THE TURKISH REVOLUTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2479, 19 April 1909, Page 5

THE TURKISH REVOLUTION.

ATTITUDE OF THE PUBLIC. -THE YOUNG TURKS’ REVOLT. "United Press Association—Copyright CONSTANTINOPLE, April 16.* Tlio attitude of the public of Constantinople and their conduct towards civilian foreigners is irreproachable. The Young Turks of Salonika, apparently under the impression that the constitution had been abolished, are arranging to march to Constantinople with the third army corps. Jaze Bey is ■expected to bring 10.000 volunteers from Salonika. LONDON, April 16. Reuter’s Salonika correspondent reports that two battalions have proceeded by rail to Constantinople, and others are preparing to start. The Sultan’s proclamation maintains the constitution and sherifiat, and urges upon the people the necessity to maintain tranquility. A PACIFYING PRC - LAM ATI ON, NO FEAR OF A RETURN TO DESPOTISM. (Received April 18, 4.30 p.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, April 17. The Sultan has presented the theological students with £IO,OOO. The Committee of the Ulemas'(priests) lias issued a pacifying proclamation declaring that there is no fear of a return to despotic rule. It has created an excellent impression. Despatches from Salonika to the “None Freie Presse” (Vienna) state that the Young Turks ordered the third army corps to march on Constantinople. The officers replied that it was impossible to obey, as the attitude of the troops was becoming doubtful. PROTESTS AGAINST THE REVOLUTION. A MASSACRE OF ARMENIANS. LONDON, April 17. The “Times’ ” Constantinople eorres--nondent says that the officers of the third army corps telegraphed threatening to attack the capital unless Hilmi, Ahmed, and Riza were restored to office in" 12 hours. Protests against the revolution have been received ffrom the troops ana officials at Yanina and Monastir. There is excitement at Smyrna, in Asiatic Turkey, and rioting at Seres in Europe) and Meskene (Turkey in. Asia). Five thousand persons, including several heads of religions communities, met at Salonika and appointed a central committee to replace the dissolved Constantinople committee. An anti-Armenian outbreak occurred at Adana (Turkey in Asia). Sixty persons were killed and, many houses burned. The troops were unable to Atop the massacre, and added to the ♦horrors themselves by pillaging. ALLEGED RETIREMENT OF REACTIONARIES. MILITARY OFFICERS MURDERED. The “Times” correspondent states that the avowed reactionaries have retired, and that the Sultan has reiterated dhe assurance that lie will maintain the Constitution. Viennese reports credit him with being the prime mover in the trouble. It lias been discovered that several military officers conmiected with the Committee, of Union and Progress were murdered early in the week. The “Times” states the seven battalions have left Salonika for Constantinople, lmt without artillery, and that they will probably be met by the Parliamentary committee and the ulemas and dissuaded from attacking the city. SALONIKA TROOPS ADVANCING. WILL NOT bITdISSUADED. (Received April 19, 1.25 a.m.) LONDON, April 18. Reuter’s Constantinople correspondent states that two military trains with 1500 infantry from Salonika have arrived at Spartsluileh, /6 kilometres from Constantinople. Seven thousand men are expected there on Sunday, including Adrianople sympathisers. Early irTthe week the Committee expect 2000 men to he within striking distance of Constantinople. The Chamber sent a deputation, including two pashas, thieo ulemas, and three deputies to meet the Salonika troops, but failed to convince them that the revolution does not mean the disturbance of the Constitution.