I crossed the Sea of Marmora to Haidar Pasha, in Asia Minor, visited Ismid, and saw the new German railway that has its head opposite Stamboul and is to have its terminus on the Persian Gulf. I went to Brusa, the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, walked in the wonderful burying-grounds of Scutari, and made many interesting excursions about Asia Minor, in order to observe the all-powerful influence of Germany in that country. And I was amazed.
On my return to Constantinople I had other interviews at the Yildiz with His Majesty himself, and with members of the Government, all of which combined to show that Turkey is not in any way afraid of Bulgaria. The fact is, she is uncertain of the attitude of Servia and Roumania, and is rather mystified as to what Austria will do in the event of war. Relying upon Germany, and treating Great Britain with studied politeness, she views the present critical position with perfect coolness and indifference.
Indeed, as Noury Pasha very justly said one day to me—
“It takes a good deal to arouse us Turks, but when we are aroused, we fight—and fight to the death.”
Turkey to-day is still in its lethargic state, but once aroused, who knows where the war will end, or what European complications will result?
MACEDONIA
Lake of Ochrida: Macedonia.
Lake of Presba: Macedonia.