The Fall and Resurrection of Turkey (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1896. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII THE REGENERATION OF THE EMPIRE Eastern Affairs And Western Diplomacy E VERY impartial reader, I feel sure, will admit that in all Eastern affairs two important motives have generally underlined Western action: these are -- (i) Sentiment; (2) Self-interest. I will admit at once that the first of these has always been and still is the more active incentive of the two. The nobler instincts of man-- although frequently dormant--remain alive; and if vitiated by evil (which is always extant), they are never entirely destroyed. History furnishes many proofs; and creative art has frequently portrayed instances that go to support this idea. With regard to self-interest, again, this may be considered as a beneficial outcome of the praiseworthy union of a nation. On the other hand, this same motive has been productive of much evil, and has often destroyed the good which pure natural impulse might have produced. In the first place, the spontaneous and general sympathy of a nation with the sufferings of another is often apt to bring about some benefit by arresting the cruel blows of the oppressor. And when other nations join in the outcry against persecution, the beneficial result should be greater. But, unfortunately, herein comes the disaster to the ill-treated Oriental races. Jealousy and rivalry among the various Governments limit the force of sentiment. Each Western Power spends its energy in safeguarding the interests of its nation. The natural consequence of this being that those who have been suffering have to suffer the more. From the earliest time down to the present day, the people who inhabit the countries commonly called 'the near East, ' have been the target of two opposing influences: (i) the intolerance and persecution of the rulers; and (2) the e...