When he receives a letter from the Powers that he wants to keep a few days before he answers it, he sends them a most gracious note, saying that it is the feast of so-and-so, and it is contrary to his religion to attend to business during the days appointed for the festival.
By this manoeuvre he manages to keep his army fighting and winning battles, while Europe is helplessly waiting for his answer. After the Powers had asked for an armistice he used this pretext to delay answering for a whole week.
The European diplomats, who are made the victims of the Sultan's devotion to fasts and feasts, wonder why he allows his army to continue the business of war during these times if he is really so pious as he pretends to be.
A report has just been spread that Russia has frightened the Sultan into ceasing hostilities until the terms of peace can be arranged.
It is to be hoped that this is true.
The mining district of Kootenay in British Columbia is the scene of much agitation at this moment.
Kootenay lies on the border of British Columbia, where it joins the States of Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
In this region there are extensive gold mines, many of which are worked and owned by Americans, who have been very successful, and made the mines pay exceedingly well.