THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES. FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1909 UNREST IN TURKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14499, 16 April 1909, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES. FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1909 UNREST IN TURKEY.

As was only to he anticipated, Turkey under the new Constitution has not come at once into an entirely harmonious inheritance. On the contrary, internal disturbances are creating considerable trouble. Constantinople has , been made a centre of revolt iu which s insurgent troops have figured prominently in demanding the dismissal of j tho Grand Vizier. Much local iinarchy c is reported to exist in outlying parts of the Turkish Empire, and steps have i been taken to avoid a renewal of insubordination which, though it apparently did not have its origin in opposition to the new Constitution, might readily have had its issue iti reaction. Highly dramatic elements have attended the strenuous struggle of the Young Turks for the mastery of the State.' They triumphed in the downfall of the Grand Vizier, Kiamil l'asha. In a great, speech delivered in the Turkish Chamber of Deputies in January last Kiamil Pallia enhanced the made by the Sultan's impassioned declaration of his fidelity to the Constitution, and dwelt eloquently on the restoration, under the new regime, of the international prestigo of the Ktnuire. The oration was received with enthusiasm, and was thought to have crushed the disquieting movement which was aimed at Kiamil on the part of some of the Ycnng Turks. All important factor in the situation has been, however; the grouping of parties in the Ottoman Parliament, and it was a rash stop 011 Kiamil Pasha's part to identify himself with a parliamentary minority—the Liberal Union. Almost from the first there had been a fundamental incompatibility of aims and temper between tho nominal head of the constitutional Government ii." Turkey and the men who .created the new regime. Kiamil Pasha, last survivor of an old school, though sagacious and wary ii< international negotiations, was imperious and vehement in character and could not brook the novel tutelage of the Committee of Union and Progress. That formidable organisation, on its side, regarded the Grand Vizier as an obstructionist steeped in many of flic traditions of tho despotic regime and too considerate of the interests and feelings of the Sultan. With the memhens of the Committee-of Union and Progress self-preservation has been a dominant instinct, ami they have evidently been in dread lest the control of the situation should be wrested from them by an alliance Let ween Abdul Hamid and Kiamil Pasha. Possibly it was felt that reform could never bo set 011 a permanent footing under the regime of a patriarch of eighty-four : years of age. It is suggested, further, that the leading bronchos of the Committee of Union and Progress contain too many former sycophants and agents of the Hamidian system, who, posing a.s tho most uncompromising extremists in the cause of liberty, desire nothing better than to exploit the new regime even as they exploited the old. As soon as Kiamil Pasha revealed himself not in full sympathy with the actual parliamentary majority tie Youug Turks showed themselves eager t<i have Hilmi Pasha as liis successor. Kiamil would have, undoubtedly preferred a parliamentary situation which would have deprived the Young Turks of their omnipotence. After his mistake iu identifying himself with the Liberal Union he attempted to retrieve the position by a move that was audacious iS not, prudent. He disai'jsed from ifitf CVwinet' hia Young

Turk colleagues, tlie Ministers of War and Marine. The Voting Turks acted with inflexibility and promptitude. The Grand Vizier was summoned to answer for liis conduct before a hostile .Cliamber. He declined to attend and make an immediate statement, and a vote of no-eoufidence was carried against, liim by an overwhelming majority. Hilmi Puslia became Grand Vizier and the long-cherished desire of the Young Turks was realised. Well known as the High Commissioner in Macedonia under the old regime, Hilmi is credited with being au extremely intelligent and accomplished man, if a dexterous rather than a strong character. The Young Turk caucus remained what it had been for several months, the real Government, of the Ottoman Empire. Domestic consequences have been developing, as we have seen. Nayim Pasha, the" Minister of War appointed by Kiamil I'ashu, the ablest, and perhaps best- respected soldier in the Ottoman Army, refused to take service under that. Viziers successor. The arm}' and navy have shown evidence of being divided in their allegiance. Tho Young Turks have acted with judgment, in the Ministerial crisis no less than in the original revolution, but- they have stilt obvious occasion to trend most, warily. They have suppressed all proposals to impeach Kiamil, and if they tun keep tlpir hold upon the army a regime of stability and progress may still be maintained. That the task of so doing is proving a serious difficulty, however, is plainly evidenced in the action of two battalion's of troops in surrounding the Chamber of Deputies and demanding the dismissal of the present Grand Vizier and the Minister of War. Already the Coinmittea of Tjiiion and Progress would ■seem to have suffered a blow of unexpected severity in the necessity for resignation imposed on Hilmi Pasha and his Cabinet and its acceptance by the Saltan. The correspondent of The Times goes so far, indeed, as to herald tlie complete downfall of the committee, hilt as a majority of tho deputies are said to belong to this organisation this would seem to be a rather insecure prediction.

A SHORTAGE IN WHEAT, Rkmabi.e statistics go to show that there is more than a possibility of a shortage in the world's supply of wheat from now on to next September, when tile new grain will- be marketed, if, indeed, it does not continue well into the next season. A little over two years ago we detailed the circumstances that were then likely to bring about the position which has now been created. In brief, these were that every year the world's consumption of wheat is overtaking the available supply, and the result is that a succession of short crops such ms have been experienced for the past two or three years has placed the balaneo on the wrong side. At the commencement of the present ,seasonin August last—it was generally recognised that the reserve stocks in the principal producing countries had been piactieally exhausted; but it was hoped that the Argentine, with its marvellous area for wheat-growing, would, as in the previous season, come to the rescue and adequately maintain -the balance between supply and demand. Unfortuuately -this hope ha.s proved delusive, for the ability of the Argentina to export has fallen short by •several thousands of quarters of what was anticipated. Thus it comes about that there is, on the figures, a deficit of some.eight, million quarters between tho estimated supply for the year and the expected, demand. To make matters worse, recent reports lmvo announced u partial failure in the American winter wheat crop—the main crop on that continent,—and this has precipitated some wild speculation in "futures" on the part of the Chicago wneat operators, the ell'ect being that, while one principal speculator is credited with having cleared as the result of his transactions a sum estimated at anything from half a million np to a million of money, other firms have been forced to suspend payment. Some idea of the position may be gained from the fact that j\lr I'atten, the fortunate, speculator in question, is holding wheat for •inly delivery for over 5s fid per bu.sliol, and it would appear as if, with the aid of other speculators, he were attempting to "corner" the available wheat .supply in the Lnited States. The latest news from London quotes the sale of several cargoes of Australian wheat at 43s (id per quarter of eight bushels, while in Sydney wheat is being held for Gs 3d per bushel. Wheat in New Zealand is relatively cheap, for 110 sales at above -J.s on trucks at country stations have yet been reported. When the facts are dispassionately viewed, it would appear as if the cereal—the staple of the food of tho lvorld—would yet go higher, and this will certainly be a calamity. The information that the price of tho quartern loaf in London has been raised to Gd and that the bakers are demanding a further advance to G.UI or evou 7d suggests, 011 the top of the industrial depression which prevails throughout the United Kingdom, the likelihood of an amount of hardship among the poorer claw.es .such as it will be pitiable to contemplate. There is surely something wrong in a social system which permits speculators to fatten upon what may prove the ultimate starvation of multitudes of people. Indeed, the present shortage of wheat in the world, taken together with the possibility that this .shortage may be continued over a term of years, brings into prominence the oft-debated question whether the civilised nations should not unite and render it a criminal offence to gamble in the staple foodstuffs of the world. This, of course, opens up a grave economic question, and involves tremendous difficulties whielv might conceivablv defy solution. Fortunately for New Zealand she is this season—for tho first time for several years—in the position that she is an exporting rather than an importing country. This means that the price of wheat in the markets of the Dominion must be ruled by London parity—in other words, the price in Xew Zealand will he the price the grain will bring in London, lew freight and other expenses. It may be hoped that both the millers and the bakers, in view of the greater profits which a rising market undoubtedly enables them to make, will be moderate in any additional increase of price they may seek to establish. I 1 or while those engaged, both in the milling and in the baking trades, aro ,justified in prateriiug tliemselves in a market like the pro-sent-one, there is always a danger lest they ho ; tewjrt«l to err rathei; on tire exfreme

side iu the matter of price. Alt-hough there is not supposed to be any sentiment- in business it will be ju=t as well if, for this reason, both bakers ami millers permit at least half an eye to regard the public weal, though the other half may be fixed steadfastly upon their balance sheets,

In regard lo the iniinieipiil eleelions lo be belli on Wednesday, 28th insl., we are asked lo explain that voters can vote for three of Ihe candidates for (heir own ward. Tims, in High Ward, where there are at present; four candidates, Ihe three names desired should be marked with a cross, and the one not. desired should lie left untouched. Of course Ihis presumes lliat. voters desire lo vote for all llie candidates they are entitled 10, but I hero is nothing to prevent any person so inclined from voting for only one or two candidates.

A gang of men yesterday morning started operations on Ihe roadway in Oeorge si reel, between Moray place north and St. Andrew street. This section has been in had order for some time past, having developed some very uncomfortable bumps and holes, lordlier with n. broken surface, ami Iho object, of Ihe operations is to relay Hie surface iu asphalt.

The annual meeting of shareholders in the t'allon Hill Uriel;, Tile, and Township Company was held in llie oflicc of Ihe secretary (Mr James Brugh) last evening. -Mr James Atuiand, chairman of directors, presided. The annual report was adopted and the retiring directors, Messrs .lames Annnud and I{. 0. (.'lark, were re-elected. Mr James Walker was elected a director in place of Mr K. Hudson (resigned). Mr James Drown was reappointed auditor.

At (lie meeting of llio High Schools' Board of (Governors, liold yesterday afternoon, the special committee set up in connection with the erection of the proposed Girls' High School reported that, when a plan was approved the board might safely undertake |,lio erection of a- building eosl injr about, £9000. The committee appointed to select a, design for the new building reported thet iL had coniploted its work, but consideration of the report was deferred for a larger meeting of the board.

On returning afl-er spending the Easter holidays in the country, Mr G. B. Nicholls found I hat his house in Woodliatlgli had been entered, apparently by a burglar, who had snccceded in opening the door with a key. Tito entrance is supposed to have been effected last Holiday night. Mr Nicholls believes ho has lost some pounds in cash, but is not, aware of any further thefts from l.litu house. The matter has been placed in the hands of the pdice.

It lias been found through many ages to bo an unthankful task to endeavour to help, those who nre not desirous of being helped, or who are too phlegmatic to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Tho Dunodin Accountant Students' Society is at present somewhat in the position of realising the truth of the foregoing lines. The society was formed to assist and help students of accountancy towards the passing of their examinations, and for a time flourished and was appreciated. Lectures of a very high standard of merit were prepared by leading business men and others and read to the society to assist the comprehension of tho students; but unfortunately interest last; session somewhat declined. At last night's meeting of the society tho retiring president, Mr James Brown, referred to tho inadequate response made to the efforts put forth by the society, and proceeded to enlarge upon the future of tho profession of accountancy. He said, as one who had had a considerable experience in Dunedin, that the accountancy ranks were far from full, and that there was ample opportunity for competent men. ITo considered (lie field of accountancy in New Zealand was a most encouraging one, especially in view of Hie developments of last session in relation to the institution of a new Accountancy. Society wlilch would have control of the profession and prevent incompetent persons engaging in responsible work. Mr Brown concluded a review of the position by asking that students of accountancy should t-ako more interest in the society, the aims of which were so creditable.

!Jr rtngli Milclioll, provincial secretary of tlio Kurmprs' Onion, Ims received a leMer ftom (lie llani|icton brunch of (he union slating that the immigration question cume it)) for discussion at a meeting of the branch held on April 6, when it was unanimously decided that assisted immigrants should be confined to domcslic servants and farm labourers. Tlio writer further slales that his branch is interesting itself in the matter of boring for coal in the district. It has been in commtuiiratioii with the Mines Department re Iho hive of the diamond drill, and purposes holding a public meeting shortly to discuss the malter.

'l'he fortuightly meeting of the St. John Ambulance lirigcda was held in the association's rooms on Tuesday evening. There was a good altendance, of members, the superintendent, Mr John Wood, being in Ihe chair. The First Officer, Mr W G. Norlh, read a paper 011 " Poisons and Their Klfects." Tlio led tiro was listened to very attentively, and at Ihe conclusion tho members had a very interesting discussion 011 poisons tlmt are eomniunly used by people for suicidal purposes and the bast treatment in an emergency. The superintendent llion slated several cases that, often occurred, and different members were asked to treat them and explain everything as I hoy went along. A hearty vote of thanks to Ihe lecturer concluded a very ■ instructive evening.

Not Iho least of the great, amount of varied good done by Ihe Salvation Army is their care of children. An insight into the real work was obtained yesterday when the lion. Thomas Mackenzie visited tho Girls' Home at Middlemarch. Those in charge snared nc effort to make (he Minister s visit pleasant, and Mr Mackenzie expressed himself a.s highly pleased wilh the management of the Homo and the comfortable circumstances of the imnaics.

Tho movement, initialed ai the conference hold on March 20 last, in (lie direction of cflecfing ;• reconciliation between the opposing factions in Iho ranks of the amateur athletic bodies of New Zealand si ill awaits consummafion. The agreement limn arrived ut was, shorlly, thai tlio (wo governing bodies, stationed rnspoclively at. ( hi'i.slchurch and Wellington, .should resign forthwith, and that each of Iho five cent res elect delegates within 30 days, such delogalwi lo constitute a now council. Mr J. B. C'allun, jnn., chairman of tho Dunedin Centre, and the Fecretary of the Dunedin Centre (Mr Willett) were authorised to act as a governing body in tho meantime, and declare llio council elected whan llio nneesp:uy number of delegates liuil lx>i>n uppoinled. As 30 days have now elj/jxKd, Mr t'allan was yesterday asked if be could give the names of the new councillors. 110 Slated that so far only one centre luid nominated its delegates, but lie did not consider Ibis a mutter for serious apprehension. The most important. factor of the situation at the present, lirne was the failure, as .vet, of the OhnVtchurch Council (of which Mr A tuck is the head) to resign, in accordance with llie promise given at. the conference on March 20 by (lie delegates from Canterbury. Until that, council resigned, flie Dunedin executive, in some degree, had its hands tied.

Andrew Percy, a fisherman, of Karitane, was seen fishing off Waikouaili on Wednesday morning, but .since then there has been no sign of him or his boat.

Mr Win. Ruvnett li:us announced his intention of again olToniig himself ns ii candidate for Bell Ward at, tho coming municipal election, ami .Mr Thomas Smith U seeking re-el?ctiou for the South Gunedin AVurd.

' Wellington telegram shies that tht Marine Department is, advised that th( captain of II, 0 Cygnet, which narrowlj OSCI'IKHI Bt Akarna on K „ stol . Mon . < •!>, na.i cautioned against overloading hi) vewel. If the department linds (here h;s b '' Mcl ' »f the regulations, actkn will be taken.

We ave infm-moil || mt . the two scailct over palienls in (he llcuspilal at I,„g,n's lomt are making .satisfactory progress." and are now out o[ serious danger

Our Bluff correspondent, writes:—' The weather bus again set in delighlfn! The fish craft have all gone outside, ard ara reported to be engaged on what pnmisei lo be another excellent 'lake.' llie last balcli of local mutton-birders went way ii Ihe s.s. Loyally lo ll,e bird-snaring islands at. the mouth of Port Adventure, i return from some of the earlier-worked nlands is looked for next, week, but it j s probable that, last week's bad weather siell will delay I hem a. week or so longer Certain hcrediiarv rights and privily,- s a /e in dispute between the null ton-bird islanders which, it is understood, will necessitate Hie. intervention of Ihe law lis peculiarities are that consuetudinary practices of llie old-world Maori will have lo lw ileuli, willi. and some really interesting .nforniation will, it is expected, be put frnvard Mr John Moll'ett, solicitor, hivereuyill, is acting as counsel for the plaint iff parly "

' The Olago Trades and F.alnm- Council passed Ihe following- reailution at its meeting last night" That (his council directs attention In the cablegram in Ihe daily papers I hat a. gambler under die name of a specula lor made -+JICO.OOO i:i one day's ileal ill wheal, and deplores the fact that. Ihe commercial system of truling makes it possible for Ibis lo l>e done, more especially when it is gambling with the food of the people, and thus increasing llie cost, and further desires to point, out that the same 'speculations' take plafe in our own Dominion with the same results, and urges Ihe workers lo use every omluavour to put a- slop to Ihis pernicious system."

The monthly meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children was held in the Town Hall on Thursday, there being present the Rev. C'anon CurzonSiggers (president, in the chair), Mr F, Cumming, Mesdames Ewen, Fry, Gordon. Jackson, Withers, and A. AnsoH. Apologies were received from Mr D. Wright, Mesdamcs Reynolds Wise, Denniston, Rov A. 15. Axleson, Mr Gallaway, and Dr Siedcberg. All correspondence was 1 dealt with, and several cases were referred to the committee with power to act. The treasurer's statement was tabled, and all accounts due were passed for payment. It was resolved to hold the annual meeting for the. election of officers in May.

The Mayor (Mr J, M'Donald) has called a public indignation meeting of citizens to bo hold in the Town Hall 011 Monday evening to protest against the closing down of tho Lawrence-Roxburgh railway construc-

tion works.

Our Cromwell correspondent states that the opening of the new Catholic Church there on Sunday promises to bo very largely attended, visitors from all p'Srts having already secured accommodation. As the weather is now perfect the trip should be a treat. The church is now complete in every detail, and is without doubt a magnificent structure, far and away excelling anything of the kind in any town with double tho population. Bishop Verdon and a number of other clergy will be prosent, and the event is now anxiously looked

forward to.

Tlie North China Herald, of the 19th" I'ebrnarj, records tho presentation of a lestinioniu! from the Royal Humane Society to Mr J H. Barton, one of the officer,-) of tho revenue cruiser Chuentiao, in recognition of i gallant attempt on his part, in trying circumstances, to rescue a Chinese sailor from drowning. The latter foil overboard in -rfortuy weather nnd in a. strong tideway, about two miles outside tho Liao River, near. Newcliwang, and in his effort to save him Mr Barton nearly lost his ownlife. The presentation of the testimonial was made by Mr 0. R r C'oales. of tho .British Consulate-general. Mr Barton'is a. sou of Mr J Barton, of Opoho, formerly head master of tho l'ortobello School.

The annual conference of the New Zoalaud Railway Officers' Institute opens in Wellington on Monday, 26th inst., and will probably mid 011 Salurduy, Ist May. Important matters, affecting the officers of the service, will be considered. The following delegates (who go north on the 24th inst.) have been elecled to represent the Otago district:—Messrs A. Beekmaii (traffic superintendent's stall], If. I> Stanawav (Dunedin station staff), and \V. A. Marshall (stntiouimistcr, Duutroon). Mr A Graham, slat.ionmastcr at- l'ort Chalmers, will also attend tlio conference, ex ofiioio, as president of the executive.

Applications for the position of regislTiit of tho University ot Melbourne, vacant by the death of Mr W. E. Cornwall, are being called for. The salary is £703 per annum, and the ierms ot the appointment may bo learned on application to the acting-registrar al I'lie university.

Warm Winter Blanltels.—Our spccial double-bed colonial hliuiket?, goad large size, at 22s Gd per pair, are Hie best value obtainable— Jlollisona Limited.—Advi.

"Osram" metallic lamp saves 70 per cent, over the carbon lump. Save money end ring i:p 'phone 2236 (Lc.ugh, electrical engineer, Bowling street).- Afli'l.

Sir Frederick Treves,' the famous surgeon, says that radium will cure chronic eczema. Sufferers talit notice than Mr 13. Wisharl, consulting hoinosopa.lhist, 3 Grant street, is using radium (attenuated) for skin and other diseases. Those 7G!).—Adrt.

For Influenza take Woods' Greiit Pcpporinint Cure. Xevcr fails. Is Cd and 2s (id — Advt.

We recommend lor watch, clod, and jewellery repairs A. J. Sliaiv, ]3 Knitray street. Absolutely tho best in Dunedin — Advt.

Tourists will find vecialiy choice collection of greenstone jewellery at Messrs G. and T Young's eliow rooms, 83 -Princes street. 'The greenstones are all picked specimens, and marked at very reasonablo prices.—Advt.

To Ladies!— For blotchy ami muddy complexions uso SlllfarFiia Tablets. They pro(luce e:ear, bright, and healthy skin, eradicating eruptions. Kiilfarilla Tablets, "the ladies' favourite medicine"; Is box; all chemists.—Advt.

Who ih Petep. Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee talaco, Moray place, Dunedin. Charts strictly moderate.—Advt.