CORRESPONDENCE
A LETTER FROM CONSTANTINOPLE
[To the Editor of The SPECTATOR.] Sin,—The papers announce that the Monte Carlo Casino, or somebody acting on its behalf, has bought the Palaces of Dolma Baghtcheh and Yildiz for transformation into a second edition of the famotis Rooms. It is stated that the work will take some three'or four years. The two palaces are connected by a bridge over the main road and possibly by subterranean passages; • Dolma Baghtcheh occupies a couple of hundred yards of sea front with beautifully fretted marble and wrought- iron gates and porticoes. It has at least one magnificent long saloon with windows over the Bosphorus, and most of the rooms-arc lofty and spacious. Yildiz Kiosque, or Palace of the Star, which was so much talked of as the home of Abdul Hamid, does not display any ornate exteriors. It really consists of several blocks of low, or even mean-looking buildings, and the interiors arc not much better than the outside. When the Revolution turned-out the last of the real Sultans the public Who were admitted expressed infinite astonishment at the Poor and tawdry decorations of the Celebrated residence of the dreaded autocrat.
" If ever the project is carried out, what bat-like ghosts will flit over the. new gambling hell ! Besides the Red Sultan there will be his perpetual Secretary, the sphinx-like Fahsin, with his silky black beard and monotonous voice, and Arab Izzet, the crafty Chamberlain, almost as much- feared as his master, Who was the Eminence grise of Yildiz till he fen and exchanged his little den on the top of the hill for a villa at Nice and a palace in Egypt. And how many shades of all the Ambassa- dors and Kings and Princes who Friday after Friday peopled the little chalet on the left to view the Selamlik go past in solemn state ! Verily " Ichabod " will be written on Yildiz and Dolma Baghtcheh when they are filled with the scourings of Europe.
Already a Turkish Deputy fears contamination for his countrymen, and has drafted a Bill to forbid the Casino to all Turks. ' In his opinion the intention of the -Goverrinient in granting the concession was to relieve Americans. Argentines
and wealthy foreigners generally of their. superfluous cash for the greater good of the Ottoman Republic ; but in no wise should any true son of Turkey be allowed to contribute to this subscription. It is questionable, however, whether the Turks themselves will altogether appreciate this care for their pockets, for, like many Orientals, the Turk dearly loves a gamble.
All " High Society " is now flocking in to Pera from abroad and from the islands, the Bosphorus and other villegWares, and French theatrical and musical touring troops have already started their shows. Of course, the Turkish ladies now play a much more conspicuous part than formerly in the life of Society. Amongst the best known of these may be noted the Princess Shevikiar, who has just won her latest divorce suit. This lady has for a greater part of her life been in the limelight. Her first leap into fame was her marriage to Prince Fund, the present King of Egypt. The second act was the shooting of Fuad in the Mohamed Ali Club in Cairo by her brother Prince Seifeddin, whose escape from Ticehurst Asylum recently was a nine days' wonder for England. After her divorce from Fund she married the dashing Seifullah Youssri Pasha, a very modern Egyptian, and a great sportsman noted for his skill with the pistol, foil and polo stick. But she was again unfor- tunate and a duel in Paris and another divorce followed. Latterly she married a young Bey named Mira. But disaster came yet again. Now she has not only won her third divorce but has had it confirmed on appeal. So naturally she returns in high feather from the islands.
Of course, Mosul rather dominates the political situation. It is suggested that Sir Ronald Lindsay's visit to Angora was undertaken in the interests of a compromise, but really nothing is known for certain about it. The Ambassador at all events greatly enhances his personal and our national prestige by his coolness in trying circumstances. When he was dining at an hotel the other day a clumsy waiter emptied a dish of Rehabs and sauce upon his shoulder. If Sir Ronald had drawn a revolver and shot the miscreant it would have surprised Constantinople less than he surprised it by not even leaving his place but simply wiping his coat and continuing his conversation as if nothing had happened. No other Ambassador has happened to create so deep an impression by so small an incident !---I am, Sir, &c., YOUR CONSTANTINOPLE CORRESPONDENT.
ConNtontinople, November 25th.
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