The Paralysis Of Turkey.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 7, 1912:
    Whether the Turks shall, finally be driven into Asia is by no means settled even yet, but that the Ottoman Empire has forever lost its place as one of the European Powers is plain. It has been to all observers a very great surprise, and those who were supposed to be best informed have erred most widely.
    The paralysis has shown itself most amazingly in the army, but if we reflect on the recent history of Turkey there are certain causes for it to which contemporary, critics seem to have paid too little attention. In the first place there have been, within the last four years, three changes in the Government determined by the army. (1) The former Sultan was forced to accept a Constitution by a conspiracy of military officers directed by the Young Turks. (2) When he undertook a reaction by the use of his army he was deposed and imprisoned and his brother placed on the throne by another combination of army officers. (3) Finally the Young Turks were overthrown by still another military conspiracy. So that when the attack by the allies came it had long been a question, not what the Government could or would do with the Turkish Army, but what the army would do with the Government. Instead of an instrument for the defense of the Empire, the army had become the objective of incessant plots and counter-plots.
    Nothing could be more demoralizing and enfeebling. The officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned, were constantly changed or shifted to promote the aims of the plotters. Discipline was impaired. Cohesion was destroyed, efficiency was reduced to a very low standard. The rank and file remained brave, enduring, and loyal, but as a fighting machine the army was hopelessly disabled. Not only was this true, but the vital departments of the whole military organization were thrown into confusion. Transport, communication, supplies of food and ammunition, medical provision, all were substantially put out of commission. At every point where the army was met these fatal defects were shown. Every element that entered into the resistance of Turkey to Russia thirty-four years ago, or into Turkey's punishment of Greece, except the stubborn valor of the peasant soldiery, was wanting. As the enemy was surprisingly efficient in all these elements — well trained, well officered, well supplied, and directed by able Generals acting in harmony on a carefully studied plan of campaign — the results which have astonished Europe have inevitably followed.