Herzegovina Or, Omer Pacha and the Christian Rebels   By: George Arbuthnot (1836-1912)

HERZEGOVINA;

OR

OMER PACHA AND THE CHRISTIAN REBELS.

WITH A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF SERVIA, ITS SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

BY LIEUT. G. ARBUTHNOT, R.H.A., F.R.G.S.

[Illustration: Official Seal of Omer Pacha]

LONDON: LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, ROBERTS, & GREEN. 1862.

PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. NEW STREET SQUARE

PREFACE.

The wanderings of an unknown in an unknown land may not be a subject of universal interest, and as such require a few words of apology, or possibly of defence.

To convey an accurate idea of a country the inhabitants of which differ from ourselves in creed, origin, and in all their habits of life, it would be necessary to have passed a lifetime amongst them. It may therefore be deemed presumptuous in me to attempt so comprehensive a task, upon the meagre experience of a few short months. And such it would be, did I entertain such aspirations. The impossibility, however, of identifying myself with a people, with whose very language I have but a slight acquaintance, would banish such a thought. My object is rather to describe briefly and simply everything that presented itself to my own notice; upon the evidence of which, coupled with the observations of the few who have devoted any attention to the condition of these countries, I have founded my views and opinions. Far be it from me to assume that they have more claim to be regarded as correct, than the opinions of others who may differ from me. Above all, if any of my remarks on the subject of the Greek and Latin religions should appear somewhat severe, I would have it clearly understood, that nowhere is allusion intentionally made to these churches, save in the relation which they bear to the Illyric Provinces of European Turkey.

[Illustration: Signature of Author in Turkish Characters]

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Object of Travels Start Mad Woman Italian Patriot Zara Sebenico Falls of Kerka Dalmatian Boatmen French Policy and Austrian Prospects Spalatro Palace of Diocletian Lissa Naval Action Gravosa Ragusa Dalmatian Hotel Change of Plans Pages 1 15

CHAPTER II.

Military Road to Metcovich Country Boat Stagno Port of Klek Disputed Frontier Narentine Pirates Valley of the Narenta Trading Vessels Turkish Frontier Facilities for Trade granted by Austria Narenta Fort Opus Hungarian Corporal Metcovich Irish Adventurer Gabella Pogitel Dalmatian Engineer Telegraphic Communication Arrival at Mostar Omer Pacha Object of Campaign 16 32

CHAPTER III.

Herzegovina Boundaries Extent Physical Features Mountains Mineral Products Story of Hadji Ali Pacha Forests Austrian Timber Company Saw Mill Rivers Towns Villages Population Greek Catholics Church Dignitaries Roman Catholics Monks Franciscan College Moral Depravity Fine Field for Missionary Labour 33 49

CHAPTER IV.

Introduction of Christianity Origin of Slavonic Element First Appearance of the Patarenes in Bosnia Their Origin Tenets Elect a Primate Disappearance Dookhoboitzi, or Combatants in Spirit Turkish Conquest Bosnian Apostasy Religious Fanaticism Euchlemeh Commission under Kiamil Pacha Servian Emissaries National Customs Adopted Brotherhood Mahommedan Women Elopements Early Marriages 50 64

CHAPTER V.

Agricultural Products Cereals Misapplication of Soil Tobacco Current Prices Vine Disease Natural Capabilities of Land Price of Labour Dalmatian Scutors Other Products Manufactures Commerce Relations with Bosnia Able Administration of Omer Pacha Austria takes alarm Trade Statistics Imports Exports Frontier Duties Mal administration Intended Reforms 65 75

CHAPTER VI.

Government Mudirliks Mulisarif Cadi of Mostar Medjlis Its Constitution and Functions Criminal and Commercial Tribunals Revenue and Taxes Virgu Monayene askereh Customs Tithes Excise Total Revenue Police 76 83