Page:History of the Armenians in India.djvu/19

 sympathy by despatching ironclads to the Levant. Their concerted action has aroused the Sultan from his lethargy, and he has hysterically pledged his " word of honour" (!) that he will personally see the necessary reforms carried out in Armenia. But His Majesty's promises heretofore have not been followed by performances; and, as Lord Salisbury shrewdly observes, "New decrees cannot supply the place of competent Governors." The Powers are now at his door, and we may soon expect the inauguration of wholesale reforms, but it is to be hoped the peace of Europe will not be disturbed.

A strong interest having been aroused in the Armenians in Turkey, my friends prevailed upon me to publish the result of my researches regarding the early Armenians in India, as information respecting them was but scanty. The present work, prepared during the sultry nights of the enervating Indian summer, is the result. It has doubtless several shortcomings, for I have had to think in Armenian, and express my ideas in English. History, however, does not hinge upon philosophy, but on facts ; and it is far more important to preserve accuracy than study flowery language in a historical work.

I trust this history will serve some useful purpose as a book of reference to the future historian of India and the enthusiastic antiquarian ; and I shall be greatly