'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎19] (154/268)

BAGDAD TO CONSTANTINOPLE.
19
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extent theretofore unknown in European Turkey the spirit of the Act
is working also in Asia. But at the same time I would by no means
affirm that the so-called civilization of Young Turkey is void of grave
objection. The lowest Parisian tastes do not improve, nor does the
assumed importance of a London clerk or shopman edify. Knowledge
of French in the Turkish army is spreading, and might be turned to
excellent account, but it is too often made available for immoral talk
and empty display. The attainment to Government employ in demi-
European Offices, like the Telegraph, is in like manner frequently made
the means of exhibiting an offensive nonchalance and indifference to the
public. But there is really so much to remedy in telegraphic organiza
tion, both in-doors and without, that a passing remark can hardly affect
the subject. Not only are messages generally known to the employes
upstairs, but the menials down below rome in for their share of the
diffused knowledge. It will require some training to appreciate the
necessity of keeping silent on the affairs of others ; it will require some
strong pressure of practical business to show that what has been
imagined a pastime is in reality serious, hard work ; and theoretical and
practical acquaintance with telegraphy as a science wild have to be
acquired, as well as mere manipulation. These matters have, however,
been treated to some extent elsewhere, and reference is accordingly
solicited to the enclosures.
24. The chief towns which I visited on my route were—-Kerkuk,
between the Tigris and the Kurdish hills ; Mosul, Jezireh, Mardin, and
Diarbekir, in Mesopotamia, reading the name in its literal sense—for
all these places are on the right bank of the Tigris,* and consequently
between the rivers ; Kharput, which some may include with the last
four; Sivas, Yuzgat, and Angureb, in Asia Minor.
I was too short a time at Beibazar, Mudurli, and Izmid, to add them
to the number.
25. A few desultory notes on each of the above places may not be
without interest.
The information which enabled me to record that this is a town of
about 2,500 houses and 10,000 inha-
Kerkuk. bitants appears of doubtful accuracy.
Th ese figures may represent two-
* Note.— The main source should be near the Ghyuljik Lake, and still nearer to
Argana Muden. But both the Tigris and Euphrates have many sources, for every
eeder may claim its right to partnership.