Constantinople is full of rumours as to new developments of
the Sultan's system of terrorism. It is rumoured that Fuad Pasha, who was recently arrested, condemned by a Court-Martial for treason, and sent to Syria, died on his voyage, while all the officers of the man-o'-war have been promoted. This must be an invention, as Fuad was seen after his arrival in Damascus, but it shows popular opinion
• as to the Sultan's methods. There are stories of further plots within the Army, and it is asserted on fair Viennese authority that the Sultan has prohibited the issue of any more books in Turkish, thus closing the doors of many printing establishments. His Majesty, it appears, is of opinion that enough books are in existence, and that those who want to indulge themselves with reading can read the old ones. The object of the order is, of course, to suppress the circulation of " seditious " literature, and its effect will be to make that literature more dangerous. The authors of secret lithographed pamphlets, circulated as letters, will use language which no ordinary printer dare print or sell. No Press Law ever works in obscurantist interest unless it per- mits printing, but places all printed matter under censor- ship.
Previous page
