Now you ask why the Christian nations of Europe permit these things to
be; and you naturally suppose it goes on because they cannot help it. Not
at all.
Any one of the great nations of Europe could sweep the decaying old
Mohammedan Empire out of existence in one campaign; and the six combined
Powers, England, Russia, Austria, Germany, France, and Italy, could do it
in six hours! Then why do they not?
Simply because Turkey occupies the most important and valuable
_strategical position_ on the earth. And each of these great nations is in
mortal fear that some of the others will get possession of it.
I have already told you about the immense importance of these "strategic
points" in the great game of European politics or diplomacy, and how
eagerly the nations are all the time watching for opportunities to secure
them.
If you will look at your map, you will see that Turkey lies at the gateway
which separates the Eastern world from the Western. The vast and beautiful
region ruled by the Sultan, and known as the "Ottoman Empire," lies partly
in Asia, partly in Europe, and partly in Africa.
Stretching over a vast expanse behind the Sultan is _India_--that India,
which has been for centuries the coveted treasure-house of the world.
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