The First Seven Sultans of the Ottoman Dynasty [pp. 42-64]

THE FIRST SEVEN SULTANS
structure of the greatest solidity. The earthquake of 1855 shook
it down like a thing of glass, smashing the imperial tombs to
countless fragments. It had stood for eight centuries uninjured,
and in one moment ceased to exist, arousing in Moslem hearts
superstitious fears and forebodings.
At the very commencement of his reign, Orkhon proposed a
measure, which, had it been carried out, might have wholly
changed the history of the Ottoman race, and largely of Europe.
He had a brother Alladin, less of a warrior, but more of a statesman, given to study rather than arms, distinguished for prudence,
moderation, good judgment and sagacity. Orkhonl felt the weight
of his superior character, and generously offered himrn at once half
the empire. It was the same great error, about to bie repeated,
which had broken up the Seljukian dynasty, after it had risen
to the highest splendor and power. Alladin had too much good
sense to accept his offer, and demanded only a village in the
valley of Ket6. He finally consented, however, to be his vizier;
and the two brothers had each the sphere for which he was naturally adapted. Alladin gave himself at once to the organization
of this vigorous nascent empire of fighting shepherds. He regulated by vigorous laws the coining of money, and the costumes
to be worn by different classes and professions. Above all, he
commenced the regular organization of a standing army. Hitherto, all were soldiers, plunderers and shepherds. He established the profession of arms, appointed uniforms for different
corps, and for officers of different grades. He fixed upon a regular pay for officers and soldiers, and a distribution of spoils in
war. This was in advance of anything existing at that date in
Europe. It was the cornerstone of the modern science of war.
The real founder of the Ottoman Empire was neither Osman nor
Orkhon, but Alladin. He made the wild and turbulent empire
a well ordered and mighty state. In after times, many thousands
of the Christian subjects of the Palaeologi put themselves under
Ottoman rule for the better enjoyment of protection and justice.
Due honor has never been given to him in European history, as
the law-giver of an empire and the founder of regular standing
armies. Another institution arose under this second Sultan; the
terrible institution of the Janizaries. One thousand Christian
youth of the finest, most athletic forms were chosen, subjected
to the severest discipline, rewarded by high pay, and a large
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