Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to report that a rebellion of considerable magnitude has recently broken out in this regency, threatening serious consequences unless soon checked. Since the adoption of the constitution in 1860 a personal tax of four and a half dollars has been levied on all male Tunisian subjects above 15 years of age, except those born in the city of Tunis. This tax has encountered some opposition; but this year, in consequence in part of the tax being doubled, the opposition has become violent, and several mountain tribes, occupying a part of the regency towards the line of Algeria, have revolted and are now in open rebellion.
Another complaint brought against the government by disaffected parties is, that the constitutional tribunals are corrupt, causing great expense to litigants by reason of delay and bribery. Formerly the Bey administered justice in person, daily hearing and deciding cases in the grand hall; and the facility and promptitude with which judgments were pronounced and executed, united to the honor of appearing before the sovereign, seemed to accord with the ideas of this people; and now the cry is raised, “Down with the tribunals, and down with all reforms that would separate us from our sovereign; let the Bey judge us, giving us the light of his countenance as of old.”
Another outcry, very common among the disaffected, is against “the slaves.” This is a thrust against the Bey’s chief ministers, generals, and confidential advisers, most of whom were once slaves, having been brought here captives from the Grecian islands and the coast of Asia Minor. It is a mortification and sore trial to the native aristocracy, composed of land-owners, ecclesiastics, and petty monopolists, to see new men, once in bondage, elevated by their intelligence, liberal ideas, and energy of character, into the most responsible political offices of the country; and hence the Bey is called upon, through the influence of prejudice and envy, to return to old forms and customs, rejecting the measures recently adopted in the name of civilization and constitutional liberty. I believe the Bey to be well disposed towards all progressive measures; but, as he has assured me, he can give constitutional liberty and privileges only as his people are prepared to receive them,
The Tunisian government is now actively occupied in raising and bringing together troops (10,000 is the complement) with which to overcome the rebels. The Italian mail steamer was detained to bring soldiers from Susa, and the French mail steamer has gone to Boua under French consular orders. An English man-of-war (a steam corvette) left the Goletta last evening for Susa, and the speedy approach of a French squadron is expected. But it is well understood that the Bey desires no interference in his affairs by either of these powers that would but too gladly lend him aid.
One of the Bey’s generals and a few of his soldiers have been slain while attempting to quell a mutiny in the rebellious country. Kairwan, the holy city, has been taken, the governor of it fleeing at the approach of an army of Bedouins. Considerable depredations have been made within ten miles of this city. There is much restlessness and agitation here arising from disaffection, fear, or the hope of plunder, and some families have suddenly left the country. Last evening there was great consternation for a while on the public square. The Bey’s troops were ordered out in large numbers, some arrests were made, and the consulates and principal points in the city were strongly guarded.
But I have now to report, receiving my information direct from the minister of foreign affairs, that “the Bey has so far yielded to the pressure upon him as to abolish provisionally the constitution and its tribunals, and to allow the personal [Page 441] tax to remain at four and a half dollars.” This action, together with the appearance of the Bey this morning in the hall of justice, has awakened a strong feeling in his favor, and hopes begin to be entertained of a reconciliation between him and his rebellions subjects, who profess personally to love and reverence him.
To give an air of friendliness and confidence to the government, and to help prevent any appearance of antagonism between the two powers that claim to be par excellence the friends of the Bey, the presence of the Constellation is, I think, at this time desired; and I have, after confidential consultation, sent word to Commander Stellwagen that an early visit from him would be especially acceptable.
Very respectfully, &c., &c.,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.