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London, England, 1807-04-27 00:00:00

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I IPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE uT LUILDI.—S , Asa L 25.
_ _

This de' the Lord CHANCELLOR, Lord
HAWBc.dBURT, and Idad WALSINIGHAM,
sat le their :obis as His Majesty's Commissioners ;
and the Commons.being in attendance, declared the
Itn)4l Assent to a gteat number of Privire and
Public Amens the former were the Irish
Loan il;11. the Btitish Loan Interest Bill, the bill
Stamp Duties, Malt, and Spitits Duties Bills, the
Naval Asylum, the Innkeepers' liubsistence, and the
Oak Bask Restating Bills
The Edit upon the table were forwarded in their
several stapes; and some Annual Ae‘ounts from
- t!,e cunt of East India Diredfors, were presented
be Mr. Owen, and ordered to lie on the Tattle.—
Adjourced till Ittanday.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

The House also met yesterday, but it was merely
Y p. forma, to forward the private business, and to
rrceive the Me,sage from the Lords respetting the
na Comission above alluded to a after which the
! [louse adjourned to Monday.

ANECDOTES OF THE
GRAND SIUNIOR, SALIM 111.

Ti,e commencement of a new reign frequently
resembles the morning's dawn, which deceitfully
announces the brillinnt appearance of the otb of
day. but is aatially the precursor of thickening
divide and boistsio,,s t,,mposts. This simile is not
inapplicable t, the Sultan Selim lIL Gihandari, the
present ruler of the once formidable Ottoman Em-
pire. He is the son of the Emperor blustapha 111.
distingiti<lied by the surname of the Glorious, and
nephew to the last Turkish Monarch, Abdul Ha-
rold, who died eery suddenly on the 7th of April,
1709, in the 64th year et his ege, alter taking a
cup of itsdieeariZle eisfee. leaving two male heirs,
Sultan Ainstaphe and Sultan Mahnsud. Conform-
ably with the Turkish syttena of policy, which, to

ei):;doe the inconveniLlkitS liable to festal Eras the

iorernmant of a Minor, calls to the throne the
Prince of the seigning family, Sclitm Who
had been destined by his uncle for his successor,
was, on the 13th of April, 1789, solemnly begin
with the Hatorchan, or sword of Mah,.m:t, in the
Mosque of Eyoub, as the t;:ith Monarch of the
►ace of Osman.

Never did any Su!tan manifest greater ardour
and impetuosity. or a more wattike spirit, than Se.
aim 111. ou his actecsion to the Throne. 11e was
then only in his lath year, being bi,rn on the tnith
of December, 1761, so that age cannot even yet
he supposed to have extinguished his energy. His
vivacity was probably noshing more than illusion,
a mere disguise assumed from motives of prudence,
because at that time, the people, as well as the
highest personages at Constantinople, clamoured
for the most vigorous prosecution of the war ; and
it was not unknown, that the pacific disposition of
AbJul Hassid, had contributed to his sudden
death.

The Grandees of the Empire concealed their sen-
timents, is silent admiration ; while the people
loudly congratulated themselves on the accession of
such a spirited Sovereign, who manifested, in all his
anions, so decided an inclination for the continu-
ance of the war. When some one represented to
him the state of the Empire, and the dangers with
which it was menaced, especially As France and
Spain reiblic possibly be induced to side with the
two Imperial Co.: ts, he liitened with attention to
what be had ro say, and at length replied •• it is,
never° elm, my pleasure, to prosecute the war ;"
and issued the must positive orders to this et-
feet.

Its the very first night of his reign, Selin fired
himself firmly on the Throne, and in the affations
of the people. A fire broke out in the arsenal.—
Selim resolved to repair to the spot, according to
the custom of the Sultans, that be might the mote
speedily check, by his orders, the progress of the
flames. he was told, that it was unusual for. the
Sultans to appear in public, previous to their solemn
inauguration, which consists in being girt with the
sword of Mahomet. Selina's answer was accom-
panied with a look of asperity, and he gave orders
to prepare immediately for his departure from the
Seraglio. The people, among whom he ordered
money to be distributed, to eiamourage them to extra
themselves in extinguishing the conflagration, ac-
companied him on his stuns to the Seraglio, with
the loudest acclamations ; so that no person thirst
hazard any attempt against &bin, which otherwise
might probably bare been the case. The coercion,
of girding on the sword had usually been accosts-
panted with great musical entertainments and danc-
ing. Selma would not celebrate it with any festivi-
ties of that kind, but gave a tournament, which he
thought better suited to the circumstances of the
times.

Though Fortune was for from smiling on Se-
lim's arms, ye: be re,olved not to lay them down.
In 1791, when the k.mpress-Mother, or Sultana
Valide, t-rr ,nom he eutertaine.: the highest vene-
sation, r.t desist. in spite of his admoni-
tions not to i...rameddle with State Affairs, from
importuning `iisn to mate peace with Russia, be at
length lost all patienee, and removed his so peaceably
dispowd mother for a time from his Palace, to the
old Setaglio, where the WINEICII of the deceased .10.
narch are usually kept. Nevertheless, a peace took
place the same year with the Empiets Catharine 11.
atter the treaty concluded at Saigon e, on the 4th
of August, had reconciled Austria and the Porte.
In August, 1791, preliminaries of peace were
signed at Petersburgh, and were succeeded by the
definitive treaty, ratified on the 29th of December,
at the Congress of Jassy.
Since that period, Selim 111. has lived in relations
of emitywith his formidable north-eastern neighbour;
and, seven years afterwards, when France attempt.
ed to ravish Egypt from his sceptre, these were
still more closely cemented, by means of a defen-
sive alliance between Russia and the Porte. The
political storms which shook the Turkish Empire,
at the conclusion of the 13th, and the beginning of
the 19th century, demanded a skilful hand to
guide the helm of the State. Internal energy was
wanting to preserve the shattered vessel. With all
the resources which the Porte has at its disposal, it
has not even been able to quell the insurreßions of
rebellious Pachas, and to secure the internal tran-
quillity of the Empire against the numerous hordes
of banditti, which overrun its provinces. During
the late war with France, Selim was involved in
continual solicitude, which crippled the execution
of every decisive measure. Hence Egypt, though
cleared of foreign enemies, remained in a state of
insurredien the andaehois Paswan Oglu defied
him at Widdin, and the bold Czerny George, suc-
cessfully asserted the claims of the Servien insus-
gents, against the troops of the Grand Signior.
At such a crisis as the present, irresolution is the
most dangerous quality of a Sovereits, especially
at Constantinople. Grandees about the person

of.flelina 111. loon perceived that Is Melly ht at
first manifested, and of which even ordinary then
are susceptible, when circumstances inspire diem
with enthusiasm, was fore:gn to the charader of
the' Sultan, and tl.ry turned the discovery to their
advantage. Affairs sown went at Selim's Court.- as
they had done at that of the weak and gnod•na-
tured Abdul Hatnid. New intrigues, new charge
of Mi!tictry, mov<erne.►ts of parties, under fo-
reign influence, new syrems, and an everlastirg
fluCtuation of principles in the Divan I

Seim Gihandari is more entitled to respell as a
private man thanes a Sovereign ; his idzas are more
enlightened and more free from prejudice than
those of his predecessors; and his r.ntiments are
tolerant and accommodated to the present times.
Ile is e'en reported to poss. ss a happy talent at
poetical composition in the Arabic language. Ihe
Turks, however, have greater need of a man of
strong mind, than of a itekesprit, to conduit their af-
fairs. Selim is indeed charged with being very
fend of money, and with boarding it more than any
of his predecessors ; but, on the other hand, he dis-
plays great generosity in the distribution of rewards.

His present condud forms a striking contrast
with the chargter which he at first assumed. He
then appeared as the professed enemy 4 the Franks.
This antipathy impelled him to issue, among others,
ti)e severe ediet. prohibiting all Franks, (or Chris.
tians), and Jews, from wearing the Turkish ceshatt4
and commanding them to dress in clothes after the
French fashion. This ordinance was extremely
mortifying to them, as it exposed them to the con-
tempt and derision of the Turks, throughout all
Constantinople.

On the contrary, Selina now treats the /hanks,
and particularly those resident at Constantinople,
with gre-t indulgence and humanity. On this
subjelt, arecdotes are related concerning him, for
which a parallel would be sought in vain, in the
history of his ancestors. The Sultans have, for ea.
ample, considered it as beneath them to look at a
Frank as they rode past him. They either looked
dawn, or turned the'r faces another way, with con
te-npt. Sultan Sella-, however, is said, when riding
in procession and in solemn pomp to the I)whamie
to havo often looted with an air of benignity at t c
Franks standing by the way.side, and even to slave
sometimes bowed to them, when they re•pedfully
uncovered their heads, which, being against to the
custom of the East, might, on the contrary. have
drawn upon them a reprimand.

It is well known, that he has had many interviews
with Franks at Dolma Backdschelt, and that he has
verbally communicated his pleasure and his orders
to those whom he has taken into his service. On
certain days in the week, he has even caused the
ladies and gentlemen belongintto the French fami-
lies settled at Pera and Galata, to assemble and
dance in a saloon in his Seraglio ; and he generally
watched them, while engaged in this amusement,
through a lattice. On such occasion•, one of the
company, by his desire, plays on a small organ, his
favourite tune, the well-kaown Marliorough s'ea
ve-t-ea grow, aad the others accompany the music
with their voices. The celebrated lullaby-song of
the late Dauphin, formerly sung all over Europe,
from the Seine to the Oby, and now almost forgot.
ten, has at length completed its tour of the world,
having penetrated to Constantinople. It has there
maintained its ground longer than any where else ;
for, as it pleased the Sultan, it became almost a
national air, and you may still hear it sung by many
a Tschailtschu..; but somewhat mutilated, it is true,
and only t 3 be recognised from the beginning of the
tune.

The following true anecdote evinces the polite.
ness of the Emperor towards the Franks. One fine
summer's day, many of the Frankish families resi.
dent at Constantinople, had assembled at Buyukdere,
on some festive occasion. The fineness of the wea-
ther, or perhaps curiosity to see so many Franks to-
gether, likewise enticed the Grand Signior from his
water party to the some place. The sky was slid--
denly overcast, and a heavy shower c.f rain fell, just
when all the company were walking in an extensive
meadow. The ladies, who were provided with urn-
breUas, put them up ; but as the Grand Signior
alone hAs the privilege of employing this kind of
defence, ei:her against sun or rain, and no person
is allowed to use it in his presence, they immedi-
ately let down their umbrellas, whilst the Sultan
passed by them, on his return to his gondola. No
sooner did he perceive this matt of attention, than
he sent a message, granting them permission to
make use of their umbrellas, even in his presence.
The Emperor frequently goes about in the capi-
tal, iaregnit•, and in various disguises. Sometimes
he wears a green turban and an Albanian dre s, or
an Arnant cap, and wide red cloak, with gold
clasps, after the manner of the Boatiiaks. On these
occasions he is portray attended br no more than
fouriscrsons, aU dretied in the same manner as
himself, se as not to be distinguished. One of
1 these attendants le the executioner, who always fol.

laws the Grand Signior. in Ql his exaorsions,b 1.11 en
horseback MI on foot. It is well known, that I r
any instance of speedy justice, there is none to esil
him to acilonnt, nor need be even assign a can ,*
This privittle the Sultans have always made use,
and so did Eelim in the first years of his reign. IST,
however, forms an honourshle exception in r' e
~-tereise of this hat barons prerogative; crinforri Y
to custom, he s: ill totems the terrific attendant, ; •,
without esnirg for his professional services. 1.,
these exemrsions, he often visits the schon; ,
barraCks, the coffe.-houses, the academical in ti'vt.
tions, and the guard-houses ; and he not
qu-ntly distributes, with his own hand,
among those who have either obtained his apprehs.
tion, or whom he wishes to encourage.
According to the laws of the Turkish Em,••
every male must learn some business, and tx •.s
this, the Sultans themselves are not exempted, sc.
him learned the art of painting en murlin, and, dari,,g
his reign, it has come se much into vogue in the
Seraglio, that a great number of sophas and divas-,
in the interior of the palace, are now covered wit's
this kind of painted mashies.

The superior understanding of his mother, ale
Sultana Valide, gave her a great influence onr
the Emperor. She had formerly been the sieve of
a Mossohints, named Veheads, and was brought
up with Murad Bey, who aim* acquired such
celebrity as a Chief of the Mamelukes, and who
was likewise purchased is early youth by the same
master. Arriving in the Seraglio in the very
sower of youthful beauty, and a proficient in all
the little arts that are pradised in the Harem, she
was fortunate enough to gain the favour cf Sul.nt
Mustapha, and to become the mother of a Prince of
the race of the Osmanides. The affection of the
Sultanas for their children, whom they suckle
themselves, is almost always peculiarly strong in
the Seraglio; and the attachment of the latter to
the mother, is not less remarkable. The Sultaca
rumbas have, therefore, from a remote period, en-
joyed the privilege of ailing important parts at the
Ottoman Court.

Sultan Selim cherished the highest degree cf
veneration and gratitude for her who gave him life.
The Sultana Valide (who died in °Sober, 185, is
h:r 73d yea.) alw .ys maturated a particular kind-
hess and reg:ul fur the French, and even during
their invasiou of Egypt, she never abandoned their
cause. France and the Porte are now again in.
timately conneeted, and the former has declared it.
sett ute prute..gor and defender et the Tarkiat
Empire.

Sultan Selim has three sisters, daughters of Sul.
tan Muatapha, but by a different mother. Thcy
are all freak:. The eldest, who has the title cf
Schack Sultana, or Imperial Princess, is married ta
Nuhandschi Muatapha, formerly Pacha of Sa.
lonichi. As he is not a man of much ambition.
and kis character excites no suspicion in the Court,
he is suffered to live peaceably with his wife, in a
Palace contiguous to the suburb of Eyub. As to
as respells him, a custom. that no Pacha, whether
in office or not, shall reside in the capital, unless he
occupies a place in the Divan, or fills some of t:.e
high offices of state, has been dispensed with. The
second sister, known by the name of Beiham Sul-
tanajs the widow of Selikds.r Mustapha Pacha, kr-
merly Kai-Makan, or Deputy of the Grand V.zir,
who died Pacha of Bosnia. The third is called
Hedischa Sultana, and is the widow of Seid Achmed
Pacha, who died Pacha of Wan, on the frontiers of
Persia.

Sultan Selim has,
.as yet, no issuc ; and such is
his negled of the women of the Hanson, that it is
scarcely eapefied that he will ever become a fatt.ei.
The heirs apparent to the throne see his 6..:
cousins, Sultan Mnstapha. and Sultan
sons of the Sultan Ali4ul Hismiu, the eider of
is 27, and e yniinger s±2 rats of age. Both of
them are ye y kindly treatci by the present Grand
Signior, out of gratitude for the kia,ine.s he him-
self expetienced from their father, his uncle. N.-
vertheless, they are, according to custom, u'aii,;il
to live secluded from all society, in the inmost re•
cesses of the Great Seraglio; and they are permi:med.
but very rarely, to leave their quarter, in order :2
kiss the hand of the reigning Sovereign. With "
other companions than women doomed to sterility.
and no otl.er attendants than black eunuchs, ar.
these Princes obhged to pats their lives.

Such ate the succeuors of ti:e celebrated Ottoman
heroes of past ages; of those mighty and war: Le
Sultans, who, bred in camps, struck tenor into it
Christendom. Imbued only with the precept' of
the Koran, and the sentiment of barred to the Chris-
tians; without the least knowledge of the
from which they are totally excluded ; ignorant
alike of the business of war, and the important de•
ties imposed on the Sovereign of so immense 01
empire; one of these Princes will, after Sane.
death, ascend the Ottoman Throne, unless pnhar
Sans himself be destined to conclude the line of St 4
27 monarchs of the race of Osman.

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