I
Budapest University, November 12, 1912.
Dear Mr. Whitman,—It was very kind of you to remember the old Dervish and to take interest in the honour bestowed upon him by your magnanimous countrymen.[[35]] Any services I may have rendered to England are insignificant; but I am proud of having been able to champion England’s interests, for, in spite of all shortcomings, you are still the greatest nation in the world.
The fate of our poor Turkish friends is sealed. They will get rid of the cumbersome European ballast, and it is to be wished that they should be able to recuperate in Asia, where they cannot be replaced by any other Moslem nation. Their collapse in Europe was inevitable, and it is only the suddenness of the fall which has surprised me.
My son is much pleased by your kindly remembrance of the slight attention he was able to pay to you. He only acted as in duty bound towards a foreigner and an Englishman.[[36]]
Yours very truly,
A. VAMBÉRY.
[35]. Reference to the naming of a street in Plumstead already mentioned above.
[36]. Reference to my stay in Budapest in the summer of 1897, during which I made the acquaintance of Professor Vambéry’s son.