There seems to be an opinion that Europe will interfere
to save the Pashas' lives, but that is doubtful. The great Courts are too bitter against the assassins of Kings, a fact upon which the Sultan, no doubt, relies. It is possible that the Sultan him- self will commute the sentence to perpetual imprisonment, during which the Pashas will die ; but it is highly probable that the sentences will be carried out. One of the best theories suggested to account for the trial is that the Sultan, aware that he was himself menaced, wished to give public proof to the whole empire that assassination was an excessively dangerous act, even if it succeeded. His own order for the execution of the Pashas would not have proved that, as it would have been attributed to other causes than resentment for an attack on his predecessor. The puzzle is why, as he must have known the facts for years, he should have struck now, and the only reasonable explanation is that he expected an attempt favoured by the same men against himself. The affair will immensely increase his per- sonal authority among Mussalmans, but the kind of dread he
is inspiring is not safe for Sultans. Every man he degrades will now think that his life is at stake.
Previous page
