The Express.
London, England, 1851-10-04 00:00:00

THE SUBLIME PORTE AND THE PACHA.

(FROM A COIIIMPONDENT.)

Tho discusaiona which have recently appeared in
the public press of England relative to the dispute between
the Sultan, sr rather the Divan, of Constantinople and the
present Pacha of Egypt, have to a considerable degree
failed in directing public attention to the real objects of the
dispute or to the degree in which it involves British in-
terests of a moat important character.
The foUowing facts, derived from sources of undoubted
authenticity may, perhaps, serve to unveil some of the
hidden objects of it and show the deep stake which a very
large proportion of the British public have in it. A
plot, having for its object the ruin of Abbas Pacha, has for
a considerable time least been in operation both at Con-
stantinople and in Egypt.
The process by which it is intended to crush him is—
first, to deprive him of that power and prealige which are
indispensable to enable him to maintain order among a
half-civilised people, and then, when Egypt shall in conse-
quence have fallen into disorganisation, to make that a
plea for depriving him of the governorship of it—to reduce
its political condition to that of an ordinary Turkish plebs-
lie, and to re?lace Abbas Pacha by some other member of
' Mehemet Ali a or Ibrahim Paella's family, who will accept
the pachalik on any conditions which the Porte may im-
pose, and consequently become completely subservient to
the ruling powers at Constantinople.
The circumstances which have subjected the Pacha to
this insidious conspiracy are such as entitle him nut only
to the sympathy but to the active support, by every legiti-
mate means, of the people of England.
On his accession to the goveramentof Egypt, Abbas Pacha
found that country burdened with a military establishment
greatly exceeding its wants and means. lie lost no tirne in
proceeding to reduce this and some other useless establish-
ments, which, under very different circumstances, had been
created by his grandfather, Mehemet Ali, He thus re-
leased a number of men who were useless to be employed in
agriculture, the real wealth of Egypt, thereby improving

its resources while he diminished its expenses. Ile further
devoted himself most liberally and actively to improve this
means of transit for the mails, passengers, and goods be-
tween Europe and the East, wisely looking to that traffic
as an important means of promoting civilisation in Egypt,
as well as of establishing fur himself a claim to the support
of the various European communities int..rested in it, mid
of Great Britain morn particularly. Connected with the
military and other establishments referred to were a host of
Frenfh emplayt* who, being no lonzer required, he dis-
missW, but with very liberal compensation.
la effecting these reforms he encountered much opposi-
tion from a man who had held a high office both under
Mehemet Ali and Ibrahim, and who was considered tho
patron of the French employ,s, as well as the supporter of
French interests, in Egypt, namely, Artin Bey, an Armenian
educated in France. In order to carry out his reforms tho
Pacha found it necessary to relieve Artiu Bey from the
duties of his post, and having subsequently ordered an in-
vestigation into the financial administration of that func-
tionary, the result, or apprehended result, of that inquiry
was such as to induce Artin Boy to quit Egypt suddenly
and without . leave
_ .

He repaired to Constantinople, where he was favourably
received, and became the prime mover of the conspiracy
against his former mast. r.
Two questions have been raised, and are now pending
between the Porte and the I'acha. 1. The railway. 2. The
Tans;maut.

1. The ltailway.—With the view of improving the means
of transit for the internal requirements of Egypt, as well as
for the traffic and travellers in fro/faun to and from the
East, the Yacht, as is publicly known, made recently a con-
tract with Mr. Hobert Stephenson, the eminent engineer,
to construct a railway from Alexandria to Cairo, in the first
instance, with the view, us it is understood, of continuing
it from Cairo to Suez. _ _

Although no que-tion had previously been made
as to the right of the Pachas of Egypt to construct
fortifications, bridges, and other important public works,
with the means at their dibposal, utter paying the an-
nual stipulated tribute to the Porte, the Porte now
sets up a right to prohibit the construction of this railway,
and, as appears by the note which has been made public
within these few days, actually insists on annulling this
contract, and stopping the proceedings for making the
railway.
Now, the Pacha has not only concluded the contract with
Mr. Stephenson, but has actually paid him a large sum in
advance as a first instalment, and has entered into con-
tracts in England for material to the extent of upwards of
200,0001. All this the Porte declares to be null and void
because its permission was not in the first instance asked
and obtained.

It has been argued by some that the Porte only wishes
to assert its right of suzerainel,:, and is prepared to grant
the permission when demanded. Not quite so. The va-
rious conditions and difficulties raised in the note referred
to display something of the cloven foot ; and any one ac-
quainted with the minpgement of such matters at Constan-
tinople must be well aware that, to obtain a tirman for
it there would be attended with great delay and no littlo
expense, the latter being no doubt a weighty consideration
with those, or at least some of those, who are counselling
the Sultan to set up his present pretension—a pretension
which, if admitted, will certainly delay the construction of
the railway fur many years, if it does not entirely pre-
vent it.

British diplomacy, it is said, has stamina the right of tho
Pacha to make the railway without asking the Sultan's
permission; but, as yet, this right has apparently been but
feebly sustained by the British minister at Constantinople.
The second question, that of the Tansimaut, although at
first sight it would appear to have but a slight bearing on
British interests, is in point of fact of more importance in
that respect than even the question of the railway. Tho
Tanziinaut is a firman or edict recently issued by the Sultan,
which prohibits the execution of any sentence of capital or
other corporal punishment in the provinces without tho
sanction of the l'orte being previously obtained.
Whatever may be the practical working of this new
system of curtailing the authority of the provincial gover-
nors in some other parts of the Ottoman empire, it is alto-
gether unsuited to the circumstaoces of Egypt. There
prompt punishment must follow conviction, or the law
will have no clfect, and insubordination and emfusion will
be the inevitable result.

In no part of the Ottoman empire is this interference less
needed than in Egypt. Capital punishments there arc ex-
tremely rare, and nu punishment can be inflicted until after
trial iu an ordinary tribunal, and revision of the sentence
by a superior one.
This following extract of n letter just received from
Egypt, and dated Alexandria, Sept. 19, will show the ma-
chinations now carrying on there by the Paella's enemies.
It is written by one wed acquainted with the doings which
he exposes:
It is with much regret that I have to inform you that
i the intrigues, and, I may say, conspiracies to thwart his
(the Pacha's) exertions and deprive him of the powers
which are absolutely necessary to maintain his go-
vernment in Egypt, to which I recently alluded,
are assuming Ms aspect of u very serious nature, and
that if a stop is not put to them soon, and some decided
demonstration made by the British government to maintain
the present paella with the same power that his predecessors
Mehemet Ali and Ibrahim Paella have exercised under tho
settlement of the Eastern question, neither the railway nor
the other contemplated transit improvements can, in my
opinion, go forward. Nearly all the members of the lato
Mehemet Ali and Ibrahim Dacha's families have lately
withdrawn themselves from this country, and become atten-
dants at the court of the Sultan at Constantinople. Some
of them have been raised from the rank of Bey to that of
Nam. They possess large tracts of laud in Egypt, with a
numerous tenantry of Ft:Dabs, over alma they exercise
great influence and. power. Lately the emissaries who have
been at work among the Fellahs on the Tanzimaut question,
endeavouring to depreciate the power and position of the Pa-
ella, have become inure numerous and active, and are doing
much mischief in teaching and instigating these ignorant
people to despise and resist the Pacha's authority. Tho
result will be that the Pasha will be unable to procure tho
labour necessary to make the railway, and it will either be
greatly protracted or given up, notwithstanding the con-
tract with Mr. Ste: henson: and, further, that the proceed-
ings at Constantinople will result in the political disor-
ganisation of this country, and the consequent interruption
of the transit. Mr. Murray, our consul-general, is, I
believe, doing all in his power in favour of the Paella, bat
he is not supported at Constantinople."
The above expose needs no comment, and it may only be
necessary at present to state a fact which has transpired
since the arrival of the last mail, namely, that the Puha
finding himself in the dilemma of either succumbing to tho
torte, by asking its authority for making the railway, or of
at once braving its power, has resolved, if he is nu better
supported by British influence than hitherto, to sus-
pend the construction of the railway, and thus 'keep tho
question in abeyance.
Whether a result so inimical to British interests shall
take place, is in the hands of our Foreign Minister, and the
British public, should it so unfortunately happen, will uo
doubt ere long ask him the remain why. S.

THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

RETURN OF CAPTAIN AUSTIN WITH THE
Mrs OF THE ARCTIC SEARCHING EXPEDI-

?I0x•

gar Majesty's ships Resolute and Pioneer are
antra la IN:mouth Bonds, and the Asaistanee and In-
trepid at Grimsby, oa their way to Woolwieh.
following is Capt. Austin's report of his farther
prseerdiass

t' Hee Majesty's ship Resolute, at =elm of
Wiatertan, Norfolk. &pi. 30.

Sir,—l. In continuation of the report of the 12th of
Anise lag, transmitted by Capt. Penny, I have now the
bestow to acquaint you for the information of the Lords
Ccalmigioners of the Admiralty that being off Cape War-
Mader on t►e evening of the 14th, in clear water, and under
/wearable cireunistanees, I attached to the Intrepid, Lieut.
Haim and Mr. Hamilton, mate ; and to the Pioneer, Mr.
loppougall, leeceld master, for hydrographical purposes, as
oho Mr. May, mate, in addition to the latter vessel, so that
is Me event of opportunity offering, the sequirementa of
those dicers might be brought to good account; gave to each
vessel is additional men. Directed Captain Ommanney to
Meet a cairn and beacon, and deposit a record onCape War-
gender, and conduct the ►hips to the east coast of Baffin's
Bay, and rendezvous between Wolstenholme Sound and
Caps York ; then, placing myself on board the Pioneer,
proceeded at 7 o'clock p.m. with both steanvtenders along
the west shore of Baffin's Bay; rounded Cape lloeshurgh
es the 15th ; advanced along the coast to the northward
about 30 miles, and then proceeded up by the southern shore
of an extensive sound in a north-west direction about 45
Miles; here our progress was arrested by a fixed barrier of
ice that was subsequently found to extend from shore to
shore a distance of 2.5 milts. The vessel then stood along
the edge of the ice, to the north shore, when, proving
it impracticable to prosecute further, a cairn and beacon
were erected, and record deposited, upon a remarkable
conical island; after which we returned by the north shore
out of the sound, having dead; examined both sides with-
out discovering traces of the miming expedition.
. . .

"2. The month of this sound is about 60 miles broad,
With an island at its entrance 20 miles in length, of which
Cape Leopold is a part. During the clearest period we had
here, when distant objects were very distinct, there was
eeeryappearance of awellolefined outline of land stretching
across and terminating it to the westward ; and, although I
am impressed that there is no outlet in that direction, yet
by no means assert such to be the ease.
"3. There is every reason to consider this the Jones's
Bound of Baffin, although its northern shore is situated
about 10 miles to the southward of that upon the chart.
.4. The attempt was then made to get to the northward
along the western shore of Baffin's Bay, to satisfactorily de-
termine this question ; but the ice rendered it impracticable,
for by this time it hail set home upon the coast and blocked
up both entrances to the sound. We therefore directed our
eour,e, with considerable difficulty, through a drifting pack
towards the east shore, in the hope of being able to get to
the northward and westward on that side, but were arrested
10 miles to the northward of SVolstenholme Sound on the
20th, and detained and beset in that locality until the 2Sth,
during two days of which, with spring tides, and a heavy
gale front the southward, our position was both critical and
perilous. Cpon one occasion, the Intrepid was driven up on
the tongue of a berg, while her rudder was carried away,
the frame of her screw broken, and two of her boats run
over by a floe, the vessel herself remaining for about 20
hours in great peril, during a part of which her stern war
raised to a very considerable extent, with tho ice piling up
forward to her gunwale and all but filling on her deck,
rends ring it doubtful whether it would not become im-
perative to abandon her, but happily the wind fell, the
ice eased, and she became relieved in a most remark-
ahle manner, apparently without having sustained any
vital injury.
"a. Being unable to rejoin the Intrepid, and the ice
easing to the northward, the Pioneer proceeded in that
direction, until reaching nearly opposite Cape Parry, the
southern entrance of Whale Sound, where she was again
arrested by the ice in close pack, and made fast in the hope
Of being able to examine that sound, which is of limited
extent (from eight to ten miles broad at its entrnnee), takes
a north-easterly direction, and was tilled with ice. After
remaining a few hours the ice began to close from the
southward, rendering it necessary to forthwith retrace our
steps to avoid being beset, and we proceeded in the dieee-
ties of the Intrepid.
"6. Having now, after full consideration, seen the im-
practicability of proceeding further to the northward or
westward in Baffin's Bay, without risking detention for an-
other winter, and the uncertainty of being then able to do
so; and considering that Baffin's Bay had been examined
as far as the supposed Jones's Sound on its west side, and as
Whale Sound on its east, without any tsaee of the missing
expedition; in addition to which, looking to the late
period of the navigable season, I deemed it my duty to pro-
ceed at once to rejoin the ships and return to England, in
accordance with the spirit of my instructions. We were,
however, impeded a few miles to the northward of Wel-
stenhalme Island by a close and heavy pack to the south-
%aril until the lot inst., when a slight easing of the ice
took place, enabling us, after considerable difficulty and
dubt, to rejoin the ships—the Pioneer on the morning of
the :Sad• and the Intrepid, not being able to take the same
lead, on the 6th.

-7. It is here necessary to notice that, had it not been
for the capability of the screw propeller, most remarkable
ander such circumstances, I do nut consider that either the
passage across Baffle's 134 or that to rejoin the skip, could
have been accomplished in We manner or time they were.
8. Darin: the detention uhf Wolstenholme Sound on the
itiebt of the 2Sth the vessels were visited by a party of Ave
Eemintaux. with dog-sledges, but apprehending, as spring
tides were in operation, that their return to the shore might
he rat etf, their departure was hastened, after liberally sup-
plpar them with useful articles from the presents furnished
to the expedition fur that purpose, as also with as much
wood fur constructing sledges as they could convey. The
monilence with which these harmless people approached the
et.els and their general manners indicated their having
vivied the North Star, or some other vessel ; and their state
of licslth and appearance altogether betokened contentment

sad comparative comfort.
" 9. On my return to the ships 1 learnt from Captain
Doinanney that, in crossing BaMee Bay, they had been
hampered considerably by the ice, and were compelled to
pan to the northward of the Cary Islands.
-10. On the evening of the 6th of September the expe-
dition proceeded to make the beat of its way out of Baffin'.
Bay sad Davis's Strait ; being much favoured by fair winds
sad open water, Cape Farewell was parsed on the 16th,
since which we have been followed by fresh gales and a
bath sea until abreast of Aberdeen, on the evening of the
2Oth, reaching this at 1.30 p.m. this day.

" 11. The Pioneer, in advance of the other vessels,
put.d company during a strong breeze on the 18th; the
latri pid, during a fresh gale and thick weather, while
pre•siog the ships through the Fair Island Passage, on the
21th t and the Assistance, during a strong gale and thick
weather off Kinnaird's Head, on the 26th. The Resolute
has been delayed in proceeding between the Pentland
&ernes, and this in the hope of the other vessels rejoin-
: but, although they have not done so, I have every
rtmos to believe that they are either in advance or in our
immediate vicinity.
" 12. The watchfulness culled for in proceeding out of
Say and Davis's Straits ; the unexpected rapidity of
oar passage from Cape Farewell, combined with a following
have prevented the completion of a compiled chart,
showing the land newly discovered, and that surveyed by
th:. expedition ; but which, with other records Ind docu-
mists in detail, shall be transmitted at an early period.
" 13. In concluding this report I feel it to be due to es-
-IWeSi my sense of the ready and zealous co-operation I have
r,c,ved from Captain Otarnanney, and of the efficient state
in which the ship, under his command, has been at all times
b II , to the officers in command of the steam tenders, to
the executive officers of the expedition, and to the heads
of the respective branches, my best thanks are due,
m.,1 1 must not omit to notice the talented assistance I
Lot had in the navigation of the expedition from Mr.
Ai:au, master of the Resolute. Of all in their respective
stations (not forgetting the admirable conduct and spirited
tuitions of the crews), I cannot speak too highly, and
hope, should their lordships be pleased to think favourably
of the labours of the expedition entrusted to my charge,
that they may be further induced to reward the individual
"14. When looking to the return of the expedition
nadir such favourable circumstances from the privations
and eluxgers which we have had to contend with, with the
loss of but one life and so few casualities, I cannot close
thi` report without expressing to their lordships the deep
Maw that is generally felt of the great mercy and protec-
tion that has been vouchsafed unto us. At the same time
I scut ever deeply regret that, although aided by most
liberal resources, our exertions unhappily have not bean
crowned with success.
Herewith I enclose a chart descriptive of the progress
of the steam tenders while prosecuting the search in the

•cellars part of BaMa's Bay, as also a few sketches of some
ot the asset peomineat peplum
" I have, he.,
HON►TIO T. AUSTIN,
" Captaia, and la charge of the expedition."
Her Majesty's ship Resolute, Yarmouth Roads,

October 1, 1851.

" Sir,—Since forwarding my 'report, date(' 30th of Sep-
timber, I hare the honour to state for the information of
the Lords Commissioner; of the Admiralty, the Resolute,

. -
with her tender, the Pioneer, have arrived in Yarmouth
Roads, and that the Assistance, with her tender, the In-
trepid, are in the Humber.
" I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient ser-
vant, " HORATIO T. AUSTIN,

" Captain in charge of an Arctic Expedition."
" To the Secretary of the Admiralty, London."