At this very time (1826) the Greek peninsula had just wrung her freedom
from Turkey and was electing her new king.

Servia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Bulgaria (1876), one after another revolted,
and was made autonomous, or self-governing, by the Powers of Europe. Thus
was formed a group of states known as the Balkans, which made a bulwark
of neutral territory between Europe and the dissolving and decaying
Empire.

* * * * *

In 1850 Nicholas, the Czar of Russia, determined to take the Christians in
Turkey under his own protection. This gave to Russia a virtual
Protectorate over the Turkish dominions, and excited the jealousy of
England and France.

Affecting to think it was an unfair advantage, and an infringement upon
the rights of Turkey, those two countries united in a great war upon
Russia. This was known as the Crimean War, which ended disastrously for
Russia and placed the persecuted Christians under the combined protection
of Europe.

England and France have made little use since of a right which they
purchased with thousands of precious lives!

The present Sultan, Abdul Hamid, is the thirty-fifth in descent from
Othman.

He is the most luxurious and the most powerful barbarian in the world!