Page:Englishwomaninan00elli.pdf/291

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

things, that 'this eternal reference to India as an excuse for backing Turkey was mere nonsense; because Lord Bryce had said that India was indifferent to Turkey's fate!'

"Seyed Hossain, a member of the Khaliphat Delegation, then rose to contradict this assertion. He said that he had come all the way from India with the Khaliphat Delegation, for the express purpose of protesting against the attitude of the Allies towards his Khaliph (the Sultan of Turkey).

"'My dear Sir,' answered the judge, 'I have absolutely full confidence in any statement made by Lord Bryce.'

"The poor Indian was staggered for a moment, but soon found courage to reply: 'Has a man like Lord Bryce the right to defy commonsense, statistics, and accurate, official information. My presence here is a clear proof that my statement is correct.'

"'Your presence means nothing to me,'" was the 'polite' retort, which concluded the debate!

"There is, of course, a very stupid kind of loyalty in such an attitude, but it tempts one to almost despair of ever hoping to fight against its criminal injustice to Turkey.

"It is a heavy responsibility for great men if they give rein to an obstinate and unreasonable prejudice. It is so hard to resist those we respect."

"What do you really think about the Americans in Turkey? I am so anxious to do my utmost for these poor people, asked my friend."

"I, who love them, will honestly say I fear that the influence of your people is very dangerous. For one who does good, as I am sure you have done, there are fifty who only make mischief, even undoing much of what you have achieved."

"The supreme merit of the Nationalist movement comes from the fact that Turks are beginning to be themselves. All must be well in the end if they are content to 'swallow' Europe in small doses. Already we have with us that dangerous anomaly the European