The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-08
THE SULTAN SPEAKS.
Speech from the Throne by the Emperor Abdul
Aziz-The Reforms To Be Intro
duced in Turkey.

The Sultan made his annual visit TO the Sublime
Porte in Censtantinople on the 18th ult The cerc
monies were brilliant and the assemblagc very
large The Ministers and the high dignitares OF the
government, the members OF the Council OF State
and those Of the high courts OF justice, with many
other dignitarles, were assembled in the great hall
OF the Council of State On his arrival the Sultan,
accompanied by his son, the Prince Imperial Izzed
din, was received by the Grand vizer and all the
Ministers. After taking his seat on the throne the
Sultan listened to the annual reports read by the
Grand vizer, on the situation of the empire. When
the latter had finished the Sultan made the follow
ing speech
The increase OF the dignity and prosperity of the
empire being the subject OF our greatest care, our
views and Intentions relating to the measures
which are likely to accomplish this end have been
manifested on more than occasion. More than
one special concession on our part has gone half
way to meet those views. But, unfortunately, the
execution of the measures which should be their
consequence has hitherto not been carried into de-
TAIL and what notably constitutes the vitality OF a
great, empire-namely, the fnances-has not
been In satisfactory condition. 1t can
and increase OF the land and naval forces have
been crowned with success: but all that has
hitherto been done has not Kept pace with the i'm
petus and the rapid march toward progress re-
quired in the present century, and we cannot but
regret the delay in the realization OF all the mea-
sures which had been dccreed.
Thanks to Divine Providence I have, however the
pleasure and satisfaction to state that many i'm
provements have been carried out In the different
departments OF the government and In the finances
Of the empire by gradual reductions as well
by the system OF economy which has lately been
introduced, and without doubt largely contributed
to a considerable reduction OF the burden OF the
floating debt. One OF the principal results OF this
economy has been to balance the receipts and the
expenditure OF the empire In such manner that
what has Just been accomplished in short q time
is a sure guarantee for the future and serves to
found our credit on a sure basis. To this satsfac
tory state Of things the construction OF railways
true agents for the development OF the resources
OF the empire-has been added. The
convention OF the railways of Roumana
insures the execution Of the measures
OF communication in the best and most advantage
Gus conditions. AS, however the development OF
the financial resources Of the empire is closely allied
with the advantages which result from the develop
ment and the impetus given 10 industry, agricul-
ture and the creation Of means OF communication,
we are specially anxious to see every one lend his
complishment OF the objects already mentioned.
Moreover, the continuance OF good relations
between our government and the great
friendly Powers being OF our most
ardent desires, we cannot but recommend the
same course in those relations which should be
based always on existing treaties and international
right. An imperative duty, Furthermore, requires
equality before the law for all our subjects without
exception and we desire that every one should
devote the greatest care to insure Justice by the
tribunals, and, with due respect to the rights Of
each Of our subjects, think only of the development
to be given TO the commercial and agricultural
resources OF the empire, well OF the system of
reorganization which has been undertaken, May
Divine Providence crown our efforts.