THE EASTERN QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 4163, 30 June 1876, Page 3

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

To the Editor. Sir,— Referring to your leading article of last evening, in the cause of truth and justice I would ask the insertion of these few lines on the above subject. In common with your contemporaries you take up a position of non-intervention as opposed to the action of the present Government. Just one instance to show its extreme imprudence at the present crisis. Five years ago there was held at Calcutta an assembly (called, I believe, by authority) of the recognised heads of Mahommedan learning to settle a question which had long disturbed the Mahommedan mind—whether they could consistently be loyal British subjects ? After an investigation of some days it was decided they could, so long as the British Government upheld the dignity of the Sultan of Turkey. In case some of your readers think this but a trifling matter, I will just repeat the words of' Ali (containing as they do the vital essence of Mahommedaiiismj implicit faith and ferocious energy), recommending himself to his master—“ Whoever rises against thee I will dash out his teeth, tear out his eyes, break his legs, and rip up his belly." The preference of an Indian mutiny to a second Sebastapol is, J suppose,

a matter of taste. Rest assured, sir, British interests (money-making and otherwise) are as safe in the hands of Lords Derby, Salisbury, and men of their stamp, as they would be in those of Messrs Lowe, Ayrton, and Co. —I am, &c.' Alered R. Puis, R.N".

Dunedin, Jm:e 28. [Our reading of fliaraoior and history differs much from our coiTospoud-.'vA's. V\% do nob see why in the comparison the most able minister tlnit ever led a British Parliament, Mr Gladstone, should be emitted. —Ed. E.S.]