5. A Bill will be introduced in Parliament for the levying of one piastre only per head of sheep from the Malissors, to take effect from next year, as a sheep tax (Aghnam).

6. Leave is granted to the Malissor shepherds to carry arms, except in the towns and market places. As almost all the Malissors are shepherds, this measure practically extends to the entire Malissor population.

7. The opening of primary schools at Chale, Chouch, Kastrati, Groda, Hoti, and Clementi has been decided, where the language taught will be Albanian, and the masters employed will be paid by the Government. Insuperable difficulties have, however, been encountered in the selection of masters. It was then decided to open in Scutari itself a boarding school for the young Malissors, but the Bairaktars refused to send their sons to that institution. It was then thought of opening one classroom, where the priests would teach; but the Malissors refused this solution as well. It was then decided to open two primary boarding schools-one at Touz and another at Zagora-so that the pupils will not have to go a great distance from home. The erection of three primary day schools has begun in three communes, and the Scutari boarding school, moreover, will serve as a public school for the young Malissors. Credits have already been allowed for all the schools.

8. The Government will construct roads and ways in all the communes inhabited by the Malissors.

9. Immediate orders have been given for the construction of these roads as soon as the Malissors return. Those already commenced are nearing completion. A thousand Turkish pounds have been allowed for the building of the causeway at Touz, where Malissor workmen will be employed.

10. A commission, having at its head an official from the vilayet of Scutari and a representative of the bishop, will be formed in each commune to fix the assistance to be extended to everyone who has suffered from the disorders, and those whose houses have been burnt down.

11. His Imperial Majesty the Sultan has granted 10,000 Turkish pounds assistance to the Malissors, and the Government will add the necessary sum towards their relief.

12. Every Malissor returning to his home will receive a certain quantity of maize seeds and certain help in money proportionate to his needs.

The following sums have been allowed up to March 26 by the Imperial Government as regards the expenses mentioned in paragraphs 10, 11, and 12 :

The following are fresh decisions on the part of the Inquiry Commission presided by Hadji Adil Bey, and of which Mr. Graves is a member, as regards the further demands of the Malissors :

1. Upon the presentation of a list by the archbishop a sum of 4,200 Turkish pounds had been allowed for the damage caused to the religious objects of the churches and to the priests' belongings, of which sum only 2,200 Turkish pounds had been paid for the religious objects. It has been decided to pay the remainder of the above sum.

2. As the inhabitants of Touz had asked for an indemnity of 300.000 piastres for their shops, which had been looted by the Malissors during the disorders, and had afterwards accepted 40 per cent. of the said sum, a credit of 1,260 pounds has been allowed for the purpose.

3. As the insurgents at Kastrati had asked for an indemnity of 1,700 pounds for the loss of their cattle and chariots left at their habitations during the disorders, the said sum has been allowed by the Ottoman Government.

4. Some tribesmen who had not joined in the insurrection, and claimed no indemnity for damage suffered, have asked for relief as paupers. The Government have, in consequence, decided to grant them assistance also, in the form of maize out of the sum of 7.000 pounds allowed for that item.

The total expenses necessitated by the four above-mentioned demands amount to 11,946 Turkish pounds.

As the Ottoman Government have thus received kindly the demands drawn up after the disorders as well as the last four mentioned claims, the inhabitants of these districts having no longer any cause of complaint, have since returned to their respective occupations.

During the course of his brief journey across the country the chaos prevalent in all the southern provinces has become more chaotic; rapine, plunder, and murder have increased; and there is now no safety in all those parts, and trade and travel are at a standstill. Throughout the country, north, south, east, and west, the conditions of life are onerous to a degree; in many parts the bare necessaries of life are wanting, or are almost out of the reach of the poorer class, entailing a degree of misery and distress only to be equalled by a veritable famine. The cultivators are unable to convey what little produce they can save from destruction to the markets, and a wail, deep and poignant, goes up through the length and breadth of the land for peacepeace and plenty-and for a return to the happy days of pre-mashroota memories when tranquillity and prosperity reigned in all the land.

With his able experience and, we hope, an open, unbiassed mind his lordship can scarcely have failed to note the pernicious effect exerted on the country by the party of Ultra-Nationalists, and we may justly hope that he will put the "Persia Committee right on many points of their convictions and propaganda.

Having now the Zaigham ud Dowla, as paramount Chief of the Qashqauee tribes, working in harmony with the Qavom ul Mulk (both of whom are in friendly sympathy with the Central Government and the Bakhtiari chiefs), it ought not to be a matter of much difficulty for the British Government to concert measures (even to the avoidance of actual interference) in agreement with these authorities for bringing the province of Fars, and the southern provinces generally, into order and tranquillity.

It is not too much to hope, and expect, that Lord Lamington will bring his wide experience and present knowledge to bear in trying to induce a more active and beneficial policy on the part of the British Government (and at the same time to exercise a restraint over the "Persia Committee " in preventing them from mischievous intermeddling) to the betterment (and lasting benefit) of the present deplorable condition of Persia.Yours obediently,

To the Editor of THE NEAR EAST.

Sir, Will you permit me to comment upon the first two paragraphs in the article from "A Correspondent in Turkey" dealing with Truth and Rumours?

The truth about the barbarous treatment of Arabs in the Oasis of Tripoli by the Italian soldiery (particularly from October 23 to 29, 1911), and of the wholesale massacres of unarmed men, old men, boys, women, and children was fully reported by eye-witnesses and confirmed by independent evidence. The main facts can easily be proved, despite Italian official versions and denials. I only wish that I could agree with your correspondent, "that there has been some mistake," but the evidence in my possession is altogether conclusive and indubitable.

Your correspondent's inference is drawn from the fact that all the leading papers, which were so ready to blame the Italians at the start, have now ceased to find fault with them." Thus, he argues, the atrocities were but rumours. Sancta Simplicitas!

To my mind, the change in the attitude of the Press can be accounted for in a much more obvious and rational way. The European States interested in the partition of North Africa and the exploitation of its resources and peoples, are not at all likely to approve

a Press that tells inconvenient truths, militating against the character of one member of the great conspiracy.

No, sir, the Italian Ambassador could, if he were at liberty to tell the truth, explain to your correspondent the real reasons why the Press ceases to find fault with Italy and makes clumsy efforts to suppress even the memory of the atrocities committed, and which were faithfully recorded at the time of their occurrence the interests of humanity."-I am, yours obediently, CHARLES ROSHER. 74, Church Street, Chelsea, S.W. June 4, 1912.

THE SITUATION IN CYPRUS. To the Editor of THE NEAR EAST.

'in

Sir, The impartiality with which your paper is conducted, and the great interest displayed all along by it in whatever appertains to the questions of the Near East countries, prompt me to ask you again the favour of assigning me a small space in your columns so that I may accurately explain the present situation in Cyprus. I have noticed that several papers confuse a simple disturbance between Greeks and Turks at Cyprus with the political anomaly created there some two months ago, the cause of which has no connection whatever with any occasional opposition or disagreement between the two elements in the isle. Moreover, I have observed that all those who have discussed in public the present crisis are apt to ascribe its cause solely to the dissatisfaction of the Cypriots, engendered by the tribute.

There exist at Cyprus two serious political questions, which brought about the resignation of the Greek members of the Legislative Council, since which the Greek population kept completely away from any co-operation with the Government. One of these

questions is of a constitutional nature, the other is purely financial. The Cypriots are asking for the introduction of certain reforms with respect to the Order in Council, which forms the Constitution of the isle, such reforms to give in the first place more political liberties to the country, and, secondly, that the representation of the population in the Legislative Council be in proportion to the numbers of the two elements in the isle. It is, however, confessedly admitted that when-viz., in 1882-the Constitution was granted to the isle, this was considered by the inhabitants as adequate. In that period the Cypriots were not so far advanced in education, nor were they sufficiently mature in politics, as they are at present. Things have changed since then, and assuredly they have changed, thanks to the freedom of spirit with which the British administration of the island is carried on. It is natural, therefore, owing to that advancement that the Cypriots should aspire to somewhat greater political extension, and to be allowed. to have a voice in the administration of the affairs of their country. To these aspirations, moreover, they are encouraged by the liberality of the Constitution granted to the British colonies in South Africa, and by the open sympathy of H.M. Government shown towards Home Rule for Ireland.

Besides, there is the number of the elective members of the Legislative Council, which was fixed in 1882 at nine Greeks and three Turks, taking as a base the then population of the two elements of the isle. The census, however, which took place in April, 1911, proved that the Greeks form four-fifths of the population, and the Turks the other one-fifth; consequently it is on this proportion that the Cypriots want the representation in the Legislative Council.

The financial question embraces the tribute to Turkey and the surplus money derived from the revenue of the isle and kept in London. As regards the question of the tribute, I have nothing to add to what was so ably and fairly written on the subject in the columns of the Times on May 24 last, and I am sure that there is no Englishman who does not sympathise with the efforts of the Cypriots to free themselves from an obligation imposed upon them by the Treaty of 1878, in which they did not take any part. Taking all this into consideration, I do not hesitate in concurring with the suggestion of Mr. Harris, as stated in his letter of May 17 last

addressed to THE NEAR EAST, viz., that the only correct and just solution would be for Great Britain to undertake the payment of the whole amount of the tribute.

I wish now to add another word as regards the surplus money of the revenue of Cyprus kept in London. This surplus is treated as a reserve fund to fall back in case of failure of the crops of the isle. This is correct from one point of view; but it has the great disadvantage to deprive the isle of the only means it possesses for the construction of public works, such as harbours, railways, development of agriculture, afforestation, etc., by which public works it could greatly develop its resources and become prosperous. For these reasons I firmly believe that a reconsideration of the decision of the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the Cyprus questions, or even the sending out to the isle of a Royal Commission for an impartial and accurate investigation of the grievances and requests of the Cyprus people, will not only greatly contribute to smooth the present situation there, but it would, on the other hand, respond to the charm of the colonial policy of Great Britain.— Yours faithfully, D. TH. STAVRINIDES.

28, Dorset Square, N.W., June 5, 1912.

To the Editor of THE NEAR EAST. Sir, While fully endorsing what you say with regard to the tribute paid by Cyprus, and admitting that the allocation of the tribute to the payment of the English and French bond holders is quite indefensible, it is still a little difficult to understand what it is exactly that the Christian Cypriots want.

Some years ago, I recollect, while residing at Limassol, going down to my work one morning and finding people standing about in small groups, evidently engaged in discussing some news. Upon making inquiries, I was informed that news had been received to the effect that England was about to give up Cyprus, and the Christians were in deadly fear of the island being taken over by Austria, France, or some other Catholic country.

The antagonism between the Roman and the Greek Church has been very acute for centuries, and although it is not easy to say in which of the two prejudice is more rampant, there is, I believe, evidence that some Greeks were guilty of calling in the Turks in the first place to rid them of the Venetians!

The wish of the "Greek" inhabitants to be united to the kingdom of Greece is natural, and must call forth sympathy, however impossible such union be in present circumstances, but their behaviour in resigning their seats in the councils and making trouble generally in the government of the country does not commend itself to their well-wishers, and can only injure their own cause.-I am, Sir, yours, etc.,

Authors' Club, June 4, 1912.

CYPRIOT."

TURKEY'S ARAB PROBLEM.

Progress in the Yemen.

[The interview referred to in the following article was granted by Colonel Ihssan Bey some weeks ago. Its publication has been delayed owing partly to pressure upon our space, partly to other causes, which need not be specified. It throws some light upon events that are happening in a part of the Ottoman Empire from which it is somewhat difficult to obtain reliable information at the best of times, and from which, owing to Italian action in the Red Sea, but little news of any sort is now to be had.-Editor, NEAR EAST.].

In the course of an interview with Colonel Ihssan Bey, of the Etat Major of the Yemen Corps, some statements were elicited that are certain to interest your readers, who cannot be indifferent to the political destinies of Arabia. Colonel Ihssan Bey, who knows personally Aziz Bey, the Egyptian leader of the Derna forces that have fought so valiantly against the Italians, declares that it is mainly due to his loyalty and wisdom, and to the peaceful intentions with which he has been able to inspire General Izzet Pasha, that the entente between the Ottoman Government and the Imam Yahya has at last been concluded. It is, moreover, thanks to Aziz Bey's personal charm of manner and persuasive powers, that the Imam has been influenced in the direction of peace, thus further facilitating the progress of the negotiations between him and the Turkish General.

The Caliph and Authority.

The principal reason of the conflict that developed into open and prolonged warfare between the Imam and the Ottoman Government is alleged to have been connected with the Imam's seal. Before the entente the seal bore the inscription: May Allah make him victorious," and at the bottom, in the shape of a crescent, "As Sayed Yahya Ibn Mohammed Hamid Eddine, the Prince of the Faithful (Emir El Mu'meneen) who lays his trust in Allah, the Lord of Creation." Now the seal has been modified thus: "Imam of the Zaidiehs, Es Sayed Yahya Ibn Mohammed Hamid Eddine." And it is not strange that for this mere inscription the Ottoman Government risked such onerous and bloody wars; for it implied an actual disavowal of the spiritual, if not of the temporal, authority of the Sultan as Caliph; and, but for the declaration of war by an infidel nation, such a renunciation of spiritual claims, supported by historical and traditional evidence, might have never been made. As it is, out of the 60,000 soldiers sent by the Ottoman Government to subdue the Yemen revolt, about 6,000 are acknowledged to have perished, mostly from epidemic diseases.

It

By virtue of the new treaty of peace the Imam now receives £T1,100 per month, and the leading sheikhs of the Yemen tribes also receive allowances according to the degree of their influence. As soon as the treaty was concluded the Imam distributed a manifesto among the friendly tribes warning them against rebellion and aggression, and counselling them to relinquish any hostile action against the Ottoman Government and to devote their energies to the tilling of the soil. may here be parenthetically remarked that the Ottoman Government has been seeking, with special interest, to get the Arabs both in Arabia and Syria to settle down in fixed localities for agricultural pursuits, because it realised that so long as the Arab led the nomadic life he remained an invincible, elusive, and unavailable force. According to Ihssan Bey, Turkish troops now move about throughout the Yemen Province in perfect security. The tax collectors are appointed by the Imam, and constitute at the same time a force of gendarmerie; and it is said that since the entente there has not been a single recurrence of the old quarrels between the tax gatherers and the people, which used often to lead to sanguinary combats.

The Yemen's Resources.

The Ottoman Government is eager to develop the rich resources of the Yemen now that security reigns therein. A Government railway is being constructed between

143

Hodeida and Jamile, and, though only three kilometres of rail have been laid, the embankment works are progressing; but, of course, with the blockade of the Red Sea coast in existence, the transport of all railway material is suspended for the present. Although this line was originally designed purely for strategic purposes, yet Colonel Ihssan is so optimistic about the results of the entente that he believes that, if the Government pursues the conciliatory policy of Izzet Pasha, its eventual use will be purely economic. Much seems to

be expected from the Yemenite's intelligence; for it is generally recognised that in the matter of astuteness he surpasses his Bedawi brother of the Sahara. In certain parts of the Yemen the land yields four crops, and in others two; but the patriotic Colonel could not help deploring the fact that a lot of agricultural machinery sent out by the Government has rusted and decayed simply because no agricultural experts were sent with the machines.

It seems that a whole month elapsed before the treaty made by Izzet Pasha with the Imam was ratified by the Government, and Colonel Ihsan severely criticises the latter for its dilatoriness, especially in this matter, because he believes it to be very damaging to its influence and prestige with the Arabs, who often fell out with the Turks for want of open dealing. Colonel Ihssan confirmed the rumour, published some time ago in the papers, that, in return for the privileges and concessions granted him, the Imam has offered to place at the disposal of the Ottoman Government an armed force of about 100,000 men. In this connection may be mentioned the following anecdote, published recently in a local paper. In the course of conversation between Izzet Pasha and the Imam, the former is said to have paid a special tribute to the prowess displayed by the Albanians in the recent revolt, whereupon the Imam exclaimed, "You could not see much of our prowess. Wait till you see us engaged with the real enemy meaning the infidel Italians-" and you will know then what Arab mettle is!

Seyyid Idriss.

As regards the Idrissi, the Colonel is in favour also of a conciliatory policy, involving, however, concessions far inferior to those granted to the Imam, for the claim of the Idrissi is only recent. Izzet Pasha, while acknowledging the sacred descent of the Imam, which is established by historical evidence, seems to consider the Idrissi as an upstart in Mahdism, and believes that, should his claim be acknowledged in any way, the Government would incur the risk of seeing a legion of other pretenders cropping up. Colonel Ihssan's personal opinion, however, is that, after attempting a war with the Idrissi, Izzet Pasha is likely to incline to a more lenient policy. Being asked whether there are other chiefs in those parts whose influence has to be reckoned with, he said that to the east of the Yemen are some smaller potentates ("sultans ") whom Izzet Pasha is anxious to win over in view of the dangers that threaten the Government, especially as a foreign Power has been trying to attract them and secure their allegiance by means of liberal grants and offers of arms.

According

to the Colonel, two of these minor potentates, on hearing of the entente between the Imam and Izzet Pasha, came to offer, of their own accord, their allegiance to the Ottoman Government. At the same time, they told the Pasha of the intrigues of certain European Powers, confirming their statements by the exhibition of documents sent them by the agents of those Powers. Izzet Pasha is said to have given a cordial welcome to these chieftains, and to have acknowledged their local authority in Eastern Yemen, and, after delivering an Ottoman flag to each of them, to have sent them away with handsome presents.

THE MUSSALMAN.

An up-to-date English Weekly, conducted by a Mussalman Editor of liberal and independent views. Though all topics of special interest to the Mussalmans are discussed in its columns, social, political, and economic questions of general interest always receive due attention. It is entirely free from sectarian bias and is a true exponent of the catholic principles of Islam, but it advocates the Mohammedan cause boldly and fearlessly when such advocacy is necessary.

Annual subscription (inland), 4 Rs., (foreign), 8 shillings.
THE MUSSALMAN, CALCUTTA, INDIA.

THE PRESS ON THE NEAR EAST.

The Reform Commission.

In the course of a recent tour through Macedonia and Albania, Mr. M. H. Donohoe, the Daily Chronicle's enterprising correspondent, came across Hadji Adil Bey's Reform Commission at work at Okhrida. Some particulars of his own adventures and experiences, which he gives in an article published on May 28, show that travel in these parts is not without excitement, but perhaps the most interesting part of his letter is that in which he reports the opinions of Hadji Adil Bey and Mr. Graves, the financial expert and English member of the mission, the result of their tour. Albania," said the Minister, was reconciled and grateful, for she had been set upon the road that led to peace and progress."

upon

Touching upon Macedonia, he asserted that no Turkish Cabinet would ever be found willing to discuss the question of autonomy. However much agitators might endeavour to incite the people to revolt, he felt that the influence of the bands in the various vilayets was diminishing. Administrative reforms were being carried out, and the Government was acting in a firm but, at the same time, conciliatory spirit. By this means they hoped to alienate the public sympathy that had hitherto been shown towards the revolutionary organisations. When this had been accomplished Bulgarian bands would cease to exist in Macedonia, for when not killed or captured they would die of inanition resulting from public indifference to their propaganda.

Mr. Graves, when asked for his opinion regarding the work of the mission, was even more enthusiastic than the Minister, and unhesitatingly declared that it had accomplished a great deal of good. The results so far had exceeded his most sanguine anticipations. He had nothing but admiration to express for the way the Minister had grappled with the various economic and administrative problems encountered on the journey. From avowed enemies he had converted the Malissores into ardent friends. By reason of the present treatment of the Albanians it was clear that the Government had seen the errors of its ways, and was now by wise and generous measures attempting to make reparation for past administrative neglect. The Government had taken a great step forward in the handling of the Albanian question, and he felt convinced that the ultimate results would prove that it was well worth the price the experiment was costing. "The New Mediterranean."

In an article with the above title appearing in last Friday's Daily Graphic, Mr. Lucien Wolf writes:

The political situation in the Mediterranean has changed, with the territorial and the naval, far more adversely to ourselves than is generally realised. Until a few months ago we could count on our traditional friendship with Italy as an element in our Mediterranean policy as valuable in its way as our entente with France. The Triple Alliance had no concern with the Mediterranean, and on that side Italy's hands were free to clasp our own. That calculation can no longer be relied upon. Our old Agreement with Italy to defend the status quo in the Mediterranean came to an end eleven years ago, and since then France has become our chief confidant. This little breach has been permanently widened by the present war. The maritime ambitions of Italy have kindled in France the profoundest jealousy, which the correctness of the relations of the two countries has not succeeded in hiding. On the other hand, Italian megalomania does not disguise its impatience at a French naval supremacy supported by England. At the same time Italy, with a hundred thousand men in Tripoli and her fleets dispersed in the Middle Mediterranean and the Egean, finds herself compelled to lean more than ever on the Triple Alliance, the while, with characteristic flirtsomeness, she seeks a reinsurance in an "extra dance" with Russia. The result is that at the very moment when we are abandoning the Mediterranean the Triple Alliance is formally establishing itself in that sea. Consequently the dreaded war in the North Sea, against which we are concentrating all our naval resources, is likely to find its counterpart in a naval attack on our Imperial communications in the abandoned Mediter

ranean.

The practical bearing of this state of things on our new naval arrangements has been well pointed out by M. Jacques Delimal, the able London correspondent of the Temps, who is also an ex-naval officer of considerable competence. "From the north of the Adriatic to Port Said," he says, "the distance is just 1,200 miles; that is to say, in eight or nine days-six days of steaming at nine knots and two days for disembarkation-a convoy of forty transports could without difficulty land 30,000 men in the Delta. Hence England cannot think of losing the mastery of the Mediterranean even for a few days."

And yet it is precisely this loss of a few days which even the optimists among the naval experts admit and declare to be of no

consequence.

Lord Kitchener's Report.

Lord Kitchener's first Report does not contain the classic touches which made Lord Cromer's long series of despatches unique, but it affords a clear and statesmanlike survey of Egyptian and Sudanese conditions which is in every essential respect most encouraging to read. Lord Kitchener's régime

is clearly to be marked by a special care for the interests of the fellah, who must for his own sake be kept upon the land. The importance of the land and its development is equally emphasised

in the Sudanese report, in which the figures for population present an amazing index of the work we have done. The tone throughout the Report is one of optimism, and it presents in solid facts and figures a striking illustration of what the Empire has done to meet its great responsibilities in that quarter of the world.-The Times.

In the sphere of government, as on the field of battle, it is the man that counts. As one reads Lord Kitchener's masterly account of existing conditions in Egypt and the Sudan, it is difficult to realise that the Egypt of this report is the land which two years ago was in a state of dangerous ferment and unrest, and which seemed likely to give a painful demonstration of the theory that a democracy is incapable of ruling an Empire. What has produced the state of calm and confidence that has succeeded the short era of agitation and disquiet? The firm declarations of Sir Edward Grey and the sudden reversal of Sir Eldon Gorst's policy no doubt produced a considerable impression. But it was the appointment of the victor of the Atbara and of Omdurman which made it clear to the trader in the bazaars and the fellah in the field that British rule in Egypt was to continue, and that all thoughts of plotting and scheming for its overthrow must be abandoned. Nor did the sudden awakening from the wild dreams that had held the minds of the native politicians create any discontent and bitterness of feeling. Eastern races have their faults, but they do not seek to struggle against fate. Lord Kitchener is able to report that, in spite of the natural excitement created by the struggle in Tripoli, the public mind in Egypt is calm, and that the people have displayed during a trying time an admirable devotion to duty, law, and order. -The Morning Post.

The first report of Lord Kitchener, on the finances, administration, and general condition of Egypt and the Sudan, is a far more hopeful document than the last report of Sir Eldon Gorst, issued just a year ago. Lord Kitchener found Egypt a hotbed of Nationalist faction; he did not pander to it, he took strict but just measures, and the Nationalist propagandastained as it was with murder and deep-dyed with intolerance-has been driven underground. The report is less concerned with constitutional questions than with the realities of life; the industrial advance of Egypt and the Upper Nile is its main A testimony to good government of the solid kind, which is worth a whole ream of paper reforms and paper constitutions; and it must be remembered that this work which is being done in Egypt is a continuance on the same lines of work that has been done in restoring Egypt to prosperity by Lord Cromer and his associates.-The Globe.

text.

He writes as one who thinks well of the people over whom he has to rule, who can sympathise with their point of view, and can see deep enough into Islam to appreciate its essential democracy resting upon the brotherhood of man. There is the statesman in Lord Kitchener as well as the soldier, as those who remember his handling of the Boer generals during the peace negotiations will call to mind. It is plain that Lord Kitchener means to carry on the spread of education. At present education is almost wholly in the hands of the Provincial Councils; but a grant of £100,000 has been made by the Central Government. That is only a commencement, but a commencement of this kind is notable enough.-The Daily News.

Though those who would have wished to see some reference made to the Army of Occupation and to the international position as it affects Egypt, will be disappointed, they cannot fail to be interested in the note of virile optimism which marks the Reports and proves once again that progress in Egypt and the Sudan under British rule is one of the brightest pages of our Imperial history. Unfortunately, as regards Egypt, the Capitulations have been, and continue to be, an obstacle in the national development of the country, but even this vexed question is only cursorily referred to by Lord Kitchener as a "clog to the progress of Egypt," though he hopes "that some alleviation may be the outcome of a protest made by Egypt at the last International Sanitary Congress, which was well received by the experts assembled in Paris." Though we doubt if sanitary experts will abolish the Capitulations, nevertheless the mere expression of this hope, coming from Lord Kitchener, means much.-The Outlook.

Lord Kitchener's first report upon Egypt and the Sudan is on the whole thoroughly optimistic in tone.-The Spectator. Articles to Note.

in

"The Situation in Turkey," by Sir Edwin Pears; and Dr. E. J. Dillon's notes on Foreign Affairs the Contemporary.

"The Senussi and the Military Issue in Tripoli," by A. Silva White, in the Nineteenth Century (June). "Lord Kitchener: A Character Study," by A. G. G., in the Daily News (June 1).

"Cyprus, Present and Past," in the Morning Post (June 4, 5, and 6).

"Le Levantin, homme d'affaires," by H. Bergasse; and "La Renaissance hellénique au XVIIIe. Siècle," by Dr. P. N. Divaris, in Correspondance d'Orient (June 1).

"Les tribunaux mixtes au cours de l'année judiciare, 1910-11," in La Revue Egyptienne (May 20).

Periodicals received: -Eastern and Western Review (May); La Revue Egyptienne (May 20); Correspondance d'Orient (June 1); The English School (Nicosia, Cyprus) Magazine (Easteî).

NEAR EAST BOOKSHELF.

THE CALL OF HELLAS.* If Professor Seeley was right in holding that everything which sweetens and adorns our life, except the blind forces of nature, has come down to us from ancient Greece, that little peninsula's fascination is easily explained. Europeans who obey the call of Hellas are flocking thither in ever-increasing numbers. A few of them adopt the time-honoured method of independent travel, which is costly and laborious, but enables the tourist to view scenes hallowed by early association apart from the idle chatter of the crowd. The great majority are content to share in co-operative cruises, which have the advantage of economy with the drawbacks of lost independence and an uncomfortable feeling that one's schooldays have returned.

Mrs. Russell Barrington took the former course, which certainly commends itself to the artistic temperament, and the biographer of two great painters is well qualified to discourse on Hellenic culture. She landed at Patras in early autumn, a season when the scenery of Greece has shed the vivid colouring of springtime. Thence she took the railway to Athens, thus losing the unrivalled view of the Acropolis which fills all travellers by way of the Piræus with rapture. Megara suggested the eternal sameness of human nature. It was the birthplace of Theognis, a sixth century B.C. precursor of Schopenhauer, who proclaimed that "the best thing for a man is not to be born at all, and the next best thing is to die." This sentiment has a curiously modern ring, while the burden of the following verses is heard at many a London dinner-table: "Everyone honours the rich and slights the poor; you must fix your mind on wealth alone; wealth is almighty." It is difficult

to say of Athens anything that has not been said a thousand times before; but Mrs. Barrington's impressions of the Acropolis are well worth quoting in times when comfort is mistaken for civilisation:

All that makes Greece so beautiful-her lovely skies, land and sea, rivers and sculptured mountains-were so many gracious influences reverenced with awe which was inspired by religion. Was it a feeling of nearness to those they worshipped that made these giants in art rise to such perfection in the work of their own hands? In short, was not this perfection the result of the unquestioned reality of the spiritual life within them?

Most tourists, Mrs. Barrington not excepted, are so absorbed by the thought of Greece's ancient glory that they are inclined to treat the existing human element as a negligible quantity. Yet all who know the modern Athenians will admit that they descend in a direct line from the generation of Pericles. Despite successive waves of immigration, the old stock survives, and if the population of Greece had increased pari passu with that of Europe, Athens might now be the hub of a worldshadowing empire. Its people are still eloquent, keen politicians, eager for novelties, intensely patriotic, and animated by measureless ambition, which stands in pitiful contrast to their puny resources. Alas! their æsthetic instinct has been almost destroyed by a form of religion imported from Byzantium in its decadence. Our authoress has some pregnant remarks on the latter-day craze for delving and restoration:

Oh that the great value of preserving an atmosphere could be taught as part of our modern education! Then, perhaps, the hand of the excavator and restorer would be taught more restraint than it is apt to exercise. Atmosphere is the unwritten poetry of the world. A rare and precious atmosphere infuses into the perceptions a fine and delicate aroma, elevating and drawing them up from the coarser material world we generally have to live in, just as Keats and Shelley tune the mind to the more ethereal side of our thoughts and ideas. That very undistinguished quality, curiosity, is allowed far too much free play, and has to answer for the spoiling of many romantic and oldworld atmospheres.

This passage should be taken to heart by riflers of Egyptian tombs and palaces.

After visiting Sunium and Olympia Mrs. Barrington returned to Patras, and thence took steamer for the Dalmatian ports. It is impossible to read her glowing description of the architectural glories of Ragusa without longing to visit that little-known region.

They

are the work of a republic which flourished apace in the

* "Through Greece and Dalmatia," by Mrs. Russell Barrington. (Adam and Charles Black, 1912. 7s. 6d. net.)

+ "Proceedings of the Hellenic Touring Club, 1911." (Horace Marshall and Son, Ltd.)

fifteenth century, and their calm dignity has survived the death of Ragusan independence. Monarchies are less apt to produce monuments of enduring beauty than are oligarchies. As in ancient Greece so here the splendour of a capital depended on public buildings which were the common property of its citizens.

The Proceedings of the Hellenic Touring Club+ " in 1911 reveal a more popular method of travel in the Near East than fell to the lot of Mrs. Russell Barrington. Its guiding spirit is the indefatigable Sir Henry Lunn, who has effected a peaceful conquest of the two most indomitable countries in Europe-Greece and Switzerland. The s.s, Dunottar Castle,' chartered by his Co-operative Cruising Company, Limited, periodically conveys cargoes of bishops, headmasters, church dignitaries, and less distinguished tourists to the chief points of interest in the Levant. They are lectured to by specialists, and possibly return home with broader views of life than they possessed at starting. It is to be feared, however, that twenty-four hours at Athens, with glimpses of Marathon, Thermopylae, the Vale of Tempe, and Ephesus thrown in, must leave on the insular mind a somewhat blurred impression of that wondrous land" where grew the arts of war and peace.' F. H. S.

NEAR EAST BOOK NOTES.

M. Morgan Shuster has just completed a book in which he describes his experiences in Persia as TreasurerGeneral, and gives a narrative of the events that led up to his resignation. It is to be published immediately, and will be entitled "The Strangling of Persia."

We have received from Messrs. Marlborough and Co. a copy of the third edition of their "Travellers' Practical Manual of Conversation." The book contains English, French, German, and Italian vocabularies, travel notes, tables of weights and measures, money, etc., and a great deal of useful information in a remarkably small compass. It is, in fact, one of the best works of its kind we have seen, and its remarkably moderate price will certainly make it a good investment for any traveller who requires help of the sort that such manuals give. In a paper wrapper it costs ls., in cloth 1s. 6d., and in leather 2s. 6d. net.

"Prehistoric Thessaly," by A. J. B. Wace, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and M. S. Thompson, B.A., Craven Fellow in the University of Oxford, has been issued by the Cambridge University Press. This work gives some account of recent excavations in North-Eastern Greece, from Lake Kopais to the borders of Macedonia. It is an attempt to collect in a convenient form all the archæological evidence as yet available for the prehistoric period in North-Eastern Greece.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

Italy's War for a Desert. By Francis McCullagh. Illustrated. (Herbert and Daniel. 10s. 6d. net.) Tripoli and Young Turkey. By Charles Lapworth, in collaboration with Miss Helen Zimmern. Illustrated. (Stephen Swift. 10s. 6d. net.)

FRANCIS EDWARDS

BOOKSELLER,

83a, HIGH ST., MARYLEBONE, LONDON, W., Has a large stock of Books on the NEAR EAST and would be glad of a visit from intending buyers.

CATALOGUES SENT GRATIS ON APPLICATION.

THE DAWN MAGAZINE.

A High-class Monthly devoted to INDIAN Civilization and Culture, History and Achievements, Arts and Crafts, Industries and Education. "That Most Useful National Organ," says The Hindu of Madras. "That Most Useful Magane," remarks The Indian Review. "Not a second of its kind in India."-The Muslim Review, Alahabad. INDIA: Rs. THREE a year. ABROAD: 5s.; Superior Edition, 6s. Apply to THE MANAGER, Post Box 363 NX, CALCUTTA, INDIA