- mindedness? We have depended, in the past, chiefly
on nursery governesses whose exaggerations and misconceptions on this subject are invaluable to sensational writers. Hence the sordid colouring for Western eyes thrown on a system of delicate lights and shades and very complicated nuances.
The Greek and Armenian servants in Turkish harems would be themselves the first to resent interference. For they are treated in Moslem homes with an equality, consideration, and leniency no Christian mistress would dream of permitting. They, often, practically control the household, and are, indeed, sometimes given an unwise preference in the Pasha's affections. They hold the purse-strings, direct, advise, and administer domestic affairs, as they also, so largely, manage the commercial life of the country. In return, naturally, the Turk expects absolute loyalty; and woe to those who refuse, or betray, it.
It is true, of course, that backstairs propaganda—from American Relief Workers, among others—has been at work to misinform the League; and had reliable information been available, those unfortunate mistakes would never have been made.
Indeed, the honestly impartial head of its own Press department now reports: "We have tested the real value of Greek and Armenian propaganda, and sympathise with the Turk in consequence." Such repentance comes rather late in the day, but may even yet produce a wiser policy.
It was one of the Fethi Bey's many humiliating experiences, on his visit to London, to see the harem misjudged by an ex-governess, and to read the assertion of a lady from Boston that "beautiful Greek girls had to disfigure themselves to prevent the Turks from stealing them!" Statements that might have been treated with the contempt they deserve, had they not been accorded such prominence by the Press.
On the other hand, one must acknowledge that the Turk's attitude towards his detractors is more lofty than practical. Pride forbids him to answer accusations, or disseminate the truth; which he, as a fatalist,
