The Sun.
London, England, 1853-10-17 00:00:00

MANIFESTO OF THE SUBLIME PORTE.

In the present state of circumstances, it would be
superfluous to take up from its very commencement the
explanation of the difference which has arisen between
the Sublime Porte and Russia, to enter anew into the
detail of the diverse phases which this difference has
gone through, or to reproduce the opinions and judg-
ments of the government of his Majesty the Sultan,
which have been made public by the official documents
promulgated from time to time.
In spite of the desire not to restate the urgent reasons
which determined the modifications introduced by the
Sublime Porte into the draft of the note prepared at
Vienna (motives exposed previously in a note explana-
tory of the modifications), yet new solicitations having
been made for the adoption, pure and simple, of the
said note, in consequence of the non-adhesion of Russia
to these same modifications, the Ottoman Government,
finding itself at present compelled and forced to under-
take war, thinks it a duty to give an exposition of the
imperious reasons for that important determination, as
well as for those which have obliged it not to regulate
this time its conduct according to the counsels of the
Great Powers its allies, although it has never ceased to
appreciate the benevolent nature of their suggestions.
The principal points to which the Government of his
Majesty the Sultan desires to give prominence are these :
—That from the very beginning his conduct has fur-
nished no motive of quarrel, and that, animated with the
desire of preserving peace, he has acted with a remark-
able spirit of moderation and conciliation, from the com-
mencement of the difference unto the present time. It
is easy to prove these facts to all who do not wander
from the path of justice and equity.
Even supposing that Russia had a subject of complaint
in relation to the Holy Places, she ought to have cir-
cumscribed her actions and solicitations within the
limit: of this question alone, and ought not to have
raised pretensions which the object of her complaints
could not sustain. She ought not, moreover, to have
taken measures of intimidation, such as sending her
troops to the frontiers, and making naval preparations
at Sebastopol, on the subject of a question which might
have been settled amicably between the two powers.
But it is evident that what has taken place is totally
contrary to an intention of amicable settlement.
The question of the Holy Places had been settled to
the satisfaction of all parties ; and the Government of
his Majesty the Sultan had testified favourable dis-
positions on the subject of the guarantees demanded.
In short Russia had no longer any ground for raising
any protest.

Is it not seeking a pretext for quarrel then, to insist
as Russia has done upon the question of the privileges
of the Greek church granted by the Ottoman Govern-
Ternment, privileges which the Government believes its
honour, its dignity, and its sovereign power are con-
cerned in maintaining, and on the subject of which it
can neither admit the interference nor the surveillance
of any Government ? Is it not Russia which has occu-
pied with considerable forces the principalities of Mel- 1
davit), and Wallachia, declaring at the same time that
these provinces should serve as a guarantee, until she
had obtained what she desired ? Has not this act been
considered justly by the Sublime Porte as a violation
of treaties, and consequently as a casus belli ? Have the
other powers themselves been able to come to any other
decision ? Who, then, will doubt that Russia has been
the aggressor ? Could the Sublime Porte, which has
always observed all her treaties with a fidelity known to
all, by infringing them in any way do more than deter-
mine Russia to a proceeding so violent as that of her-
self infringing all these treaties ? Again, has there
arisen, contrary to the promise explicitly given in the
treaty of Kainardji, such facts in the Ottoman empire
as the demolition of Christian churches, or obstacles
opposed to the exercise of the Christian religion?
The Ottoman Cabinet, without desiring to enter into
too long details on these points, doubts not that the high
powers, its allies, will judge with perfect truth and jus-
tice on the statement just exhibited.
As to the non-adoption of the Vienna dote in its pure
and simple form by the Sublime Porte, it is to be re-
marked that this project, although not in every point
conformed to the note of Prince Menschikoff, and while
containing, it is true, in its composition, some of the
paragraphs of the draught note of the Sublime Porte, is
not as a whole, whether in letter or spirit, essentially
different from that of Prince Menschikoff.
The assurances recently given by the representatives
of the Great Powers respecting the apprehended danger
from hurtful interpretations of the draught note in
question, are a new proof of the kind intentions of their
respective governments towards the Sublime Porte.
They have consequently produced a lively satisfaction on
the part of the government of his Majesty the Sultan. It
must be remarked, however, that while we have still
before our eyes a strife of religious privileges raised y
Russia, which seeks to base its claims on a paragraph b
so
clear and so precise in the treaty of Kainardji ; which
wishes to insert in a diplomatic document the paragraph
concerning the active solicitude of the Emperor of Russia
for the maintenance in the states of the Sublime Porte of
religious immunities and priviliges which were granted
(octroyes) to the Greek rite by the Ottoman Emperors
before Russia so much as existed as an empire, to leave
in a dark and doubtful state the absence of all relation
between these privileges and the treaty of Kutschuk
Kainardji, to employ in favour of a great community of
subjects of the Sublime Porte professing the Greek reli-
gion expressions which might make allusion to treaties
concluded with France and Austria relative to the French
and Latin religions—this would be to incur the risk of
placing in the hands of Russia vague and obscure para-
graphs, some of which are contrary to the reality of facts,
and would offer to Russia a solid pretext for her
pretensions to a religious surveillance and protectorate
—pretensions which that power would attempt to pro-
duce, affirming that they are not derogatory to the
sovereignty and independence of the Sublime Porte.
The very language of the emp?oyes and agents of
Russia, who have declared that the intention of the Go-
vernment was no other than to fulfil the office of an ad-
vocate with the Sublime Porte whenever acts contrary
to existing privileges might be done, is a patent proof of
the justice of the opinion of the Ottoman Government.
If the Government of his Majesty the Sultan has
judged it necessary to require that assurances should be
given, even if the modifications which it introduced by
it into the Vienna note were adopted, how in conscience
could it be tranquil if the note were to be retained in its
integrity and without modification ? The Sublime
Porte, in accepting that which it has declared to all the
world it could not admit without being compelled thereto,
would compromise its dignity in view of the other
powers, would sacrifice its honour in the eyes of its own
subjects, and would commit a mental and moral suicide.
Although the refusal of Russia to accord the modifi-
cations required by the Sublime Porte has been based
on a question of honour, it cannot be denied that the
ground of that refusal was simply and solely its desire
not to allow explicit terms to replace vague expressions,
which might at some future time furnish it with a pre
teet for intermeddling. Such conduct, therefore,
com-
pels the Sublime Porte to persist on its part inwith-
holding its adhesion.
The reasons which have determined the Ottoman Go-
vernment to make its modifications having been appre-
ciated by the representatives of the F our Powers, it is
proved that the Sublime Porte was
neg.ht
It is not with
in not purely
and simply adopting the Vienna note.
the view of criticising a project which obtained the assent
of the great powers that we enter upon a discussion of
the inconveniences which the Vienna note presents.
Their
Their efforts have always tended to
.the preservation of
peace, while defending
theriegletvousdaena(l
independencersm of h
ad
Imperial Government. Th
these objects having been as laudable as can be conceived,
the Sublime Porte cannot sufficiently acknuoswtiepsedogsetshsemin.
But,
as evidently each Government m
consequence of its peculiar knowledge and its local ex-
perience, more facilities than any other Government for
judging of the points which concern its own rights, the
examination which the Ottoman Government makes is
prompted entirely by its desire to justify the obligatory
situation in which, to its great regret, it finds itself
placed, desiring, as it has done, to -continue following
the benevolent councils offered to it by its allies ever
since the commencement of the differences, and which
until now it has followed.
If it is alleged that the haste with which the Vienna
note was drawn up results from the backwardness of the
Sublime Porte to propose an arrangement, the govern-
ment of his Majesty the Sultan must justify itself by
stating the following facts :
Before the entrance of the Russian troops into the
two Principalities, some of the representatives of the

_
Powers, actuated by the sincere int on of preventing
the occupation of those provi , urged upon the
Sublime Porte the necessity framing a draft note
ebccupying a middle place between the draft note of the
.>u dime Porte and that of Prince Menschikoff. More
lately the representatives of the Powers confidently
communicated different schemes of arrangement to the
Sublime Porte. None of these latter responded to the
views of the Imperial Government; and the Ottoman
Cabinet was on the point of entering into negotiations
with the representatives of the Powers on the basis of a
project drawn up by itself in conformity with these sug-
gestions. It was at this moment that news of the pas-
sage of the Pruth by the Russians arrived, a fact which
changed the face of the whole question. The draught
note proposed by the Sublime Porte was then set aside,
and the Cabinets were requested to express their views
of this violation of treaties after the protest of the
Sublime Porte. On the one hand, the Ottoman Cabinet
had to wait for their replies, and on the other it drew
up, at the suggestion of the representatives of the
Powers, a project of arrangements, which was sent to
Vienna.

As the sole answer to all these active steps, the draft
of our note prepared (elabore) at Vienna made its ap-
pearance.

However that may be (Quoiqu'al em sat) the Ottoman
Government fearing rightly (a juste titre) everything
which might imply a right of interference in favour of
Russia in religious matter, could do no more than give
assurances calculated to dissipate the doubts which had
become the subject of discussion ; and it will not, after
so many preparations and sacrifices, accept propositions
which could not be received at the time of the stay of
Prince Menscbikoff at Constantinople. Since the Cabi-
net of St. Petersburg has not been content with the as-
surances and pledges that have been offered, since the
benevolent efbarts of the high powers have remained
fruitless ; since, in fine, the Sublime Porte cannot tole-
rate or suffer any longer the actual state of things, or
the prolongation of the occupation of the Moldo-Wal-
lachian Principalities, they being integral portions of its
empire—the Ottoman Cabinet, with the firm and praise-
worthy intention of defending the sacred rights of sove-
reignty and the independence of its government, will
employ just reprisals against a, violation of the treaties
which it considers as a casus belli. It notifies, then,
officially that the Government of his Majesty the Sultan
finds itself obliged to declare war, that it has given
most precise instructions (les instructions les plus catego-
rique,s) to his Excellency Omer Pacha to demand from
Prince Gortschakoff the evacuation of the Principali-
ties, and to commence hostilities if after a delay of
fifteen days from the arrival of his dispatch at the
Russian head-quarters an answer in the negative should
be returned.

It is distinctly understood that should the reply of
Prince Gortschakoff be negative, the Russian agents
are to quit the Ottoman Empire, and that the commer-
cial relations of the respective subjects of the two go-
vernments shall be broken off.
At the same time the Sublime Porte will not con-
sider it just to lay an embargo upon Russian merchant
vessels, as has been the practice. Consequently, they
will be warned to resort either to the Black Sea or to
the Mediterranean Sea, as they shall think fit within
a term that shall hereafter be fixed. Moreover, the
Ottoman government being unwilling to place hindrances
in the way of commercial intercourse between the sub-
jects of friendly powers, will, during the war, leave the
straits open to their mercantile marine.

LORD BEAUMONT ON TEE EASTERN
QUESTION.

The following letter on the Eastern question, and
the meetings now being held in reference to it,
has been addressed by Lord Beaumont to Lord
Dudley Stuart :

Geneva, Oct. 9, 1853.
Dear Dudley Stuart—l observe with satisfaction that
a popular movement is taking place on the Eastern
question, and that a favourable opportunity is thus af-
forded of placing before the public the true position of
the different parties concerned in it. This is the more
necessary as prejudiced writers and interested journals
have endeavoured to create a general impression on the
subject totally at variance with the truth. It has been
the object of these parties and their employers to keep
up the idea that the Turkish Government is founded on
principles of religious intolerance and opposition to so-
cial improvement, and that Mahomedan institutions are
hostile to personal freedom and scientific progress.
Whatever the Turks at different periods of their his-
tory may have been, there is nothing now in the conduct of
the government or the people of the Ottoman empire, to
justify such an opinion. A great, albeit a gradual, re-
volution has been taking place during more than 30 years
in the more important portions of the empire ; one by
one, every law or custom which tended to oppress the ra-
yak or keep up the barbarous priviliges of feudalism
has been abrogated or repealed. Class distinctions
have been softened down, and those formidable insti-
tutions which were the results of the barbarism of the
middle ages, rather than the consequences of the
doctrines of the Koran, have been all but entirely
swept away. These changes, while they appeared at
the time to annihilate the military superiority of
the empire, have, eventually, considerably ameliorated
it political position. They have placed the Turkish Go-
vernment and its Mahomedan subjects on a level with
the other European nations, and destroyed completely
any argument which could he drawn from their religion
to exclude them from the European community. Nor
have the violent changes effected by Sultan Mahmoud
cooled the martial ardour or weakened the national en-
thusiasm of the people to the extent to which the friends
of Eussia both wished and represented them to have
done. The effects of that great monarch's policy are
now beginning to show themselves. They who talked
of Turkey as dead, now see Lazarus coming out of the
tomb. The Porte has, by its own exertions, placed
itself in the rank of the great powers of Europe. It has
an army and a fleet inferior only to those of the three or
four greatest military states ; its ministers of state have
displayed a tact and ability which has thrown western
diplomacy into the shade ; it has organised a national
movement without confusion, and preserved internal
order without violence. Amidst unparalleled difficulties
arising from foreign complications, it has displayed un-
tiring courage, dignified moderation, straightforward
action, and consummate skill, mixed with honour and
honesty. So changed is now the relative position of the
different powers in the east of Europe, that the Crescent
means religious toleration, personal freedom; national in-
dependence, and social order ; while the Cross (whether
Greek or Roman) is misused as the banner of those who
would establish religious intolerance, personal slavery,
absolutism in governments, and a return to the middle
ages in literature and society. The question at issue
and the subject at stake are something far beyond a
personal quarrel between the Czar and the Sultan. The
contest is between civilisation and barbarism, right
and wrong, progress and retrogression, liberty and
tyranny. All this ought to be put in detail before the
public ; nor ought the difference between the commer-
cial codes and tariffs of Turkey and other European
states to be forgotten. Beyond all this, it is easily
shown how necessary the Sultan's independence is to
the peace of the world and the balance of power in
Europe. The masses seize only the salient points of a
question, and it would therefore be useless to weary
them with the minor details of this important subject.
It is unnecessary to point out at length to them the de-
ceit, insolence, chicanery, and falsehood of Russia in her
recent proceedings ; nor need any one now dwell on the
timidity, folly, ignorance, and subserviency which dic-
tated the disgraceful Vienna note. The people overlook
the blunders of a government if they believe their prin-
ciples to be right ; and should they now act, with energy,
we need not recal the past weakness which has led to
the present crisis. One thing ought to be pointed out,
namely, that Austria is not fairly with us. Her fear of
Russia binds her to that power, even though her inte-
rests are in the opposite direction. The very fact of
Austria being at the mercy of Russia makes it the more
necessary to support Turkey, as the only remaining
bulwark against absolutism and barbarism. The mis-
chievous intrigues of the Greeks must be guarded
against ; and it should be shown to them that their only
choice is between a liberal government like the Sultan's,
and an iron tyranny like the Czar's. No one who is ac-
quainted in the slightest degree with the Eastocfonld
imagine an independent Greek empire, or think
oesnaton tipse in whose
ex-
tending the frontiers of the present semi-Bavarian.
kingdom. Our policy should be foundedweonshpom
ciples of justice, and not on favouritism :
andnt. Christian,Reliieus
Gmakereek nt)
or
n etn distinctionanCatholicbetw ee n
or
independence,
and,
interfere
fde
roec doctrines,
ntehs:,
toleration, liberal government,
and whenever circumstances obliges
MoslemPr9 t Protestant.
and, if you like, commercial freedom,
.naigul
hntot the necessity, of adopt-
ingfaaffvaeiur sr ofw eo
actth e
ther sta twisdom,es wel ought
principles. I find I have written you a rather
than I intended ; but as I am detained here
and conveniently •
for the present, cannot assist at any of
be
public meetings about to held this month, I can-
longeorurletter
the
can-
not refrain from giving you a faint, outline of the line of
argument and of conduct our friends ought to pursue.
Above all, I hope no wild scheme of republicanism, or
democracy, or violent revolution, will be mixed ups with
this clear, great, and European question, but that it
may stand forward on its own broad basis
of right and
justice.—l am, yours truly,

P.S.—Drop a line to tell me what is goiB
ngEAUMONT on, and
say if you think Parliament will meet before the usual
time.

THE PREMIER lIIMSELP ON THE TURKISH

QUESTION.

A. number of the manufacturers and other inha-
bitants of Sheffield having addressed a memorial to
the Prime Minister on the subject of the Eastern
question, the noble earl has returned tiro following
reply :

"Downing-street, Oct. 12, 1853.
" Sin,—l have bad the honour to receive your letter,
transmitting to me a memorial, signed by merchants,
manufacturers, and other inhabitants of the town of
Sheffield, in which they express their approbation of the
conduct of her Majesty's Government, and pray that
they will persevere in the pacific policy which has
hitherto been pursued by them in the East. I beg to
thank the memorialists for this mark of their confidence,
and to assure them that her Majesty's Government will
not cease their utmost endeavours to reconcile the seri-
ous differences which have arisen, and, consistently
with the honour of this country, to preserve Europe
from the calamities of war.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
" AUBURN."

"Robert Waterhouse, E II jun,',

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY-LANE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
THIS EVENING, Oc'roam, 17,
Will he performed WILLIAM TELL. Supported by Messrs.
G. V. Brooke, J. Johnston, A. Younge, Morgan, and Belton ; Mes-
dames Anderton and Vickery.
To be followed by VERY SUSPICIOUS. Supported by Mr. G.
Wild and Miss F. Williams.
T.) conclude with THE WATERMAN. Supported by Miss
Featherstone and Miss E. Ormond.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. CELAHLEB KLAN
THIS EVENING, Oar. 17,
Will be performed THE DAY AFTER THE WEDDING. Sup-
ported by Mr. and Mrs. W. Lasy.
After which, Lord Byron's Tragedy of SARDANAPALUS, con-
siderably abridged for stage representation. Principal characters by
Mr. and Mrs. C. Kean.
To conclude with A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER. Supported
by Mr. W. Lacy and Miss C. Leclercq.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI.
Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster<—Direetress, Madame Celeste,
THIS EVENING. OCT. 17,

Will be performed THEE DISCARDED SON. Characters by
Leigh Murray, Pail Bedford, and Keeley; Mrs. Keeley and Miss
Woolgar.
After which, THE CAMP AT CHOBHAM.
To be followed by "HOTEL CHARGES!" or, How to Cook
"A Blain."
To conclude with COMING OF AGE.

.ILSTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
FIRST APPEARANCE of Miss KATE COOKE on her milk-white
Charger, Snowdrop, expressly trained for her by Mr. W. Cooke.
Last Five Nights of the Battle of Waterloo. Mr. W. Cooke, ever
anxious to present the Patrons of this popular Theatre with every
possible Novelty the Continent affords, has, at an enormous ex-
pense, entered into an Engagement with Mons. CLEUSH and his
Extraordinary ACTING TROLTP of DOGS and MONKEYS,
whose wondrous performances abroad have been the theme of
universal astonishment and admiration. They will appear for the
First Time on SATURDAY, October 23.
THIS EVENING, OCT. 17,
And during the week, will be presented (the 31st time)
the New
Classical Burlesque, entitled JUPITER'S DECREE, AND THE
FALL OF PHAETON; or, THE FIERY COURSERS OF THE SUN,
supported by the entire strength of the Company.
To be followed by Mr. W. Cooke's matchless Scenes in the Circle,
Introducing, for the First Time, Miss KATE COOKE, and those asto-
nishing Artistes, Signor CARLO and Signor FRANCOIS on LA
PERC HE.

Concluding with (106th time) THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO.
Ro-oface open from Eleven till Font:- Stage Manager, Mr. W.
West.

DAILY WEATHER TABLE.

MONDAY, OCT. 17, 1853.
State of the wind and weather at each of the following
places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations are
arranged in order of latitude.
LIMERICK—S. W., calm—overcast.
MuLLINGAR—S.W., gentle breeze—rain.
SOUTHAMPTON— S.W., strong breeze—rain.
TUNBRIDGE—S.W., calm—partially cloudy.
GREENWICH—S.W, gentle breeze—cloudless.
STRooD--S.W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy.
CAMBRIDGE—S., fresh breeze—partially cloudy.
YARMOUTH—S.W., calm—partially cloudy.
.HOLYHEAD—S.W., hard wind—overcast, rain.
The returns from the following places indicate the state
of the weather on Friday morning at nine o'clock :
SOIITHAMPTON—N.E., gentle breeze—rain.
FOLKESTONE—S. strong breeze—partially cloudy.
TUNBRIDGE—E., calm—foggy.
GREENWlCH—calm—foggy.
STRooD—N.E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy.
SWINDON—E., light breeze—cloudy.
CAMBRIDGE—N.E., gentle breeze—cloudy.
YARMOUTH—S.W., calm—overcast.
BIRMINGHAM—NE., gentle breeze—overcast.
LANCASTER—W., calm—cloudless.
HOLYHEAD—E., gentle breeze—fine.
DARLINGTON—N.W., gentle breeze—overcast—very
foggy.
SHAT—N.W., calm--principally clear.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tuts DAT —Morning 59 min.after 1 I
Evening 17 min.aft. 2
To.4lOßßOW—Morning 32 niin.after 2 Evening 48 min.aft. 2

THE WEATHER.—SuN OFFICB, OCT. 16.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
61—highest since noon yesterday.
52—lowest this morning and during the night.
49—this day at noon.

BAROMETER, 29.45.
WIND, N.W. to N.N.E.—Strong breeze, and cloudy,
with heavy rain.

OCTOBER 17.
53 highest since noon yesterday.
44—lowest this morning and during the night.
56—this day, at noon.
BAROMETER, 29'17.
WIND, W. to S.W.—Fresh breeze, and squally. It
rained heavily all the morning—now fine—full moon at
12'31 a.m.

›Arll3l,

AT