THE REFORMED TURKEY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13841, 22 December 1908, Page 4

THE REFORMED TURKEY.

The Sick Man of Europe has taken a new lease of life. Abdul the Damned, as the Sultan of Turkey has been called, has turned over a new leaf. Instead of a tyrant, his subjects are now finding in him a spirit of sweet reasonableness, which has manifested itself in the direction of restoring to them the constitution which he took away thirty years ago. For centuries Turkey' has had a chequered career, and it would - long ago have been dismembered but for the jealousy of the other Powers, who could not agree upon a division of the spoil. 4iter the Crimean War the state became practically bankrupt and Abdul Aziz came to grief in 1876, losing first his throne and then his life. His successor, Murad, was an imbecile and had to make room after three months' reign to Abdul Hamid, the present Sultan. Yielding to popular demand Abdul granted a constitution, and a National Parliament was convoked, only, however, to be almost immediately dissolved. At the opening of the new Parliament last week the Sultan v we are told, described the Parliament of 1876 as "temporarily dissolved until the people had been better educated in the matter of self-government." This may be styled the language of diplomacy, for the truth is that the constitution was forced from the Sultan against his will, because he was at the moment not

strong* enough to resist the pressure. Two years later he withdrew the concessions lie had granted and showed himself in liis true spirit as a tyrant. The reformers, however, have never rested from their efforts to recover what had been lost. The Young Turkish party lias numbered among* its members many of the ablest men in Turkey. Its ideals were good and its methods sucli as to command eventual success. Its cause has been vigorously advanced in the army and among the masses of the people, and when one of the Sultan's nephews threw in his lot with the reformers tilings came to a head quickly. The events leading up to a revolution are of too recent occurrence to need recapitulation here. Suffice it to say that, as in 1876, so in 1908, Abdul Hamid found it politic to 'bow his head to the storm ami yield with the best grace he could muster to the demands of the reformers. Whether the reforms will be permanent remain^ to be seen. Abdul is a man of quite remarkable astuteness, as is evidenced by tire manner in which he lias for thirty years kept his throne intact by playing off one European Power against another, and he is probably better able than anyone else almost to gauge the strength of the movement which has now culminated in the meeting of a new Parliament. He no doubt realises that lie can no longer rule as a despot, and that if he is to retain his throne it must be as a constitutional ruler. He is no longer a young man, and it will be easier for him to go with the tide than against it, so that there may be good reason to hope, with Eing Edward and the British, Government, that the new Parlia lent will promote the prosperity and welfare of Turkey and maintain its cordial and peaceful relations witE other countries. The substitution of a sound wellgoverned country for that which has so long been a constant source of anxiety to those who wished! to see the peace of Europe maintained will #ive general satisfac-, tion, to none more than to those who pinned' their faith in the ISarl of Beaconsfjeld as a world statesman. '<

Advertisers are reminded that on account of the Christmas holidays this week's Budget will go to press tomorrow (Wednesday} evening. All advertisements should reach this office not later than 6 p.m. There will be no issue of the Taranaki Herald on Friday and Saturday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

On the moibion of Mr. Quilliam (Qovett and Quilliam) letters of administration in the estate of James Nicol, deceased, were granted fay Mr. Justice Edwards to Mrs. Agnes Jane Nieol, the widow. On the motion of Mr. Quilliam also probate of the will of the late John Edward Jones, of Midhirst, was granted by Mr. Justice Edwards to Elizabeth Jones, the widow.

Nominations for the bicycle races which are to be run at the variety entertainment on the Recreation Ground on Wednesday evening next week will close with the handicapper, Mr. A. George, on Saturday next. The Blondonian brothers, who are to give an exhibition of tight-rope walking, have arrived in New Plymouth. They expect to have their rope fixed in a day or two and they will then immediately begin practising some of the more daring feats that they intend performing at the entertainment while the bicycle races are being run.

We have received several inquiries as to when the boy from whom Rowlands (who was sentenced a few days ago to a year's imprisonment for receiving a stolen ring) obtained the ring in question, is to be brought before the Magistrate. An information was laid against him at 0 the same time as against Rowland. The Magistrate, however, has not yet fixed the date for hearing the case. Rowlands' arrest caused the case against him to be heard with comparative promptitude. When the Magistrate fixes the date, which he now cannot do until after the vacation, the case against he boy will be proceeded with. The milk suppliers in the Inglewood district continue to receive considerably larger cheques than they did last season. For last month the Moa Company paid out £4206, as against £3719 last year. The other campanies paid for four weeks as against five on the corresponding date last year. Yet the total of their payments was only slightly less-i-£4360 instead of £4657. The figures are as follows, those for the four weeks of this year being first and those for the corresponding five weeks of last year following in parentheses: Maketawa £1547 (£1356), Tariki £1178 (£1420), Lepperton £730 (£860), Tarata'£464 (£533), Waitui £441 (£488).

Several • contemptible thefts have been reported during the last few days. r K Say or so ago a resident in one of the most thickly populated suburbs had forwarded- to" him by some friends residing in the country a fine goose for Christmas. On the same night as it was received it was penned up safely and its wings were closely cut. When the family rose next morning their feathered friend had flown. Another thief has been turning attention to "snow-dropping" and practically in the centre of the town numerous articles of clothing which had been left hanging on the clothes line for the night have been removed. In this instance it is surmised that the thief is a woman as the pegs^ have been carefully removed and left in small clusters, w ' "rvroman fashion.

The fine honours shield designed and carved by Mr H. Moverley for the Ncav Plymouth High School is now on view in the shop window of Mr R. Deare, Devon Street.

The amount of interest due from the Taranaki County Council to the Treasury for the half-year ending January 3 is £262 12s Bd, on a sum of £14,220 15s 7d inscribed to February 1, 1908.

Owing to insufficient inducement offering, Mr. L. 1 Jacob has abandoned his proposed overland trip to the Waitomo caves. However, should any party wish to make the trip, arrangements could readily be made.

While walking along the beach at Moturoa yesterday a Herald reporter found a young penguin lying dead on the strand. Near by were two dead seagulls. All three had been recently shot by some miscreant. Several penguins have been seen near tht. Breakwater during the week, the reporter was informed.

Mrs. Taber, owner of the White Hart Hotel, recently gave the Mayor a donation of £5 towards the funds necessary to promote his scheme f6r improving the tea front. Mr. Tiseh has expended this money in the provision of six additional seats, three on either side of the Band Rotunda on the Esplanade, and two nico garden seats on the Esplanade near the Terminus Hotel.

The new regulations of the Railway grain to* be placed in a bag to 200 lb net, will come into operation oa February 1, and consequently all grain threshed during the coming season will require to be weighed so as not to infringe the new rule. The regulation will apply to wheat, oats, and barley, and bags containing more than the stipulated weight will be charged four times thet ordinary rates.

Arnst, the champion sculler, arrived in Wellington last night and is to leave to-day for Christchurch. After spending a fortnight with his relatives he will make a tour of the North Island with his trainer, Fogwell. In reference to tb.e Sydney cable message announcing Tomniv Burns' willingness to train him for the prize-ring, Arnst says he may think about boxing wffen he is too old for rowing. He intends to give exhibitions of rowing if sufficient induce^ ment offers.

Refferringto the flax industry the Grey Star states that at the present time not a single mill i« working on the West CoaSt. The 6onditions ruling at present .will, however/ have a beneficial influence* in that flax areas which, by reason of the fact that they were being drawn on every three and in some cases xwo and a half years, thus producing tfver-straining of the plants, will be all the better for this compulsory rest, and will be more prolific next season. The paper considers that four years' growth is required' to bring flax in that part of the Dominion to maturity.' " ' '<■

Mr Bennet. Burleigh, of the London Daily Telegraph, the doyen of British war correspondents, expects a war between Britain and Germany to take place^ before long. A well-known London journalist in the course of a recent letter to a - colonial friend writes as follows:— "Burleigh and Prior at 'at attention* at the moment, in view of the trouble in the, Balkans, but I don't think that their services will be in demand. Burleigh -is in the way of learning German, for, I am sorry to say, he tliinks a war with Germany is bound to come-— for my part, I am glad to think this last danger is gradiially disappearing. Considering his age, Burleigh is an amazing man physically, analiis vigour is as great as ever."

The other day, just before noon, writes a correspondent to the Wairarapa Daily Times, a very old man — probably eighty years of age — with a huge untidy swag strapped to his shrunken shoulders, and a "bundle in each hand, might' have been seen wearily trudging .along Queen Street, Masterton. Nearly^ioriy- year* ago this same 'jinai^— even* '.'middle aged— used 1 t$ pay perioilical , visits to, this town, cheques, of from £60 . to £80 were Mocked down by "him. in the characteristip fashion of the station hands ,ot ihose'iiays. In hist early life a schbolm'asjer,. later a contractor, still later a common* station hand, and last •act of his eventful historyr^a miserable tramp, at : an age beyond the commonly accepted' span, of Jife. It. was with' feelings of pity that ,I . watched this pathetic" fragment of 'homeless humanity bendine under his weighty swag<; and weightier years of tfcr^e score and eighteen^&ruggUng with the, buffeting wind, and* blinding dust, on his long and.toilsQn^tramp to He Nui. . The first' Annual dinner of 1 the New Plymouth, bw clerks took place at the Masonic BMI last night. Cotonfci Ellis presided. : - A number of Waiting law clerks from Stratford, Inglewood, am other places, and members of the staff of the local Land "Transfer and Deeds ' Offices, were- also present. The following,, toasts wejre • honoured:.— - "The Kj!Hg»". by the chairman; " Amy: and Navy/ Mr O. Freyberg, response the. chairman; "New Plymouth Law Clerks," the chairman, response Mr J. F. Strang;. "The Ladies," ftfr X \K. 'Young, response Mr T. P. Anderson; "Guests," Mr J. F. Strang, response— Messrs jGk Finlay and- J. J. Sullivan,; "Ex-New Plymouth Law. Clerks Present j" Mr W. D. Webster, response "Messrs :C. R. Stead and G. McDavitt ; "Law Cricketers and Footballer*. " Mr L. Hill, response Messrs V. Elliott (cricket) and W. D. Webster (football); "The Chairman," Mr F. K. Tumbuli. During the evening musical items were given by the f olldwfn# : — Messrs Anderson, J. H. Slrang, O. Freyberg, F. "K. Turnbull. S.,Tr«s&ider r J. H. Mujdoon, J. J. Sullivan, W. H. Fleteher, S. Cottier. Mr 8., Lewis presided at the piano. \A deputation representing , the Hawera Chamber of Commerce interviewed Sir J. G. Ward (Premier) at the Hawera railway station on Saturday evening in reference to the rumours., of proposed alterations to the time-table on the Wellington-New Plymouth line. The deputation asked, that 4 the Government, before finally settling upon a new tim«- table (consequent on the North Island Main Trunk line completion), should submit the proposed timetable to the Chamber of Commerce, so as to afford an opportunity of making suggestions and supplying information to the Government. Sir J. G. Ward said the Department intended to give the public all the convenience possible. The running of the Norih Island Mail] Trunk railway was bound to make some difference, but what it would be he could not yet tell. The time-tables were now being arranged. Careful enquiries were .made by the Department before a decision was arrived at. They could not give everybody satisfaction, as there must be some disabilities in a long train service. In reply to a further statement about rumours that the dining car was to be taken off the mail train, Sir J. fx. Ward said there was no intention at present of making any change- J* would all -depend on how the Main Trunk line affected the traffic on the New Plymouth section.

The Opunake-Eltham coach will not run on Christmas day or New Year's day.

The municipal baths will close at five o'clock this evening owing to state of the tide.

Mr T. W. Stringer, K.C., of Christchurch, has issued a writ claiming £2000 for libel from the proprietors of the New Zealand Times.

Mails for United Kingdom and Continent (via Suez) despatched from here on November 12 arrived at London ou December 20. At a public meeting held at Napier last night, it was decided to hold musical ana elocutionary contests annually in Napier.

Numerous complaints are being received as to the great amount of damage that is still being done along the Eastern Esplanade by straying cattle.

The staff of the Taranaki Herald desire to thank Messrs. Morey and Moore for a thoughtful and treasonable gift of liquid refreshment, which will be gratefully appreciated this hot weather.

It is proposed at an early date to extend the water mains along the Esplanade to a spot near the Band Rotunda and to erect a stand pipe and drinking cup there. .

The Gisborne Times warns Poverty! Bay pastoralists to be prepared for an invasion of rabbits. The latest reports' go to show that the pests are making, their way northward. The Rev. Father Power, of Hawera, who recently returned from a trip abroad, says that he found Ireland much more peaceful than formerly, the increasing ownership oi the land' by 1 the people contributing much to tfiegood order, and pointing to a'hojieful'future. A lady who had spent her life, in travelling in every part of the globe was recently asked her opinion of New Zealand ladies, and replied : "I think they are the dearest and most lovable, of the female sex. As for the men-^well; they know how to play football f" . t '«

The Mayor (Mr. G. Tisch) has .re- j ceived a donation of £1 Is towards the' Esplanade extension fund from Mr. J. Hayden, of the "Red Post," and a similar amount from Mr. Rollinson; (Matau). Mr. Rollinson, who formerly » resident of this district and was spending a few days' holiday here, was so favourably impressed with the work that he . personally visited %he Mayor aj> his residence and congratulated him on what had been .done/

Last year, it will be remembered, Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs.. Ltd. ? Christchurch, issued a series of ' Maori Sketches, which received favourable notice. This year they have repeated the experiment 1 and now f orwa?6j» us two collections, one of Maori . children sketches, the other of Maori adnlfc sketches. They are «beautirutty, printed on high-class art v paper and attractively, made up. They are published at Is 6d and are appropriate to post to friends beyond the Dominion. -i

When the system of tramways was installed at Wanganui it was estimated that in order to pay working and general expenses £150 would have to be taken weekly. The takings of the first six days amounted to £200- No doubt much travelling was done for the sake of the novelty and so that amount Will probably wear down in the future. The tirst accident occurred last week, when a car ran off the end of the. line and narrowly escaped being precipitated into the river. ■ I

The cost of the Panatoa Canal "to thai United States Government up to July 31 last had been £26,208,033, of which rather over £10,000,000 went to. the French company, and the Columbian Government. A further ' £2,500,000 went on sanitation and municipal improvements, and nearly £500,000 pn civil government. That covers about half the above total, and plant account, absorbs half the remainder. me and construction is thus* boiled down tov£6;soG,ooor

The last race before the .Christmas Holidays in connection with the 1 INeW Plymouth Homing Pigeon Club was from Wanganui. Eleven members competed, each sending one bird. me ] birds were liberated at intervals of ten .minute^by Mr, C. Ryland. The fqUowing was the result:— J. Sparks' , Re-, fofm," 2hr. 32*min.,. velocity 963yds.J Oft. sin., 1 ; C. Seabnght's "Aquatic," j 2hri 34min.,. velocity. 954 yds. Hfe pin., 3; J.litagpoole's "Irish," 2hr..37min;, velocity 935 yds. 2ft. 9in., 3; B. Bayly s "Scorcher," 2hr. 41min., velocity 903 yds, 2tt« ,'4.; 1 ; Although sixty-eight men have sent in their names as intending* membere, ,the formation. of a mounted rifle cpMs in this district has fallen through^oVing to the Defence Departments inactivity in the matter. 'Five : pr si£ weeks ago the Department, after being informed that' a movement Jfor tw establishment of the corps was on foot, asked for certain information., lh\a was immediately sent, together with a request for authority to enrol v meik-. bers. This letter was not even acknowledged. Another letter, asking f or fc reply to the one sent, was then <^v Ispatched, and later a telegram, but x still fro reply came. Since the Depart,ment! cannot, apparently, be diverted from its policy of masterly inactivity the leaders of the movement have decided to let it rest for the present. Yet iwe find the Department complaining that there is not sufficient enthusiasm amongst volunteers ! Ward's job, lines are still in, the front Irank for bargains, hosiery, fleets, xutfc tains, and sunshades being 'specially mentioned in the "wanteds." gso<J