The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-10-18
Our Tunis Correspondence.

TOMS, Sept. IL, 1851
Proclamation of The Tu~isian Constifution--Impor
tant Reforms ,chich 1t Inaugurates-Vtsit of the
Bey to the French flag ship Bretagns Lnresti-
t,re Of the French admiral Nth the Order Of the
N,sham, Sc, &c.
Wednesday, the 9th Of September last, will be Q
memorable day in the history Of this regency. OnAat
day his Hgbness Mohammet Basha, Bey Of Tunis,
proclaimed to his people constitution in which he
secures to them rights and privileges which they
have never enjoyed under any of his predecessors
the throne. II contains enlightened reforms and
generous concessions, and it cannot fail, when car
fied into execution, to raise this regency from an
'unha 1py state Of degradation and misery, and ee
vate it to q more honors ole position among the
tons Of the earth. In proclaiming such principles
as the policy Of his government, Mohammet Bey
obtsins the sympathy Of Europe in his own and in
bis countrys behalf and greatly increases his moral
strength in the estimation Of the civilized world.
He has gained admission. it were, into the great
amily Of European nations. and he will participate
hereby in the equitable principle, founded upon the
balance Of power in Europe. which secures to each
t. national safety and independence. The princi
Piles contained in the Tunisian constitution are rs
ioliows:-
!. Perfect security for life and property.
2. Equal taxation.
3. Equality before the law.
4. Religious freedom.
5. Limitation Of the period Of military service.
6. Admission OF n-Mpssulman assessors In the
criminal tribunals.
z. Nike commercial tribunals.
8. Equal participation OF all classes and demo nj
nations IL immunf.ies and privileges.
9. Free trade, and ceesion OF the right Of the go
vernmeut to traffic as heretofore.
10. Right Of foreigners TO make establishments
prnip Mt nd nd
III. Right OF foreigners to purchase and possess
real estate.
The grand scheme OF reform and civilization
which has thus happily been inaugupted Is entirely
the result OF French aud British influence In this
country. The late judicial execution Of a Jew by
this government for the alleged crime Of blasphe-
my, sne the fanatical excuses which have recently
been exhibited by the Mussumsn population OF this
citv, have induced England and France to unto In
c mpeling this government TO adopt more liberal
policy towards It's non Muasulman subjects, aud to
enter upon q system Of reform which will develope
the immense resources OF the regency, and give
impulse to it, languishiDg commerce with foreign
countries
during the late visi. OF the Emperor Napoleon to
Osborne the condition Of this country was earnestly
discussed, ard measures we're adopted by the two
governments tor Its regeneration from ta present de-
graoed position. Immediately on the Empcror's re
turn 10 Paris, orders were telegraphed 60 Admiral
Irehouat, In command OF the Mediterranean squad
rom which was taen at Ajscco. In the island Of Cor
eca, to sail At once for Tuus and there to await his
instructions, which would be sent to him by steam
from Touon.
The French feet, composed OF seven shpsofthe
OF Tunson the 3lst of August, and, as may be sup
posed, caused no little anxiety to the Bey
"a ~ The object Of ts visit The result Of this for
midsble array Of naval power Is the constitution
which has laely been proclaimed The framing OF
tbs cor sttution is mainly to be attributed to Richard
Wood, Esq Her Britannia Msjesty's agent and con-
snl general W Tnnis This gentleman has ever been
the ardent friend and the strenuous advocate for nd
illustrative reforms Ia the East, and his prolonged
residence In Turkey and Ia Syria, particularly as
Her .ajestya consul in Damascus where he bat led
m0st successfully In the caue OF civilization, has
gained for h,m vast experience IN The theory and
practice Of reforms In Mohsmmedan countries
hr. Wood, IN his crusade In behalf ~ humanity
and civilization, has been poby seconded hy hi. cp
league, Monsieur leon Roche, the charge taiftlrs
ard consul general Of France. TIE constitution was
promulgated a. the Palace a the B,rda IN the prs.
ssnce OF his Highne the ', nis ministers, the
members Of the Diyan, OF Spiritual Tribunal NJ 10;
Chsza, ard all the officers 81 tie court fherc were
alho present on the occasion ADMIRAL rrehopart
two vice mirsls the captains and principal officers
of he French fleet, he foreign cJlsul- ana their
stsfis, snd the Catholic Episcopal Bishop o. Funis.
The assembly was very brilliant ore, and the real.
ing 81 the constitution, although simple Ia form,
~ss n most imposing ceremony. At its close bis
Highress and his minister made aolemn decara.
ton before Heaven In the Moha nmedan form, 70
q ain,nn the const. 'ution inviola'e.
On The following day his Hghness the Bey, At
tended Nv several ~ bis Ministers and brilliant suite
v,si,eo the flagship ~ the French squadron, the
Bretagne ship pierced tor l64 guss, but carrying
la2 During his visit on board, the Bey invested
admiral Treh0uart with the great ribbon OF the
order OF the Nishsm end bestowed the lover grades
OF the sane order upon the Vice Admiral and the
superior officers OF the feet. He also pre- sentei the
dmrsl and Vice Admirals with magnificent da.
mond snun boxes. His Hghness was received on
board " the Br6tagne In the most phncey style.