Mathews to the minister of foreign, August 24, 1874
Mr. Mathews to the minister of foreign
August 24, 1874.
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The serious nature of the circumstances which are occurring in this country compels me to call your attention, in a friendly manner, to the unsafe state in which this country has remained for some time past. The Christian powers see with astonishment the repeated and scandalous acts of violence by which the public tranquillity is placed in jeopardy, and the impunity with which crimes and frequent acts of violence are allowed to pass without the authorities of the Sultan’s government applying an opportune remedy, a state of things which gives grounds for suspecting a culpable apathy, for whose consequences you will be responsible.
Further patience is impossible in view of the insurrection at present existing in this province, and people are grieved to see that the authorities do nothing to terminate this dangerous state of things, which is a constant menace to the public peace.
It is necessary that an end be put immediately to this state of things. I therefore request that you lose no time in bringing this letter to the notice of his sheriffian majesty, in which I protest against the state of anarchy in which this country is left, and I request, in the name of my government, that you apply a prompt remedy to this; deplorable-state of things, which no nation can any longer see or accept with indifference. It is necessary that without any loss of time you take measures to cause your authorities to be respected and obeyed, aiding them for this purpose with sufficient force and means, or else that you change them for others who have the power to govern. And know that I render you responsible for all harm and prejudice that may accrue to the citizens or the interests of the nation which I have the honor to represent. Thus you will avoid endless complications and preserve the friendship and high esteem of all the Christian powers, who have full confidence in the wisdom of His Majesty the Sultan, that he will find a remedy for this lamentable state of things with promptitude and energy.
Peace and friendship.