Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-07-19

DC eIecteu Dy the popuiation anu SohN
by the Porte and powers and in event OF
vacancy a new Prince shall be elected under
the same conditions. The following shall
form the basis of the public law of Bulgaria
The distinction of religious belief or confess
sion shall not operate against any one as
reason of exclusion or incapacity in what
concerns the enjoyment of political rights
admission to public employment, functions
or honors, or the exercise of different probes
sions and industries. The liberty of public
profession of all creeds shall be assured to all
the native population Of Bulgaria, as well as
to strangers. No trammels shall he imposed
on the hierarchic organization of the different
communions or their relations with their
spiritual chiefs. Until permanent organi-
zatiOn is completed. Bulgaria shall be gov
erned by provisional organization, directed
by Russian commissioners, who will be assist
ed by delegated consuls of the great powers.
The tribute to the Porte shall be settled by
the signatory powers at the end of the first
year of the new organization. Bulgaria
shall pay her share OF the public debt OF the
empire. The Ottoman army shall eyaeuate
Bulgaria; all fortresses shall be destroyed
within year, and new ones will not be
erected
There is formed, south of the Balkans, the
province Of Eastern Roumelia, under direct
political authority of the Sultan, having an
administration, autonomy and Christian
Governor General The Sultan shall fortify
the frontiers, keep troops there, employ no
irregulars nor quarter troops on the inhab-
itants; internal order shall be preserved
by the native gend 'armes and local military,
in composition Of which account shall be
taken of the religion OF the inhabitants and
where they are stationed, the officers to be
named by the Sultan, The European Com
mission shall determine in three years the
power, Of the Governor; also, the Judicial,
financial and administrative requirements OF
the province. All internal arrangements
in force and ensure religious liberty. The
Russian army in Bulgaria and Roumelia
shall not exceed $4,000 men. They shall
begin to evacuate the territory in nine
months, three months being allowed them
to complete the evacuation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be occupied
and administered by Austro-Hungary, with
the exception of Sandjak Of Novi Bazaar. The
independence of Montenegro isrecognized, and
also that of Servia, on pretty much the same
conditions as above noted. A tribute to
Servia shall be capitalized at the rate Of
capitalization to be arranged by the powers
with the Porte. Servia shall bear her share
of the Turkish public debt proportional to
the territory she acquires.
The independence of Roumsnia is fixed
and it is provided that the Notifications on
the Danube, from the iron gates to its
mouth, shall be razed. No ship of war shall
navigate the Danube downwards from the
iron gates The guard ships of the powers,
at the mouths of the river may, however,
ascend to Galatz. The Commission Of the
Danube in which Roumania and Servia shall
be represented. it is maintained, will e1er-
else its powers henceforth as far as Galatz,
with complete independence Of territorial
authority, and all arrangements relative to
its rights are confirmed.
The Porte engages to apply in Crete
plan of the government of 1868. Analogous
relations adopted to local requirements shall
be introduced into other parts of Turkey.
Special Commissions of the Porte, in which
the native element shall be largely repre-
scented, shall elaborate the details Of these
plans The Porte, before promulgating
these acts, shall take the advice Of the
European Commission for Eastern Rou-
melia.
The Porte having expressed willingness
to maintain the principle OF religious liberty
and give it the widest sphere, the contract
ing parties take cognizance of this spontane-
Gus declaration. 10 every part of the en-
pire the difference of religion should not be
a motive of unftness in anything relating to
civil and political rights, admission to public
Office, duties and honors. and the exercise Of
all professions and industries. Every one
should be admitted, without distinction as to
religion. to give evidence before tribunals
The practice of all religions should be en-
tirely free. No impediment should be offer
ed to the hierarchical organization Of differ
ent communions or to their spiritual chiefs.
Ecclesiastic pilgrims and monks Of all ma
tionalities travelling in Europe and Asiatic
Turkey shall enjoy the same privileges. The
right of protection is accorded to agents of
powers in Turkey and holy places, with
their religious and charitable establishments.
Rights conceded to France are expressly
reserved, it being understood that the status
quo with respect to holy places shall not be
seriously affected in any way. The monks
| Of Mount Athos, Of whatever nationality,
| shall maintain their possessions and enjoy,
without exception, full equality Of rights
and prerogatiyes.