WOMEN OF THE HAREM

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 162, 5 April 1920, Page 5

WOMEN OF THE HAREM

EMANCIPATION POSSIBLE. Freedom is at hand for the ladies of the Turkish harems, if the Sultan's pro-, raises to an interviewer are reliable. Close' at hand, reports . the Constantinople correspondent' of the "Associated Press," the Sultan gives an impression of real dignity, but he strikes one as a tired old man, so that when he shook hnnds with the hard grip of an athleteit had the effect of a galvanic shock He has brown eyes and typically Turkish features. His pale brcivn skin gives him a look of physical weakness, and his pince-nez adds a professorial touch to his. appearances. * "Turkey," ho said.' "desires' peace, quickly, because fiie delay in concluding the Treaty is worse than war.- We desire a peace that will keep the East tranquil, a matter which vitally concerns tha European Powers. The peace of the East can only .be maintained if Turkey is left independent. The Islamic world will be satisfied only with our freedom. As soon as peace is signed we shall tackle the solution of our internal affairs. It is my desire to s.ccuro the civilising help of the Great Powers. One big field open to- us is (ho emancipation of Turkish women. I believe'it is through our religion that wo Mn best accomplish this, by. giving them the status of their American sisters, preserving their honour and probity, and assuring their welfare as family builders." . ' When His Majesty reached the last niiestion a smile hovered nbont bis lips. "If will be 6een," he remarked, ''that our, religion is no bar to social progress. It is with satisfaction we-ob-serve that America is adopting prohibition, which has been practised by faithful Mussulmans for ages. As a _ last word, I-wish to express my gratitude towards those Americans who, after vis-'-iting us, feel that we arc not so bad as we are painted, and also my reliance upon the'justice of Americans." ■■ i I