The Sun.
London, England, 1841-07-10 00:00:00

TURKEY.

CONSTANTINOPLE, JUNE 21.—Through the energetic re-
monstrances of Lord Ponsonby, Baron Sturmer, and their
colleagues, measures have been just adopted at the Porte,
which, if duly carried into effsct, are fraught with the mo t
important and beneficial results, not only to the Christian, but
to the Jewish and Turkish populations of Syria. These mea-
sures or concessions have not been obtained without the most
zealous and judicious exertions on the part of the allied Pleni-
potentiaries, who, in urging the adoption of those measures,
have manifested their earnest solicitude for the welfare of the
Syrian Christians, and for the interest of the Sultan.
It is universally known that, from the period of the Syrian
provinces heir's: restored to the legitimate rule of the Sultan,
the most grievous exactions, the most flagrant irregularities,
and the most unauthorised system of oppression has been
practised upon all classes of Syrians, but more especially upon
the divers sect of Christians inhabiting both mountains and
plains. Pachas, Beys, Mouhassells (collectors of revenue),
and Desterdars (accountants) have more or less contributed to
this reprehensible work.
Among the most notorious and pertinacious of this band
of oppressors is Negib, Pacha of Damascus. This arbi-
trary and probably corrupt fanatic has proved deaf to the
voice of reason arid supplication. He has been frequently
warned and exhorted to employ moderation—to administer the
laws impartially, and to see that the taxes and duties were
levied in conformity with the reforms emanating from the hatti
scheriff of Ghulhane. Imagining himself to be secure by dis-
tance, and shielded by his influence at the Porte, Negib has
disregarded all remonstrances, and carried his tyranny to such
lengths, that the people, above all the Christian population,
have been wrought up to the utmost pitch of exasperation, and
have unhesitatingly declared that the iron rule of Mehemet Ali
was a bed of roses when compared with the conch of thorns
strewed for them by this merciless satrap and his venial agents.
Matters, however, assumed such a dangerous aspect that
the foreign ambassadors have peremptorily insisted upon a ces-
sation of these abuses, and demanded the immedate adoption of
such measures as would offer the safest guarantees not only fur
the security of the whole body of Christians, but for the resto •
ration of tranquillity amongst all classes of the Sultan's Syrian
subjects.
The exact nature of the measures proposed to and adopted by
the Porte have not been made public, the negotiations
having only been concluded within the last four days ; but
jt appears, firstly, that the Christians of the mountains,
governed by Emir Beschir, in lieu of addressing em-
selves, as heretofore, to the Sultan, through the medium
of the Pacha, will be empowered to appoint their own
Capou Kiaya (agent or representative) at the Porte. This
personage will be the direct intermediary channel of commu-
nication to and fro, and will have it in his power not only to
make known his grievances to the Sultan, but to appeal, in
case of extreme need, to the mediation of the allied powers.
Secondly, the Patriarch of the Maronite Christians will enjoy
the same privilege. He also will appoint his own representa-
tive, and will be placed in the best position to communicate
the demands of his co-religionists, and to obtain investigation
and redress. Thirdly, the Christians of all denominations in-
habiting Jerusalem, Bethlem, and its vicinity, will receive pro-
testtion. Heretofore they have been exclusively abandoned
to the capricious jurisdiction of the Pacha, who has
rarely attended to their complaints, unless bribed to so do.
In order to prevent misrule, to secure to the Christians an equal
distribution of justice, and to the Sultan an immediate know-
ledge of facts, a ferik (Lieufenant-General) will be appointed
to reside at Jerusalem, specially charged with the government
of the districts of Djebel Khodos, Djebel Nablouz, and Gaza,
and the protection of Christians. It will be his sole duty to
attend to their representations, to accord their just demands,
to redress their grievances, and to report upon them direct to
the Poi te. Thus all arbitrary and vexatious proceedings upon
the part of Governors and subordinates, will be checked ; that
is, as far as it is possible to bridle arbitrary power in the East.
In addition to the foregoing individual measures, an equal
system of general legal taxation will be rigidly enforced, both
as regards Christians, Jews, and Moslems; no local or exclu-
sive contributions be permitted, nor any sums allowed to be
raised, than those authorised by Government warrants, duly
and publicly proclaimed, as necessary for the exigencies of the
State.
Another measure, perhaps one of the most necessary under
existing circumstances, remained to be proposed. This
was
the
immediate removal and recal of Negib Pacha. This step, it is
affirmed, was earnestly urged by Lord Ponsonby, and suported
by Baron Sturmer, but was objected to by the Grand Vizier.
Reprimand was offered, and with it assurances that Negib
should be ordered to promise amendment. To reprimand such
a man, or to expect him to adhere to promises was a mere
illusion. His dismissal has, therefore, been again strenuously
urged, and will, no doubt, be accorded.
By procuring the adoption and development of this amended
system, the British, Austrian, Russian, and Prussian Ambas-
ssclors are entitled to the utmost praise. Nothing else. per-
haps, would have saved Syria from falling a prey to the utmost
anarchy.
The troubles mentioned in a former communication as hav-
ing taken place in Anatolia have been appeased, and several
public officers, whose misconduct had produced these outbreaks
have been dismissed. The intelligence from Candia is of a less
satisfactorynature.The itisu
to Tah
rretitionisir Pacha ts still hold
will probably
butthe
reinforcements recentlysent
enable hies to take a more decided course.
Advices have been recsived that the Austrian Government
has abolished the quarantine at Orsova ; the upward passage
of the Danube will thus be relieved from its greatest inconve.
nience.
The Russian steamer Polar Star has just arrived, and brings
the unexpected intelligence of Mehemet Ali having accepted
the conditions submitted to him in the firmans. This intelli-
gence has created a profound and most satisfactory sensation at
the Porte, and throughout the population.