Litchfield Enquirer

The Turks.—Mr. Brewer—the American Missionary, thinks the Turkish character, as exhibited in common life, is viewed by most persons in too unfavorable a light. His account of their manners, customs, &c. differs from that of Dr. Walsh and other writers. He attributes the extortions, barbarities and cruelties practised in Turkey to the judges, pachas, governors, and soldiers, who are rapacious and merciless. The common people are mild, honest, hospitable and temperate, and treat the aged with respect, and the unfortunate with compassion. The practice of eating opium does not exist to any considerable extent; Mr. Brewer says he has seen tens of thousands of Turks, and never observed one making use of that drug. Females of doubtful character are not permitted to reside in cities, but are sent to the Greek Islands. The women are not kept shut up in Turkey to the extent generally reported. Mr. B. met them every where in Constantinople, usually three or four together. The Bazars or covered markets are full of them; they go forth a shopping in pleasant mornings, like the ladies of other countries. They conceal their mild and languid features in a great degree, with two cotton handkerchiefs bound about the head. They appear to be as industrious and amiable as other females, who enjoy not the elevating, softening and purifying influence of the gospel.—Hamp. Gaz.