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Leader (1850-1860), 19th November 1853, Edition Town of 2, Page 1108, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      object of the low characters being the plunder of the public money and demolition of the-public offices ; and , as might be expected , there was great dissensions about the division of the spoil , and sonie fighting . The foreign settlements were protected by men from the ships there . The chief of the rebels manifestly desired , to be on friendly terms with the " outer barbarians , " his brethren .

      Untitled Article

      THE GREEK AND THE MAHOMED AN " . { From the Daily News . )^ The laborious attempts made just nowtoobtain support for Russia on the ground of sympathy for the Christians in the East , are abundantly surprising to many people ; but to none perhaps so much as to those who have travelled far enough , to see the Mosque and the Greek Church side by side . Some scholars who have never travelled—men of deep and extensive erudition—do not need , it is true , to travel in order to understand that the most religious of Englishmen may and must prefer the worship of the Mosque to that of the Byzantine Church , in the form in which both appear in Syria and Turkey at this day . The scholar , travelled or

      untravelled , remembers the old feuds between the two faiths in the twelfth century , when the Greek Churchmen were taught in their catechism to anathematise the God of Mahomet , because he was " solid and globular , " and therefore no fit object of worship , before it Was discovered by Manuel Comnenus that tnere was a slight mistake in the statement , through a misunderstanding of an Arabic ¦ word , which meant " eternal " ¦¦— the " globular" being only a figurative sense . The same temper belonged to Byzantine orthodoxy then as now , to judge by the behaviour of the wise men of the day . They refused to remove the anathema , but substituted , as the object of it , Mahomet , for his Deity .

      This sort of warfare is very like what the traveller may see now , when all the aggression , and most of the superstition , seems to be on the side of the Greek Church . One may travel all over Turkey , Syria , and Egypt , and find Greek churches by the wayside ; but one might go a long way through Russia without meeting with a Mosque : and as for the character of the worship , there is probably not a Christian man in England who would not , on the spot , prefer the Mahometan faith and worship to that of the Greek Church , as it appears in Arabia , and at Smyrna , Damascus , and Constantinople .

      There was a time when it was forbidden by the Patriarch to paint any representation of the first person of the Trinity ; so the " Russian Christians" made paintings of an old man with , white curling hair , who was called Christ ; but it was not longbefore this figure was grouped with that of the more usual representation of Christ and of the Holy Ghost ; and now the offensive spectacle of that kindof picture is seen in almost every Greek Church the traveller enters . It is not the only offensive kind of picture that the visitor is compelled to see . Paintings of monkish stories—daubs which remind one of

      Mexican idolatry—are objects of obeisance to kneeling worshippers . Let any one look at the gilding , the shrines , the priests' frippery , the series of gestures of the worshippers , and then say whether there could have been anything in the ritual of old Egypt that could have been more repugnant to . ill his ideas and feelings . At Mount Sinai there is the Burning Bush , shown in two places within the convent walls ; under the altar in its own chapel , where the monk reverently removes the . silver plate which covers its root ; and in one of the convent courts , where the . Bush itself flourishes , a monk furnishes sprays to every passing traveller who is permitted to hoo the shrub that has

      flourished for three thousand years , and will certainly never die . At Bethlehem , there m the Greek department of the Empress Helena ' s Church , like nothing but a gigantic baby-houHo , with its dolls and other gauds ; and below are the crypts and caves , with their offensive and childish legends—legends too offensive and childish to bo reproduced in English . At Jerusalem one encounters the feuds between the Greeks . and tho Latins , in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in that church whoro tho rival priests used to tug at tho altar cover and enmo to blows for tho privilege oi removing it ; and whore tho Greek fire used to burst forth in red and green flames from apertures on each

      wide tho altar , till ho many devotees woro tnirhpled to < loath in rushing towards it that tho flawed kindling now goon on by meant ) of a torch carried round . The only cure for tho fou < l has been found to be the appointment of a Mahometan Governor of Jerusalem to remove tho contested altar-cloth . On foHtival days Turkish guards are necessary to preserve tho peace , and none but tho ( iovornor , with hin Mahometan impartiality , can keop fcho " rival Christians from tearing one another ' h throats . At Damascus the full truth in neon of the inferiority , in every ' sense , of tho Greek

      Christians to tho worshippers of the Prophet . In knowledge , in intolligonco , in temper , in Hooial standing , tho Christians aro there , quite inevitably , an inferior ¦ cIjihh . They have a chapel and new oluirch , with a earvod and gilded screen , as line as could be desired ; and a grey-headed patriarch , who is borne on the s houlders of Iuh followers when he go « ft round bin diooeso , and eonieH back unmolested and inflated with vanity : but lie and his flock appear nothing hotter than idolaters in the proHonoo of the Mahometans , wlio wornliip ono God , in reality , and without mofcuphy » ical

      subterfuge , and who are not burdened with a priesthood , ' 'like the Russo-Greek priesthood , nor severed from their object of worship by such an intervention . Going forwards towards the Lebanon , one comes upon the traces of the Greeks again at Baalbec , where in the most exquisite of the smaller temples , the doorposts and the inner walls are daubed with their barbarous and repulsive paintings . And so pn , wherever the Mosque and the Church ar , e found together ; and , indeed , where they are no longer found together . At Mount Sinai , the Christians abolished the Mosque which once rightfully stood there ; whereas there appears to b- * no attempt of the Mahometans anywhere to get rid of the Christian churches .

      It will not be supposed that Englishmen have any leaning to Mahometanism ; but we doubt whether there is any British traveller or resident who is not conscious of the superiority , architectural , moral , and spiritual , of the Mosque over the Greek Church ; No obtrusive priesthood is there—no mummery—no . noise —no obvious superstition . The structure is beautiful ; the courts are spacious , cool , simple , and silent . There is the reservoir in the midst , for ablution ; and within there may be some venerated copy of the Koran , some valuable lamps , and traces of decoration on the walls ; but the utmost possible remoteness from image worship . The houseless poor may sleep on the matting of the

      Mosque ; the aged may retire there for quiet ; and even children may play in the marble courts . It is the home of the spirit , where every one may come to steep himself in spiritual influences , without hindrance or intervention , arid where a sweeter incense of charity is for ever floating round than ever arose from the gold aiid silver censers of the Greek worship . If it is objected that the worship of the Mosques is not Christian , the next question is ,- —what , then , is the worship of the Greek Church ? We hear every day at home that tie Romish worship is not Christian ; and from the very men who want to subordinate the Turkish to the Russian faith . But let it be fairly ascertained what each church has done to entitle it to honour for its

      operation on human welfare , and its claim to the highest title we can give . Despite the many errors and sins that have brought about its fall , there can be no question of the byegone services of the Latin Church —of its faith and polity—in enlightening , humanising , and civilising the most advanced portion of the human race . Western Europe , the vanguard of humanity , owes very much to it , and should , remember this the more , the faster the ancient faith decays . Mahometanism ia , in its best influences , far more like Christianity than home-staying Protestants could easily

      be made to believe . But really , as to the Greek church—the more nearly it ia approached , and the more closely it is studied , the more barbarous and intrinsically idolatrous it is found to be . The Turks are , at all events , no more idolaters thaii Jews are . The Greek Christians are as truly idolaters , under every definition of the term , as the old Egyptians or the existing Hindoos . Before Englishmen propose to build them up into an empire , and to erect the Greek church on the ruins of the Mosque , they really ought to go into the East , and see what it is that they propose . Till they have done so , nothing that they say can be worth attending to .

      Untitled Article

      BANQtIET TO LORD ELPHINSTONE . Thk recently appointed governor of Bombay has received the festive honours usual on the eve of the departure of a , high Indian dignitary , The Court of Directors gave a splendid dinner to him at the London Tavern , on Saturday . Mr . Russell EUice , chairman of the board of directors , was in tho chair , having Lord Mphinstone , tho guest of the evening , on his right hand . There were also present , on the right— -Earl Gmnville , tho Marquis of Lansdowne , Lord Canning , Lord Hardinge , Sir Charles Wood , Mr . Wignun , Lord Campbell , Mr , Sidney Herbert , Sir James Graham , tho Chancellor of the Exchequer , Mr . Cardwell , Sir James Hogg , Vice-Chancellor Page Wood , &c . On tho left of the chairman there wore—The Lord Mayor , tho Deputy-Chairman of the Company , tho Earl of Elgin , tho Earl of Bosflborough , the Earl of Shelburno , Lord Sydney , Mr . Lock , Lord Ernest Bruce , Lord Stanley of Alderley , Mr . 8 . Ziuslrington , Mr . Maytor , Mr . Baines , Lord Justice Turner , Vice-( JhancullorH Kindersloy and Stuart , and the Solicitor-Gonernl ; and among the company there were also present—Sir Willoughby Cotton , SirJGeor # o Pollock , Mr . Milln , Colonel Sir ' Colin Campbell , Hon . Leslie Melvillo , Sir < J . PaHluy , Mr . Mastonuan , M . P ., Sir

      Jf . JVL Wheeler , Sir Henry Willock , Mr . Lowo , M . P ., and Mr . James Wilson , M . P . The speech-making on thin occasion wart performed by Sir Jainen Graham , who uttered fcho usual compliments on the Imppy combination of tho Queen ' s service and Uio Company ' s marine in many a . brilliant ™*' ~ uni ' J ' * 'd Cranvilio , who spoke for Ministers ; Sir < JliarloH Wood , Lord Hardinge , Lord Lansdowno , and Lord Ifllphinstono himself . His spooch had the merit of brevity and fitnenH

      " TJiitf , he mud , wan not tho timb time that lie hud Htood in Mm position of returning thanlcH for an honour conferred upon Jn ' jn of a nimilav nature ; but lie must confosn lio did not find that that at all lightened tlio difficulty of ( inding words iu which to express hia thcuilca to them . He did

      n 6 t go out to India an untried man , but in going he feltthe full responsibilities of the situation he was * , bout to undertake . Ajad . he jtiuat also add that he would he un grateful , indeed , if he did not also remember the assistant and the support which he had received when he was ( xoyernor ot Stadias , both from the directors of the East India Company and their , various servants in India and wjthout , Which assistance lie felt he should not have been equal to the . situation . But it was the peculiar good fortune of the Indian Government to possess a body of ser " vants , both in the civil and the muitary depart ments " which he believed to be altogether unequalled for their zeal and ability—men of tried experience , who had been educated and brought up in the service of the company and " wicuineir assistancelie not

      . , cua despair ot accomplishing the objects for which he had been sent out .- ( Applause ) It was unnecessary for him to dwell at any length on what he conceived were the principal objects of an Indian governor . He wbuld only say that the principal objects which he proposed to himself in his governmen t were three—first , to develop the resources of the country second , to promote the sound and practical secular education of the natives —( applause ); and third , to advance and promote , as opportunities might offer , those natives who might qualify themselves for situations of trust in the public service . ( Great ' applause . ); In all these objects he relied with perfect confidence on the countenance and support of the Court of Directors . ' He was convinced , from all

      he had seen , that it was the wish of the people of this country that the natives of India should have their full share in the advantages and privileges of British rule ; and it was a great comfort to him that upon this subject his feelings and views should be in entire unison With the views of the Court of Directors and of her Majesty's Government . ( Applause . ) He would only say , in conclusion , that if he were in any degree enabled to promote these views and objects , he should feel that he had not gone to India in vain . Next to the approbation of his own conscience , his greatest pride would ever be to receive the approbat ion of the honourable the Court of Directors , and of her Majesty ' s Government . ( Applause . )" Sir Charles Wood thus referred to the relations

      between the Board of Control and the Company : —• " It was not more than sis months since he had had the honour of addressing the friends and members of the company in that room on a former occasion , and he was glad to find that whatever alterations had taken , place in tho government of India , no alteration had ta k en place in the magnificent hospitality of the company . Since that time great changes had taken place in the government , of India both at home and abroad . Ite could not suppose that all the propositions he had , made should have met the cordial approbation of all whom he had now the honour to address , but of this he could assure them , that in all he had proposed he was actuated by the belief that they would

      conduce to the good government of IJndia . In spite of much opposition and of numerous attacks , they had succeeded in preserving entire the home government of India and the independence of the Court of Directors . They had been told that constant altercations and differences of opinion were going on between the Government and the Court of Directors ; but he had early expressed his opinion . that tho two bodies would qordially co-operate together in all thoso great purposes for which they were called upon to act together ; and he was bound now to declare that tho result had more than fulfilled all his expectations . Ho Lad , both from the late and the present Chairman of the Company , without the slightest exception , received tho most cordial and undeviating support . '

      Sir Charles also promised Lord Elphinstono the support of the Homo Government , in carry ing out those objects which he had stated to them . In the course of his speech Lord Hardinge affirmed that tho British army are at present in a high stato of discipline ; and he was convinced that if ever their services should unfortunately bo required , in whatever quarter , they would prove that they hail \ n no degree degenerated from their old renow . n . All the speakers heartily concurred in Lord Elphinstone ' s appointment , and bore testimony to his ability and high character .

      Untitled Article

      ADMIRAL NAPIER AND MR . TJRQUHART AT MANCHESTER . Manoiiesteii has spoken out ita sympathy for Turkey . At a meeting held m tho Corn Exchange , on Wednesday , attended by 2000 persons , Sir Charles Napier , Mr . Absalom Watlcin , Mr . Urquharfc , Dr . Vaughn " , and other gentlemen , inado speeches . The resolutions declared tho act of Russia to bo a violation of tho Jaw of natioriH .

      Mr . Absalom Watlcin , the chairman , said , that up to tho last moment it had been hoped that Homo ono or thoso wealthy men who in Manchester woro tho advocates of liberal opinions , progressive- social advancemont , national independence , and freo triule , wow < have appeared on thin occasion to sanction tho proceedings of tliu mooting ( Hoar , hear . ) It had boon hope " that at least one of those who bailed tho advent ol t »» 10

      ex-Governor of Hungary with such rapturous app """' who listened to his eloquent denunciations of ty rllllI Y and iiHsortionH of , national iiidopondonoo with hu < delight , who prossod his hand with so much att « cw < that at length their repeated pressures became poH " lively inconvenient , — it had been hoped that Homo «» w at luiwfc of those would havo appeared to takotno cii on tln ' H oeoaHJon . ( Hoar . ) Hut ho did not "jo ^ J Hay that ho conoidorod it not to bo his duty to j reBi aiui

      over this meeting , for , an a citizen an a »«;« , , of this great community , 1 W ¦ ft . lt that thoy M ^ jT him honour in appointing him to that *[<>»«>•>• ( Clieors . )

      Untitled Article

      1108 T HE LEADER . [ Sif ijkifif ' ,

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Nov. 19, 1853, page 1108, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2013/page/4/