Show THE SULTANS NEW DEPARTURE he makes a political speech in public the religious feast of mevlude or the prophets birthday was celebrated under extraordinary conditions affording evidence as to the bent beat of the sultans mind and his maje styls desire to assimilate ottoman social usages to those of other countries more advanced in civilization alter after attending the usual service at the mosque all the high officials present and visitors were requested to proceed to the ps palace lace where large saloons had bad teen decked out with flowers rare druif confectionery and delicacies in a profuse and sumptuous styleano sty leand the guests over tour four hundred lu iu number were invited to regale themselves the aspect of the rooms was most charming and christmas trees only were wanting to give a complete picture p of the christmas festival tile the cham then galled called upon the company campany to appear in the presence of his majesty and the folding door being thrown open the sultan was seen his majesty greeted his bis guests in the most affable way and made a political speech wherein after recalling the he glories of mohammed and announcing his intention that the yearly moslem festival should be thenceforth kept with the same solem solemnity Elty and rejoicing lie he pointedly alluded to the cause of sa satisfaction t Is faction for the empire and the world at large furnished by th the reign of general peace which his government was making every effort to preserve for the welfare and prosperity of all nations tais is toe the first time since the foundation of the dynasty that a sultan has made a speech in public the scene created much sensation in all circles and being taken by surprise the ministers were not prepared ed to make any reply all leaving under emotion caused by the novelty of the occasion after a grand levee his majesty and the high dignitaries of state witnessed a march past from the windows of the palace of fifteen Is bata tta lione lions |