"When the Sultan Aziz became the Sultan that was, to repeat an old joke, the boy I had seen had to step aside for his Uncle Murad, who was older, and therefore nearer in his descent from the original Othman. Murad reigned but three months, and was then deposed as an idiot; but he had a brother, who is the present Sultan, Abdul-Hamid II." "I thought these sultans were not married like other princes," said Mrs. Woolridge. "They are not; for the Imperial Harem, as it is called, is a state institution, and all the children born there are equal and legitimate. The ladies there are usually brought in from other countries, principally Circassia, and they are practically slaves. The Sultan does not contract a regular marriage as we understand the matter; but from the inmates of the Harem he usually selects seven, who are supposed to be more especially his wives. An aged lady is the superintendent of this institution, through whom alone any communication can be obtained with the outer world; and then it must be done with the guard of _eunuchs_, whose chief is the equal of the Grand Vizier, the principal officer of state, and is his superior on some occasions." The commander retired, introducing the professor. "The government of Turkey is called an absolute monarchy; but it is limited by the Koran and the Multeka, which is a collection of sayings of Mohammed and his immediate successors. The Grand Vizier represents the sultan, and is the head of the government as the premier is in England and France. Next to him is the Sheik-ul-Islam, who is the head of the church. There are a dozen or more ministers in the several departments. "The history of the Ottoman Empire is simply a record of conquests over other divisions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Turks originally came out of Tartary. It would require too much time to relate the events of these wars, and you may read an epitome of them in several books in the library. This country has long been regarded as the 'sick man,' and no doubt it would have been dismembered before this time if the nations of Europe had not been jealous of any increase of territory and power, each of any other. Russia would like to have Constantinople, which could be made the finest seaport in the world. England and France have been the allies of Turkey to prevent Russia from becoming too powerful by its acquisition. But I think you are all in a hurry to go on shore, and I will not detain you longer."