The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1915. LOYAL SUDANESE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 53, 5 March 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1915. LOYAL SUDANESE.

While there was some anxiety aboutj the effect of Turkey's declaration of war, and the proclamation of tlie Je- 1 had, so far as Egypt was concerned, it is rather curious to note that the Sudan was looked upon as ■ perfectly safe, and no doubts appear to have been entertained in v the minds of those in authority regarding the loyalty of the .Sudanese. This confidence has been justified, and recent issues of the ''Sudan Times" show how active is the loyalty of the Sudanese chiefs and spiritual leaders. Take, for example, a report of a declaration issued hy a large number of Ulema, religious, Sheikhs, and notables of the Sudan. The signatories of this declaration state that under the British Government they have never experienced other than the greatest respect for their religion: "Material support has been given to our places of worship. Ulema have been appointed to teach the precepts of our religion, and judges to settle all questions pertaining to the Mohammedan law. Schools have been established for the enlightening of our children, facilities have been given to us for the performance of the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and for visiting the Holy Places. Justice and security have been established throughout our country." Such a declaration by a body held to be specially responsible for the religious teachings of the people is important as a further proof of the complete failure of the Germans to incite a religious war. It may also be noted that so far the attitude of the Civil Chiefs in the Sudan territory has proved as thoroughly satisfactory as that of the religious leaders. In the middle of November two important statements were published in the "Sudan Times." One is a telegram from Saved Ali el Mirglmni to Sir Reginald Wingato, the Sirdar and Gover-nor-General. This important chief opens his telegram by declaring his grief at the action of Turkey in precipitating a war against Great Britain. He goes on : "It is beyond dispute that the entire Mohammedan world disapproves of this act. and is greatly angered with the aggressive German Empire, which is the author of all these mishaps, and with the Turkish clique which follows its advice." A similar message is published from Sheikh Yusef el Hindi, who says: "We are now informed of the war that lias broken out between you and the Turks —the Turks,, whose oppression we have fought before you—and we therefore seize this 'opportunity to renew our, expression of loyalty." A large num-. ber of messages of a similar character were received by the Governor-! General from different parts of the Sudan, all expressing loyalty to Great Britain, and dissociating themselves from the action taken by Turkey. The Sudanese still remember that they have suffered from Turkey in the past, and are not likely to feel any enthusiasm for the ideals of the Young Turks. The "Spectator," commenting

upon these facts, remarks: "The importance attached in the Sudan to these declarations; by Indian Mohammedans is the outcome of the worldwide character of the Mohammedan religion. No doubt Mohammedans are divided into sects, even as Christians are. but they probably appreciate to a greater extent than the majority of Christians the essential unity of their religion in spite of the divergencies of sects. It was on this unity that the Germans were counting when they hoped to stir up a Jehad ; but, with characteristic blundering, the German diplomatists forgot that it is only possible to stir Mohammedans to a religious war when their religion is attacked. Neither in the Sudan, nor in India, nor in any Mohammedan country under British influence has there been any attack on the Mohammedan religion, and in the nature of things it is hardly probable that sincere Moslems would consent to engage in war at the bidding of the Jews and agnostics who so largely constitute the Young Turk Party, and who, with the aid of German warships, have obtained control of the Turkish Government."