Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1915. THE KNELL OF THE TURK.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXX, Issue 11189, 3 March 1915, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1915. THE KNELL OF THE TURK.

THE progress of the combined attack upon the Dardanelles indicates that the knell of Turkish domination has at last sounded. History does not supply a parallel case of the rapid disintegration of a great Empire in such a short time, historically speaking, since it overran the Balkans and battered at the gates of Vienna. In its palmy days it acquired territory which right up to the present time has enabled it to dominate nations in three divisions of the globe. We have bad Turkey in Europe, Turkey in Asia, and Turkey in Africa. Its rapid declension is not only due to the Mahommedan fatalism, which accepts everything as the wil of God, but is only another instance, of which history offers many of the kind, which proves that a nation built up by conquest, has under its martial pomp and glittering evidences of power the inevitable seeds of disintegration. Turkey in Europe has almost ceased to exist. It consists of the city of Constantinople and the barest fragment of the European Continent. The domination of the line raiming through the Dardanelles, l;he Ssa of Majrmora and th e Bosphorus, will sever the Empire in one direction where Europe and Asia meet, and the line of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea will also violently sever it again at the junction point of Africa and Asia. We can expect one question arising ont of the forcing of the Dardanelles by the Allies and the capture of Constantinople to assnme an 'extremely serious aspect as soou as. or even before, the operation has been crowned with success. There are all the elementswithin it of a secondary complication that may inflame the whole of the Balkans again. The critical question is if Russia is to have the city of Constantinople to what nation is the Turkish hinterland, the fragment of Europe now in its possession to be handed over. Bulgaria, and perhaps Greece, may lay claim to it. Bulgaria had already captured Adrianople, after immense sacrifice in men and money, during the triplicate war against Tnrkey, and would probably have retained it if its insensate ambition had not prompted it to go to war with Greece and Servia in order to despoil them of their share of the fruits of victory. Bulgaria is the only country that adjoins this fragment of a hundred miles by fifty, but it is probable, if Bulgaria gained possession, that Greece would ask for a readjustment of boundaries which would enable her to have a share of the spoil, and Ronmauia, though remote from the coveted area may object to this addition to its neighbour’s territory without a corresponding concession from Bulgaria. On the other band if Russia seizes Constantinople it may want to take ,a larger bite from the ownerless territory than the little nations would consider either fair or advisable.

In any case, Turkey as a world Power will cease to exist. It will probably be reduced to a small Asian principality south of the Dardanelles, , but deprived , of all sovereignty over any part of Arabia or Mesopotamia. The Holy Laud and the countries adjacent will either be placed under the protectorate of Great Britain, to be restored to the, luxuriant productiveness Which characterised it when it was supposed to be the cradle of the human race and was the habitat of or be assigned to a European international combination. To be deprived of Constantinople alone is to be despoiled of its' national dignity. To herd it into a small territory would be to condemn it to eternal extinction as a Power in the world. But its loss would be an incalculable gain to humanity. It has drenched the world with: blood and tears. It has been a cen-turies-old criminal, whose punishment seemed to tarry inordinately long. Unfortunately we x have helped to defer it, even from the time of the Crimean war, and the, fact that one generation of British statesmen championed the country against Russia, expended huge sums and thousands of lives in its defence ais: the succeeding genera-

tion helped to divide it will J eveir remain one of the paradoxes of his-, tory. - More than that, it linmiliating example of the laok of human prescience. It shows ns how - nations, presumably under the direction of their wisest heads, stumble blindly through their existencepaying with tears ami blood in one genera-tion-'for the mistakes of the previous

It is esimated that fully 200 workers’ dwellings will have been erected in the Dominion during the present financial year. Early in December a Berlin newspaper was advertising a-special fiveday trips through devastated Belgium to enable sightseers to enjoy the devil-work of th.eir soldiers in Liege, Dinant and Namur. Evidently Belgium was butchered to make a German holiday.

At a recent gathering at Oamaro, Sergeant-Major Doran, responding to a toast, said: “It is much easier to drill the National Reserve than the Territorials; You get no ‘cheek’ from the former; They do as they are told,” the speaker remarked, adding, ‘‘whether, it is right or wrong.” (Much laughter.)

A British warship . operating on the Arabian coast recently seized a Turkish dhow. While searching.the prize an officer, treading on a. piece of sacking in the hold, felt something soft beneath.- On investigation four wretched Abyssinian girls were found, still decorated with the ornaments they were wearing when kidnapped to be taken across the sea and sold into slavery. The poor oreatnres were brought alongside the warship, and as they were too weak to move, a stalwart bluejacket picked up : each damsel and carried her up the gangway; One of them, to secure her position, pnt her arm round her preserver’s neck, and he, observing doubtless some amusement on the face of an officer no deck, explained “I can’t help it, sir; she will do it.”

A rather dramatic and not altogether pleasant incident occurred on a Wellington bowling green on Tuesday afternoon last, ia_ which the status of a German resident who had undergone internment on Somes Island was called into question, says the Dominion,' The German in question is an old member of the olnb, and one who was formerly held in great respect. For some offence- against the law he was interned on the island, and waS" liberated again a few days ago, since when he has visited the green two or ’ three times. When ahont to commence play on Tuesday afternoon, another member objected strongly to a member of an enemy country being allowed to play, and he personally objected to paying the member in question. The person most interested .was dumbfounded at the speech, and after asking the speaker if be were in earnest and receiving an answer in the affirmative, picked up his bowls and walked off the green. A naval officer on board a battleship writes: ‘.‘The North Sea -is pretty wintry at the best of times, and has been quite seasonable, 1 can assure yon. We spent our Christmas at sea, drowned a man and lost an anchor and cable. The forecastle of a destroyer cleared for action is a dangerous place, all the rails being down. 1 have visions of an impromptu bath some diiy myself, but it is all in the day’f work; and less uncomfortable tbftft the trenches, 1 suppose. We never steam less than twenty knots, and yon know what that means, when there is even a small sea running. Choked with oil fnel smoke, slashed with icy spray, soaked to the skin, freezing and utterly miserable, the spirit of our men is simply beyond all praise.” When the Formidable went down the new Admiralty order about other vessels making no attempt at rescue was rigorously carried cut. The captain was last seen smoking a cigarette on the bridge, and the crew were smoking on the decks. It was a last pipe for those gallant chaps. They smoked calmly, puffing at their Navy Out, in the very eyes of death. The survivors whonaanaged to get away in the boats had a frightful ordeal, tossing aboht in a bitter winter gale off the Start Point, half naked, starving, and every man baling for dear life with his boots, Yet they sang ‘Tipperary,’ ‘Old Lang Syne,’ and —a grim touch" of sailor humour this—‘We all go the same way home.’ ” " . This is how a writer in the Australasian expresses his opinion on Melbourne statuary John Smith, a most respeotable and British-looking man, was presented on a charge of “trading with the enemy.” The Crown Prosecutor, v in his address said tlie case was a clear one. Smith’s premiess] werelUraided, and while a guatd with fixed bayonets took oare of the doorway the place was searched. In fhe.accused's desk was a letter addressed “To Kaiser William, dodging about somewhere on the Continent.’* On opening the envelope the alarming discovery was made of a letter in adonsed’o handwriting which ran- as follows: — “Dear K.—Hearing you are short of metal, and .are putting your statues into the melting pot, I beg to offer you ours. If you will meet me any night at the Post Office, corner of Bourke street, I will point out those you ought to take, and will even help yon to pull them .down. If yon like to bring oil Von 'Beetle Earwig, and your invincible hero with you, you can do so. Let ’em all come.” The accused made a statement, and said that “his offer was a purely patriotic one, his only object being to do Melbourne a good turn.” Police Magistrate.—“ Quite so, Mr Smith. Stop the,case, Yon are discharged, without a stain anywhere oh any portion of your character. ” The accused then left the .court with his, friends, singing, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, ” in which police and magistrate joined.

Messrs Lloyd’s Ltd,, special private display of the very latest creations ot autumn and winter millinery will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday next. These charming and artistic creations-made by leading English and French houses reflect the very latest style features, and places' within the reach of every lady modes of the most exclusive character. Messrs Lloyd\s cordially invite a visit of inspection.

WE DO NOT SELIi GROCERIES, bat we ace experts in handling Fancy Goods, Latest Books and Music, Silverware, Phonographs and Gramaphones, Leather Goods and Novelties. Box 23, Phone .23, Stewart’s Central Book Arcade, Managweka.

. Fetiding Bacon . Company receive pigs at Rongotea on the 15th. , A flra in Flinders St., Townsville, Brisbane, demolished seven * shops, doing damage .to the extent of £80,009. . ~ \ The Ualcombe Military' Sports Club will hold tliqir fourth Annual Sports on March 34th. . Proceeds will go to the Belgian Relief Fund. The programme appears on 'page 8. At Paul Hadjtand Paulsen was acquitted on a charge of indecent assault and Andrew Lee, of carnal knowledge, ' was acquitted. A raid was made on the premises of some Chinese at Invercargill yesterday morning. A quantity of opium and smoking paraphernalia was discovered. It will be placed before the Court later.

Arthur Deery, a Sydney solicitor, has been struck from the rolls in. connection with the -trusteeship of oertaiu estates involving several thonsands. Deery admitted advancing Earle Hermann £7OOO sterling from the Trust funds which he bad not recovered.

Mr Lloyd George's restrictions on the drink traffic are awaited with the keenest interest in view of his recent remarks as to aT beer tax. This is interpreted that national prohibition is proposed, and the Trade is. considerably perturbed, pending fuller explanation.

The down Auckland express collided with a light engine at Palmerston station yesterday. The light engine got on the wrong line, and crashed into the tender of the Auckland engine, making a big hole. The losing of water and the pressure of steam delayed the express for an hour. It left, drawn by a small engine; ;

The following passed the teachers’ certificate examination in tne classes indicatedWanganui.—Class C: Hazel J. Andrew, G. J. Caiman; Christina Macdonald, A. O. Sims, Teresa Vickers. Class D: Agnes K. Anthony, Alice M. Casey, Jessie M. Chisholm, Annie Delahnnty, J. M. Devanoy, Vera D. Bobbin, H. H. MoChesney, Honora M. Roche, W. H. Stevenson,- Kathleen B. Wy■bonrne. -

At a meeting of the committee of the Rangitikei; Racing Club last evening the tender of Mr John Hannan was accepted for the publican’s booths. Dustins, Ltd., will have charge of the luncheons. The nominations for the Club’s annual meeting on 34th and 25tb March are in excess of all previous meetings, and include some of the best horses in tbe Dominion.

In' a letter received from Lady God ley by a Wellington lady this week, she states that the troopers in Egypt can do with more socks. The marching and drillin ; on the sand are very hard on t» v men’s feet, and their socks are quicLly worn ont, so that presents of new socks will be very welcome. Also she stated that at the hospital which had been given over for the New Zealanders’ use they were very well looked after, but that before going to the front the hospital Would require more shirts and pyjamas for their use.

In connection with the forthcoming election of two representatives from the Manawatn and Oroua Counties, and Feilding on the Wellington Harbour Board, the chairman of the Manawatn County Council yesterday said the present chairman of that body had on more than one occasion expressed himself in favour of raising the wharfage dues on wool, though it was now charged more also on the railway than other material, consequently it was a matter of some importance to tbe district to eleot representative men on the Board.

At the request of tbe Hon. H. D. Bjell, the direotoia of the Press Association had a conference with him last night and discussed details relative to the appointment of an official Government war correspondent. In compliance with Mr Bell’s desire, an advisory committee of leading journalists from the chief oities was suggested to assist him in the seleotiou of a correspondent. The Press Assoeiation undertook to impartially distribute the letters to all papers that apply for them. Other details were settled, and Mr Bell expressed his satisfaction at the proposed arrangements, and thanked the directors cordially for their cooperation and assistance.

The usual monthly meeting, of the Feilciing and District Ministers’ Association took place on Monday at St. Paul’s Manse, Feilding. There were present: Revs. G. Budd (chairman,) P. W. Jones, J. J. Mather, J. Tyjon, T. Ooatsworth, and Adjutant Walker. An apology for absence was received. from the Rev. J. Mackie, president of the Association. A paper was read on the subject of “Revivals” by the Rev. J. Tyson, and an interesting discussion followed, in which each member took part. The essayist was heartily thanked for his paper. It was decided to bold the next meeting at the residence of Adjutant Walker, Feilding, on Monday, March 29th. Members were entertained at dianer by Mr and Mrs Budd, who were cordially thanked for their hospitality.

In reply to inquiries by Mr E. Newmau, M.P., in reference to reports that the Government are making profit on imported wheat, the Hon. Mr Massey replied that the reports that the Qovermenfc are making profit on imported wheat are untrue, and you may give them denial. The facts are as follows;—In September Ust 45,000 bushels of wehat were purchased in Australia aud issued to millers at 5s 3d per bushel, which just about covered cost and ex-' penses. A further 100,000 bushels were purchased in Australia and' distributed last month to millers The cost in Australia was-5s 9rt per bushel and the wheat was issued by the Government; to millers here at the same price, the Government thus bearing the freighting and, other charges. 400,000 bushels of wheat approximately have been purchased through the Canadian Government, and the greater part of it has been issued to millers, the price being 5s 9d per bushel, which does not represent the cost. Ladies who like to make an early selection in the matter of new hats and coats should pay a visit to the Bon Marche, Peildiug, where they will see a lovely selection of/the latest styles for autnmu and winter wear.

The darker the tobaooo the less it bites the tongue. FULL DERBY combines smoothness with a degree of-nnttiness and richness not found, in any other smoke. In plugs or 2oa. Tins.' it I

k Mr W. A., Low, the' well known theatrical manager,' was in Marton to-day making arrangements 'for the “Hnmpty* Damply”' Pantomime’ appearance at the/Town. Hall next '< A requisition to the Cand Porobase Board has been signed by. residents at Makowai asking that the land of Mr J. MoKelvie be taken for closer settlement. The area is about SCO acres and it is proposed to take it under tbe Land Finance Settlement Act. Nwes was received by cable yesterday of the death of the Hon. Francis Arkwright, M. L. 0., which took place on tbe Ist March at Wiuborne Road, Bournemouth;; England. The cause of death was pneumonia. Mr'G. Hiokford, Overseer for the Manawan .County Council, is sufferiug from tbe nervous complaint known as neuritis. He is now at Rotorua receiving benefit from tbe baths, but probably will not be able to recommence his duties for another month.

Laud being required for agricultural Instruction in connection with tbe Feilding Technical School, if arrangement can be made with the landowners Manawatu County Council will give the Wanganui Education Board the use of a piece of unused road near Mr Hingston’s place on the FeildingAwabnri road.: The is about \y 2 acres. Rheumatism, Gout, ' Sciatica and Lumbago are due to the presence of excess Uric Acid iq your system. How can you hope for liniments and embrocations to cure you? Yon must expel the Uric Acid poison from the blood, and RHEUMO will do it. All chemists and stores, 2s 6d and 4s 6d. -

Out of doors, with your briar filled with FULL DERBY yon can tackle your work with a laugh in your heart and a rich nutty flavour on your palate. ’Tls the workers’ smoke—try it —in plug TINS.