On Wednesday Siamil Pasha, the Grand Vizier, made a remarkable
speech on the general political situation to the Turkish Parliament. The speech, which was read by Fuad Bey, the First Secretary, began with a history of recent events. Last July the old regime came to an end, and a new era was opened in the history of the country. That this revolution was brought about without bloodshed they must first and foremost thank the Sultan. Had his Majesty opposed the revolution, bloodshed and massacre must inevitably have resulted, owing to the selfishness of those who profited by the abuses of the defunct regime. As it was, the Sultan put himself at the head of the revolution„ dissociated himself from the group of evil counsellors, and earned the gratitude of the nation by his wise and prudent policy. Next, warm thanks were due to the Army, and to the men who, undaunted by exile and oppression, had worked for the overthrow of despotism. At. present the internal administration was sorely weakened by the misdeeds of the autocratic regime. Difficulties had arisen through the action of individuals who professed to be members of that eminently patriotic body, the Committee of Union and Progress, and who in many districts of the Anatolian and Arabian provinces bad persuaded the people that their freedom exempted them from any obligation to pay taxes. Commissions had been sent to the provinces to explain the facts to the taxpayers, and the improvement of the provincial police had been taken in hand.
