His nephew, Murad Effendi, was at once proclaimed Sultan as Murad V.; a few days later the dethroned Sultan was secretly murdered, though possibly his death may have been due to suicide[100].
[Footnote 99: Gallenga, _The Eastern Question_, vol.ii.p.

99.] [Footnote 100: For the aims of the Young Turkey party, see the _Life of Midhat Pasha_, by his son; also an article by Midhat in the _Nineteenth Century_ for June 1878.] We may add here that Murad soon showed himself to be a friend to reform; and this, rather than any incapacity for ruling, was probably the cause of the second palace revolution, which led to his deposition on August 31.

Thereupon his brother, the present ruler, Abdul Hamid, ascended the throne.

His appearance was thus described by one who saw him at his first State progress through his capital: "A somewhat heavy and stern countenance.

.