The Ohio union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1849-1854, 1853-11-23
Turkey-Firman of the Sultan, Granted
in Favor Of his Protestant Subjects.

Turkey-Firman Of the Sultan, Granted
in Favor Of his Protestant Subjects.
Most honored yizier, illustrious counsel.
Tor, maintainer Of the good order Of tho
world, director Of public affairs, with wis
dom and judgement, accomplished Of tie
important irapsaclions of mankind with in
telligence and good sense, consolidation OF
the edifcc of empire and Of glory, endow-
ed by the Most High with abundant gifts,
and Moushir, at ,bis time, OF my gate Of
felicity, my Vizicr Mehmcd Pacha, may
God be pleased to preserve him long in
exalted dignity. af1 pa 20
Let il be known On receipt of this, my
noble rescript, that,
Whcreus, Those Of my Christian sub
jects who have embraced the Protestant
faith, have suffered Inconvenience and
difficulties, in consequence of their not
having been hitherto placed under n sepa'
rate and special jurisdiction, and in couse.
quence Of the Patriarchs and Primales of
their old crecds, which they have abandon.
cd, not being naturally able 10 administer
their affairs.
Whcreds, In necessary accordance with
my imperial solicitude and benevolence
toward all classes Of my subjects, it is
contrary to my imperial pleasure that any.
class VI them should be exposed 10 trouble.
And whereas, by reason of their faith, the
aforesaid Protestants firm a separate com
munity, !, is in consequence, my royal
pleasure, that measure 10 be taken for the
sole purpose of facilitating the adminisIra-
ton of their affairs, so that they may live
in peace, and quiet security. Let then a re-
spectacle and trustworthy person, chosen
by themselves from among their own
number, be appointed with the title Of
1" Agent of the Protestants," 10 be attach
ed to the Department of the Minister OF
Police. 1t shall be the duty of the agent
10 take charge Of the register Of the mem
bcr5 of the community, and which is 10
be- kept at the police department. The
agent is to register therein all births and
deaths. All applications for passports and
marriage licenses, and those special afflirs
of the community which are 10 come be-
fore the Sublime Porte, or any other de-
partment, are to DO made under the official
seal Of the agent. The present royal and
august edict has been especially granted
and issued from my Imperial chancery, for
carrying my pleasure into execution
Hence, thou, tho indicated Moshir, shalt
carry the preceding ordinance into scrup-
ulous execution, conformably with the ex,
plantations given. AS, however, the assess
ment of taxes and the delivery Of pass.
ports are subject to specific regulations,
thou shalt not permit anything to he done
in contravention lheretO.. Thou shalt not
suffer any tax or, haratch.tn be required oil
the Prolcstants, for marriage Licenses Of
registration. Thou shalt be careful that,
like unto the other communities of the en-
pirc, every facility, and required assistance
be afforded 10 them in all their affairs, and
in all matters concerning their cemelerie:
and places of worship. Thou shut mol
permit any interference whatsoever, on
the part Of any other community, with
their rights or NTH their religious con
Germs, nor, in short, Nth any Of hei'
q6airs, either secular or religious, IN
any manner whatsoever; in order tia.
then mayb be enabled 10 exercise The dsagf'
of their faiM in security. Thou shai
not suffer them 10 be mOleSied one ioit
in these or in any other matters; dnc
thou shalt be carsfM and attentive Il
maintain them in The desired quiet ant
security. They are to be permitted II
make these representations 10 The SUBLIME
Porte which ii may be necessary 10 maxi
concerning their affairs, through thei
agent. After thou hast taken due cogni
zance of these matters, thou shalt causl
the present notable rescript 10 be register
ed in the proper quarter, and shalt caus'
it to be cofrmed in the possession of tn
aforesaid subjects, and thou shalt be care
full that the high provisions thereof Away
be carried into due execution. Thus b
it known unto thee, giving full credence t
the Imperial signet. Done in the secon
decade Of the sacred month Of Moharreu
in the year of the Hegira 1854, at Con
slsnlinople the w%ell.guarded.
(Sultan's Signatnre.)