"Well," continued the governor, "if we beat Russia this time, we ought to cripple her. We must take back the districts she has conquered in Central Asia, and give them to the original possessors, or else form one Mohammedan empire in Central Asia, under Yakoob Khan, who nominally acknowledges the Sultan. We ought to free the Poles in Poland, and give Germany the Baltic Provinces."
"You seem to know a little about political geography," I observed.
"Yes," said the Caimacan, "I take an interest in the subject, and I love my country. Until we can hem Russia in on every side, she will always be a thorn, not only in our side, but also in that of Europe."
"Well, what should you do about the Crimea?" I inquired.
"That we should keep ourselves. Russia would then have to be more or less an inland power, and Moscow would become her capital."
"Do you like the Russian system of Government?" inquired the Caimacan.
"No."
"I am not surprised," said the official. "Foreigners say that there is no liberty in Turkey, but I should like to know which Government is the most liberal. Mohammedans tolerate every religion, whilst the Russians make converts by force, and flog women and children to induce them to change their faith.[1] The Russian faith is very different to the English religion, is it not?" he added.
"Yes, we do not worship idols, or venerate mummified bodies."
"What do you worship?"