England, too, is busy with Fashoda and does not seem to be in such a
position, diplomatically speaking, at Constantinople, as to be able to
oppose the cession by Turkey to Germany of a Mediterranean harbour.
Moreover, the manner in which she has grabbed Cyprus leaves her without
much voice to talk of the _status quo_ in the Mediterranean.
William II in Palestine! This man with his mania for glittering pomp
and grandeur going to kneel at the stable in Bethlehem; the proudest
and most conceited of men, the most puffed up with vainglory, treading
the paths trodden by the feet of the Humblest; the most egotistical and
least brotherly, coming to bow before Him who is brotherhood
personified: could any spectacle be sadder for true Christians?
November 10, 1898. [13]
The Imperial pilgrim has left the Holy City, _El Cods_, as the Turks
themselves have it. Amidst the silence of its holy places his
turbulent majesty manifested itself in every direction. He prayed,
discoursed, telegraphed, wrote and conducted inaugural functions. He
made all the Stations of the Cross and preached to the German Colony in
Jerusalem, telling them that amidst such surroundings "they should be
possessed of a perpetual inclination to do good." And forthwith he
proceeded to speak of his great friendship for the Sultan, for the
individual who methodically suppresses Christians in his empire by
killing them.
William has seen the tomb of David, which infidels may not approach,
and whose stones only Mussulmans may lawfully tread.
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