The Sun.
London, England, 1841-06-24 00:00:00

THE LEVANT MAIL.

TURKEY.

CONSTA NTINOPLE, MAY27.—No city in Europe can sur-
pass this in the propagation or invention of false intelligence.
Fabrications are as numerous as the dogs, and the action of the
Government as irregular and perplexing as the pavement.
The indecision and inertness of the Divan is almost infantine,
and its knowledge of the value of time not less primitive.
Their maxim is, never to do to-day what can be done to-mor-
row. Public men permit time to slip through their fingers as
they do the beads of their rosaries. Their resolutions, appa-
rently enveloped in some unctuous substance, seem to glide
from their grasp, so that there is no relying upon the execution
of any measure at the appointed period—unless, indeed, the
chief astrologer should urge them forward with menaces
of misfortune. Then, Mashallah ! they shake off the
narcotic influences of the seven sleepers, rouse them-
selves from their kific (a species of dolce far niente),
and set to work in good earnest. The effects of these false
reports, and of this irresolution and torpidity, is not
only prejudicial in the extreme to their own interests, foreign
and domestic, but extremely embarrassing to those " unfortu-
nates" who seek to communicate correct information. Thus,
for instance, being aware that the long-promised firmans des-
tined for Alexandria, had been prepared, and being informed
that they had keen actually signed and expedited, I prematurely
announced the accomplishment of an event which was not des-
tined to be consummated for some days.
In fact, the hatti-scheriff in question was already drawn up
and the steamer nearly under weigh on the 19111, when it wa,
discovered that some formalities had been omitted, and that two
or three important points required revision. A grand divao
was therefore convened for the 21st. This Council was he n
at Ritaat Pacha's country house, upon the Bosphorus. It wad
attended by all the Ottoman Ministers, excepting Tahir Pachas
commanding the Candian expedition, and by the Ambassador,
of the four great Powers, parties to the July treaty. M. de
Pdntois was not absent from any want of harmony between
him and his colleagues, but from the natural consequences of
the isola'cd position in which he has been temporat ily placed
by the Thiers' policy.
The result of the deliberations was the final correction and
unanimous adoption of the different modified clauses of the
hatti-scheriff. After being regaled by the Reis Effendi with a
copious and splendid dinner, the Ambassadors departed, carry-
ing with them most positive assurances that no time should be
lost in preparing and despatching the requisite firmans. Things
here, however, must be done, doubly done, ere any faith can be
attached to their accomplishment. By a curious invention they
begin their day at sunset. This may account for their going
to sleep as a prelude to business.
Mehemet Ali, who is said to have spies in the very heart of
the Divan, and to be perfectly well acquainted with all that
passes, both in the councils of his Sovereign, and at the dif-
ferent legations, will not be taken by surprise. He will have
had due warning of the Sultan's ultimatum, and will be pre-
pared for its reception.
The Ludivice steamer, from Beyrout, brings disastrous
news of the increase of the plague in Syria, and on l er ar-
rival here was subjected to a rigorous observance of the
quarantine regulations in their fullest extent. At Beyrout
alone the daily average of deaths is 25, and the hospitals
are crowded with sick. Those receptacles for the sick are
designated by the Turks as hospitals, but they are very far
from deserving that name, if comfort, cleanliness, and medi-
cal attendance are to be considered as essentially necessary to
constitute an asylum destined for the cure of disease. The
so-called hospitals of the Turks are better fitted to kill than to
cure ; and might, with greater regard for truth be called
stables, for the sick have neither beds nor bed-clothes, but lie
in straw and litter on the ground, and withal are very scantily
supplied with medicines, and still more so of persons properly
qualified to administer them. Our countrymen, Dr. Robert-
son, is unwearied in his exertions to afford 'elide and with a
daring philanthropy which cannot be too much admired, enters
these mansions of filth and contagion, and, regardless of the
danger, does not fear to come in actual contact with those who
suffer under this dire disease. Some domestic quarrels have
arisen among the mountain tribes, owing, it is supposed, to the
intrigues of the Emir Beschir, who wishes to recover the
position from which he was deposed, through his too constant
attachment to Mehemet Ali. French emissaries are also said
to be very active in the Lebanon, distributing liberally bribes
and promises, with a view of creating a reaction in favour of the
Pacha of Egypt.
Tranquillity is restored in Bulgaria. Teffick Bey, principal
Under-Secretary of State to the Minister of Justice, has pro-
ceeded to Adrianople, where, in conjunction with Tacoul
Peclia, the Moat- (General) recently appointed to the com-
mand of that district, he will establish a rigorous investigation
into the causes of the late disturbances, and adopt every pos-
sible measure, compatible with the interests of the Govern-
ment, to prevent a renewal of the exactions that are said to
have led to the outbreak. He is said to be a man of mild dis-
position, tempered with firmness. He is likewise empowered
to discover and punish the perpetrators of the late atrocities
committed by the Albanian soldiers amongst the villagers; to
restore the captives, sad as far as possible to remunerate the
sufferers. 'this act of justice, warmly advocated by the Ambas-
sadors of the Five Powers, will doubtless contribute to the
pacification of the provinces.
Considerable sensation has been excited here by the depo-
sition and disgrace of the Greek Patriarch, and of Aristarki,
the Lagotheki. The downfal of these two eminent personages
is attributed by some to the discovery of their being con-
nected with the disturbances in Candia and Bulgaria, and by
others to the animosity of the Prince of Samos, who, through
the instrumentality Rise Paella, grand marshal of the pa-
lace, has succeeded in disposing the Sultan against them.
The Patriarch is a man:much esteemed by his co-religionists,
who, perhaps, would not think the worse of him if he were
well disposed ttr a cause which forms one of their constant
dreams—the regeneration of the Greek empire. The Lago-
theki, a kind of legate, held:at his disposal the disttibution of
all church preferments, and was the channel for all communi-
cations upon ecclesiastical matters between the Porte and the
Patriarch. He possessed great wealth, and was supposed 19
enjoy a revenue of a million of piastres, amassed during office.
He was also charge d'affaires of Prince Milosch.
On Monday, the 24th, the Magicienne, Captain Michel,
fired a salute in honour of her Maje,ty's birth-day, and Lord
Ponsonby received all the Foreign Ministers and their secre-
taries, when proceeded to Therapia to compliment his Lordship.
The Ministers of the Porte also sent to congratulate his Lord-
ship in honour of the day. The whole of the Turkish regi-
ments in barracks at the different stations upon the Bosphorus,
being out forexercise with their artillery, added their fire to
that of her Majesty's corvette.
, Yesterday (the s:h of thi Turkish month Rebiul- Able, an
auspicious day) the Sultan removed from his Palace at the
' Auropean Sweet Waters, to the splendid new serai of Tcheri-
gan, on the Bosphorus. His Imperial Majesty descended the
Golden Horn in his caique, rowed by 25 watermen in their
state dresses: His fairy boat, with its gilded oars meet bur-
nished ornaments, its canopy of crimson silk, and its light and -
airy build, produced a magic effect, as it glided over the dark
blue waters. As he passed, the ships of war of all nations and
the shore batteries poured forth their salutes, while the crews,
in their white summer dresses, were mustered upon the decks,
and rent the air with their cheers. A more beautiful sight
cannot be imagined, and the more so, since it is unique of its
kind. The astrologers having fixed upon ten minutes before
mid-day, as the most propitious moment for the Sultan's land-
ing, in order that he might arrive in time to say Namez (mid-
day prayer), care was taken that he should put his foot ashore
at the precise moment—a consummation fortunately accom-
plished to a second. The ladies of the Harem preceded their
Imperial Master in arabas, guarded by Eunuchs with drawn
swords, and were all installed in readiness to greet his arrival.
It is affirmed that three more of these ladies are in " that state
which hourris ought to be who love their Sultan." This will
increase the Imperial nursery to 10.
Mr. Anderson, the indefatigable agent of the Oriental and
Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, is still here, arduously
engaged in carrying into effect his useful project for the estab-
lishment tif direct steam communication between this place
and tngland. His zealous exertions have been materially
aided by Lord Ponsonby, to whom the British merchants of
Constantinople have addressed a letter of thanks.
A complete change has taken place in the Egyptian corps
diplontatique, all of whom have been replaced, with the excep-
Hon of Mons. de Laurin, the Austrian Consul-Getieral. Sir
Edward lifaines, now at St. Petersburgh, succeeds Colonel
Hedges" Moils. de Chabot has replaced Mons..Cochelet ; and
Moos. Mit& hat jest arrived from St. Petersburgh, to super-
sede Count Medcni. The Prnslien Government have with-
drawn M. Wagner, Secretary of Embassy here, who merely
itetet4 at Consul-General at Alexandria pro tem. also the
Gotertirftent are not to have a political agent in Egypt
in fittute, but only a Commercial Consul-General, with a
dimi-
Aare. Mr: Wood, it is said, will soon be named
Consul-Gertefal at Dernaserts:
The Stambool, Austrian steamer, has been got off with
little damage, through the skilful citations of Capt. Ford.
Seseti Effendi, Director of the State Gazette, has been din-
Missed. and replaced by Mehemet Nail Bey, one of the Secree
taries of the Amedji.
The exchange on England is gradually improving—it is now
at 110. Changes are still talked of in the Ministry. Ihe num-
ber of English travellers visiting Constantinople is great, and
will doubtless increase, when the establishment of direct steam
communication will enable them to return home in little more
than 1.5 days. Lord Grosvenor is still here in the Dolphin
yacht. Amongst the latest arrivals are, Col. Lambert,Gr ena-
eller Onards ; Messrs. Pollen, M
icklethwaite, Snow, Deanes,
Pennyfather, Nicholls, and Knap.

EGYPT
ALE X A srnRIA, MAY 26.—We are without any alteration in
our political horizon.
The plague continues much the same. The report of daily
cased varies from 2 to 25 ; the average niay be taken at 15.
The average for Cairo about 50 a day. In the villages the
mortality is greater in proportion. The murrain among the
cattle has ceased ; there is, however, a good deal of sickness
preyolent—fevers, dysentery, &e.
The 13th Regiment has been withdrawn from Alexandria to
Damanhour, and drafts from other regiments are being Gatti
toned on the banks of the Nile, while the garrison duty of
Alexandria is performed by the National Guard, an innova-
tion by no means popular. On the other hand, the National
Guard of Cairo has been suddenly called upon to deposit
their arms, accoutrements, colours, drums and fifes, &c.,
in the citadel, the men continuing, however, to be no-
minally enrolled. The French steamers still refuse to take
pa,sengers, of whom there will consequently be an ample
collection waiting the nest trip of the Liverpool. The
probable steps that may be pursued by this Government
with regard to the free trade in grain, pulse, and seeds
of the new crops, and the contradictory rumours that
daily circulate, occrion much anxiety. The I'acha has
just notified that he will allow the export only of 20,000
ardeps of linseed : the privilege of exporting to be equally
divided between the merchants of the English, French, and
Austrian flags. It is clear that, however commercial treaties
may be worded, the freedom of trade will depend entirely on
the good will of the Government. The Government can, in
the interior, always prevent the fellahs from selling—can always
sequester or employ in their own service the means of transport
on the Nile and canal; and above all, can hinder the transit
at Atfe from the Nile to the canal iu throwing or proposing to
throw obstacles in the way of internal trade.
in 6Cair,ooo
o, irrefrogum the
lars,
Mogrebins and Arnauts, have just arrived
Hedjas, having refused to take service with Osman Bache, the
Sultan's delegate, who has rendered himself odinus by a far
worse than Egyptian system of extortion from the inhabitants;
• the duties on commerce there have been more than trebled since
those places were under the rule of the Pacha ; t
hem merchants esta-
" blished there were talking ot leaving in cosquence. This
little agrees with the Treaty of Commerce, extending to all the
Sul'an's dominions. But disorders have insinuated themselves
far nearer home. In Smyrna and Constantinople the Custom-
house is authorised to levy 112hpuer cent. on imports of Briti h
property from Nexandria, a t gh t e import duty by tariff
is only 5 per cent., and on this very pro ierty the export duty
I
had been already paid in Alexandria. •
Thereheeff of Mecca was at Djidda ; he received at din-
ner the the English and French Consuls. The Auckland
steamer was to touch at Mocha on her return, to bring the
Shirk there to reason for his oppressirm of our Indian subjects.
The 9th Regiment, stationed in an island on the Nile, near
Damietta, is reported to have lost half its number by the
plague. The Pacha is amusing himself with the translation
now in progress regardhe Parliamentary Report and published
Correspondence ging the Egyptian Question. He sent
Corres
a handsome sword to Captain Henderson, cf the G
which was declined, the regulations of the service not permit-
; n
rinit-'
tine him to accept it. The Hon. Mr. Stewart rtl'Kenzie,
late Governor of Ceylon, is here. He proceeds in Lord
Dysart's yacht to Syra) where he will perform guarat t. pre-
.