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the Sultan Abd-ul-Medjid declared in that solemn promise to his subjects and to Europe, that—
"Christian subjects and those of other non-Mussulman sects shall, as well as Mussulmans, be subject to the law of recruitment. … A complete law shall be published, with as little delay as possible, respecting the admission into and service in the army, of Christian and other non-Mussulman subjects."
This promise was prefaced with a virtuous flourish, proclaiming that—
"The equality of taxes entails equality of burdens, as equality duties entail that of rights."
Such was the promise of 1856. Twenty years afterwards (about the usual period for the re-making of Turkish promises) what happened? There had been no attempt to put into practice the pledge of 1856; it was a pledge incompatible with Mahommedan supremacy, and therefore a mere cajolement of the Powers. On the 17th February, 1876, Sir Henry Elliot wrote to Lord Derby, informing his lordship that the Bulgarians were showing themselves "disposed to ask" that Christians shall be "liable to military service." "They are aware," continued Sir Henry,
"That the conscription would in many respects press more heavily upon them than the exemption tax: but they know likewise that no firmans or regulations will do so much to bring about a real equality between Mussulman and Christian. The present Ministers" he added, "are not, I believe, prepared to entertain the proposal if it should be brought forward."[1]
In the new Constitution—the bubble blown by Midhat—this Firman, without which all of these promises are worthless, is thrown aside. The Porte will not put into the hands of non-Mussulman subjects the strength which might ensure the fulfilment of its promises. The Trade I have referred to is the only concession which the Sultan's government will offer, and that is nothing but a bulwark
- ↑ No. 33, Correspondence.
