1 MAY 1909, Page 3

It is invidious to criticise harshly a fallen man, and

nothing but harsh criticism would serve in this case. The only thing that can be said for Abd-ul-Hamid is that, like many of the worst criminals of the French Revolution, he slew from terror rather than from any actual delight in bloodshed for its own sake. He was like one of those dogs who bite rather because they are cowards than because they are naturally fierce.