Page 531 - Neglected Arabia (1902-1905)

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succeeded in arranging tor a meeting of all parties concerned where ;
affairs might he freely discussed and arrangements concluded for a
settlement. I his meeting took place during the early part of the
year, and it was there agreed that fighting must cease and all parties
return to their homes, and that the Turks send soldiers to garrison t
certain towns in central Arabia and thus prevent a renewal of hos­
tilities. This agreement was hardly mutual, but the Turks appear to
have obliged the southern Arabs to subscribe to the terms, Some
three months ago two towns situated in the territory between the
capitals of the two factions were thus garrisoned by Turkish soldiers,
with a governor for each place. A few other towns of minor im­
portance were designated as quarters for smaller companies of sol­
i
*. diers. The result of all this means a victory for the Turkish party,
and although it may—tor a time at least—insure a cessation of that
eternal fighting among the Arab families, few think it assures progress
and liberty to the land. Arabia has practically never yet been an open
country, but the Turks have proved themselves greater obstacles to
the “open floor'* than have the Arabs.

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