE PALACE INVESTED. AX ULTIMATUM TO THE SULTAN. (Received April 26, 12.13 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. Reuter’s Constantinople correspondent states that at eight o’clock last evening it was reported that complete tranquility reigned in the city, but anxious looks were turned in the direction of tlio Yildiz Kiosk, where a portion of- the garrison refuses to submit. Tho defensive position is excellent, and the neighbourhood also is mined by tho defenders. Shovket Pasha has concentrated large forces round tho palaco. Troops havo been poured in since noon, and several batteries have been planted on tho heights. Tlio fleet has returned and anchored opposite Yildiz to cooperate with tho Salonikans. Shevket has sent an ultimatum to tlio Sultan that unless Yildiz Kiosk is surrendered it will bo bombarded from sea and land.