Mr. Seward to Mr. Morris.
Sir:Your despatch of December 4, No. 70, has been received. I learn from it that the imperial government is understood to be preparing the way for a secularization of property held by ecclesiastics in mortmain, with a view to apply its avails to the highest objects of civil administration. This measure seems to become ultimately necessary in every country where ecclesiastical sway has been allowed to become and remain for a long time absolute.
It is to be hoped that the policy may be ejected without subjecting the empire to the dangers of intestine war.
It is not wonderful that the Turkish statesmen study with care and anxiety he political movements of the western powers. I suppose I shall be offering [Page 366] nothing new to you when I express the opinion that the best security that Turkey can take against foreign ambition will be found in the melioration of her own system, and its gradual assimilation to that of other commercial and industrial nations. No power is more desirous or more hopeful of her success in this policy than the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
E. Joy Morris, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Constantinople.