MOROCCO'S SULTAN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1433, 7 May 1912, Page 5

MOROCCO'S SULTAN.

ANXIOUS TO QUIT FEZ. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. Paris, May 5, There is much uneasiness at the fact that tho Sultan urgently desires to quit Fez and go to Rabat. The "Matin's" correspondent at Fez attributes the recent outbreak at Fez to General Eegnault not allowing Mulai Hafid to consult notables regarding the signing of the Protectorate Treaty.

TROUBLE IN MOROCCO, (Rec. May G, 9.45 p.m.)

Paris, May G. The treaty establishing n protectorate has caused renewed agitation in Morocco, and the rising has extended to regions hitherto peaceful, threatening communication,

ML'LAI HAFID AND THE FRENCH. The Tangier correspondent of the London "Times," writing under data March 22, had the following to sav about Morocco's Sultan.:— Although it is imposible to foretell what will occur when M. liegnault's mission reaches Fez, the existing situation at the capital is by no means without possibilities of becoming delicate, and perhaps amusinff. Happily the presence of French forces amply guarantees the maintenance of order, and there appears to bo no increase of anti-European feeling. At the same time, the Sultan is finding his position awkward, and, as usual, his thoughts are absolutely centred upon himself. He is now asserting that li« has been betrayed by the French, who last summer offered him assistance and camo to his rescue, but who, now that they are securely installed, liavo burst upon him the question of a French protectorate. Ho lias been moving his personal property cut of the Palace and dispersing useless members of his entourage, and threatens abdication. AVhether ho is acting genuinely or merely trying to "savo his face" in the eyes of his people remains to bo seen. Mulai Hafid is possessed of a stubborn and pugnacious character, and is capable of carrying out his threat, though questions of pounds, shillings, and pence have so far more largely influenced his life than any consideration for prestige or re-' ligion. The arrival at Fez of El Mokii, the Grand Vizier, may calm bis spirit, but the situation, should the French mission arrivo at Court to find no Sultan, would be complicated, delicate, and annoying. Already speculation exists among the Moors at Fez and hero as to a possible successor. Tlio question is one of little importance, as all candidates share with the actual Sovereign the character of general incompetency !o fill the past, varying only in degrees of rapaciousness, aVarice, and untruthfulness. The one quality required is obedience to the French authorities, together with pleasant manners and a goou presence. Mulai Halid would win no popularity by abdicating, and the population of Morocco would enjoy rather than otherwise seeing him bound hand and foot to French policy and enduring mentally a little of the torture which 110 has so oftc-n delighted in making others suffer in body. In all the circumstances it. is better that ho should remain on the Throne, as iis should have learned something during bis reign, and is at times not lacking in a certain ability.