Every empire has its cycle of existence, passing from small beginnings to the zenith of power, and ending in decay and extinction. The power of Islam forms no exception to this rule. Its period of splendor was under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and since that time disintegration has made rapid progress.

Ever since the days of Mohammed, there has been a struggle between Christianity and Islam. In early times when courage, dash, and enthusiasm were the qualities which led to victory, the followers of the prophet led the way. At the present time, When cold science and skilful strategy overcome all opposition, the Semites have fallen behind. The splendid charge of Moslem cavalry, and the rock-like firmness of the infantry, have been rendered useless by modern firearms.

Turkey, today, is no match for Russia. Constantinople is a fixed point in Russian policy, and only the influence of England wards off the inevitable result of the clever diplomacy and vast resources of the empire of the Tsars.

The government of Turkey is to blame for this decadence, and not the people. They are still as brave and enduring as of old, and possess the same excellent qualities as their ancestors. These virtues, however, are useless without civilization, and internal reforms are necessary, if the nation is to maintain its independent existence.

A vast effort is being made to overcome the apathy and inertia of the people and the corruption of the government in order to develop the latent capacity of the people for social progress. Schools and museums have been founded, European ideas of justice have been introduced, and the country is flooded with translations of French and European books to the exclusion of native literature.

Time and quiet, however, are needed to complete this work which will require several generations for its accomplishment. It is unlikely that this time will be obtained, for the Turks seem to have no mission in the world, and the powers of Europe think that a Christian government would stimulate the advance of civilization.

The religious differences between Persia and Turkey would make a great religious movement impossible. Isolated attempts at a religious crusade. like that which marked the rise of Islam, may succeed temporarily. The Mahdi in the Soudan may hold out for a time against the force sent against him. The intelligent Moslems, however, realize the utter hopelessness of an assault upon the Christian powers.

The Koran, nevertheless, has a firm hold on millions of souls. Islam. although politically dead, is religiously alive. From Gibraltar to China, the religion of Mohammed is that of the masses. It spreads rapidly in Africa, not through the preaching of isolated missionaries, but by the influence of the Arab colonies scattered throughout the continent.

The only possibility of progress rests on the diffusion of education. The influence of Christian colonies may become more effective, and stimulate a desire for something better. Islam, however, best snits the national character. The people must have some religion, but no other form is likely to be adopted. A purification of Isiam from within is the only hope.