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Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2960, 26 December 1916, Page 3

A very great event in the Muslim j world (says ','Tho Queen") is tlio sending of tlio Holy Carpet, or, rather, of the decorative hangings, once more from Cairo to. Mecca. These beautiful ornaments are an annual" present from the Muslim population of Egypt, and only durjng the'last two years of war has this act of veneration and generosity been interrupted. The assertion of Arabian independence in the Holy Cities by tlio Sliereef of Mecca has now restored to all'pilgrims in the British Empire access to their ancient shrines. The renewal, of this Procession of H;he Carpet through the- streets is a happy augury of the p'eaco t-nat onr victories will restore to ,tho Mohammedan world., Every stage in its progress is marked by elaborate ceremonial. Even when it leaves the hands of the weavers and embroiderers and is taken to the lloyal Kiosk wider the citadel walls and next day to the Hasanein Mosque, the l'rimo Minister is in attendance. For the first time in history the camel which carries |t on its journey across the desert is the gilt of the English,' it haying been presented-by the British Army. TSe pilgrimage has been suspended for two years owing to the dangers of the road, duo to the disturbed state of Aratfia. X military force of Egyptian soldiers, • 500. strong, with four gunsj Is to lorm an escort for the carpet this year. This fe 'the largest escort on record.