In the Near East

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 15, 1908

THE recent developments and changes in Turkey are of special interest to those who are watching the fulfilment of prophecy, and looking to the solution of the “Eastern Question” as one of the special signs of the times. In the current number of the Missionary Review of the World there is a thoughtful editorial estimate of the present situation and its meaning, from which we have taken the following liberal extract:—

The “Eastern question,” with all its clear complications, has always centered in the treacherous sultan of Turkey. In 1879 pressure was put upon him by the British government to reduce him to submission; and since that time he has shown himself master of the art of diplomacy, displaying a measure both of capacity and of sagacity in the conduct of his government and the management of his numerous “entangling alliances” that has excited at once the admiration and apprehension of all Europe, if not of all Asia as well.

His methods, however, are subtle, oftentimes to the borders of the diabolical. Those who, like missionaries at the Golden Horn, are in closest contact with his court, quite unanimously agree that a worse man never perhaps occupied the seat of empire. His mental powers seem to be the slaves of ambition, avarice, selfishness, and sensuality. In many matters it is difficult so to penetrate the veil of secrecy that surrounds him as to know the facts; but, with the utmost charity of judgment, it is still more difficult to accredit him with any sincere and unselfish motive. Hence the general consensus of opinion that even these [latest] concessions are to be distrusted unless they have been forced upon him. If granted of his own free will, we could not but think that they are only a cover to his duplicity. We hope, but our hope is mingled with fear.

The situation in Turkey is just now sufficiently tumultuous. The powers have decided not to press Macedonian reforms, but meanwhile watch developments, leaving Turkey free to solve the Macedonian problem herself, but there is a lurking suspicion that it was to hoodwink these powers and stave off action, that the sultan has promised these reforms in the empire.

Meanwhile ministerial changes in Constantinople are moving forward with rapid pace; in fact, the rapidity itself is alarming, as it threatens reaction. The “Young Turk” propaganda in the army in favor of autonomy for Macedonia is so wide-spread and outspoken that already almost all the leaders are in the attitude of mutiny. The reform has already assumed the character and dimensions of a revolution. Bulgaria is likely to find in the present disturbances in the army in Macedonia her opportunity to adjust her controversies with the Porte. The cry, “Turkey for the Turks,” is ambiguous, and may prove misleading. Punch reminds us that the motto of the French Revolution, “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” was practically interpreted as, “Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery.”

The young party of Turkish revolutionists are liberal to the verge of recklessness. They have so far broken loose from the fetters of the ancient régime as to demand even for non-Mussulmans a place in the ministry of the empire! The sultan has not been altogether above admitting even Christian men to his councils, now and then, compelled to recognize in them both wise and impartial judges, as was the case with Schwartz in India and Verbeck in Japan; but to admit outsiders to a place in his cabinet is quite another thing.

The remarkable and almost revolutionary changes which have occurred within a short time in the far East, in Russia, in Persia, and in Turkey are all its clear indications of the rapidity with which the old established can give way to new situations, and constitute in themselves the evidence that in these closing years neither the stagnation of ignorance nor the opposition of barbarism can prevent a quick fulfilment of the divine purpose. These are certainly days fraught with unusual interest, while the blank spaces in the field of fulfilled prophecy are being so clearly and so speedily filled out. It only remains for believers to act well their part in the program.