Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Since writing despatch No. 32, stating the origin and causes of the insurrection in this regency, together with the steps taken by the Bey to restore order and tranquillity, some incidents have occurred and facts havecometo my knowledge which I deem my duty to report. The attempt at first made by the Bey to overcome the rebellion by means of an organized force proved a signal failure. By great exertions and at great expense a few thousand troops were brought together armed and equipped, but they were not in a state of mind to suit the Bey’s purposes. Many of the men speedily deserted, and all of them were pronounced demoralized. Indeed, soldiers and people whose loyalty had not been suspected were found to sympathize with the rebels, and when the hour of trial came they shrank from an active co-operation with the Bey in his effort to overcome the rebels. In this condition the Bey was compelled, unless he had recourse to foreign aid, to concede all that was originally asked from him by his disaffected subjects. He yielded too late for his honor, but yet in season to lull a violent storm of passion, and to win back to his allegiance some cities and tribes that were in arms against him.
In some quarters, however, this conciliatory action of the Bey has been regarded as a proof of weakness and as a signal for united action against his authority. In Monaster and Mehdia, where we have consular agents, Jews and Christians have suffered personal insults and injuries, and some houses in the latter place have been attacked and pillaged. But the visit of an English or Italian man-of-war has had a salutary influence in establishing order and repressing the fanatical and infuriated mob.
The reports from the interior are contradictory. It is evident, however, that the Bey hopes for the complete re-establishment of order without foreign aid, of which most cordial offers are made by at least three different nations. The interest awakened in Europe by the report of this rebellion may be judged from the fact that three French ships of the line were in the harbor at the Goletta within forty-eight hours after the news of the outbreak reached Toulon, and an Italian corvette and frigate came with like speed and promptness from Spezzia. I enclose a list of the men-of-war now in the harbor of the Goletta, (enclosure [Page 442] No. 1.) Other French, English, and Italian ships are daily expected, together with one man-of-war from Spain and one from Austria. Commander Stellwagen, of the Constellation, is prevented from being here by sickness.
At this time no danger is, I think, to be apprehended from a plundering incursion of the Arabs from the interior. The show of force from abroad is enough to tranquillize the passions of the Arabs on the coast, and to prevent combinations for the execution of concerted plans for the extermination of the hated infidels.
The government of the rebels is reported to be organized, with Kef and Kairwan as the capitals. A sheik has been elected by the insurrectionists, who daily sits in the former city to decide questions and administer justice. His rule is said to be less agreeable to French subjects dwelling along the line of Algeria than to his people; and predictions begin to be made of a collision between his forces and French troops, who would rejoice to find some pretext for a quarrel.
It is due to say that the constitution of Tunis was adopted in 1860, in concurrence with the views of European consuls, and under special pressure brought to bear by the consuls of France and England. The hasty execution by the Bey of a Jew, who was a Tunisian subject, gave impulse to action in behalf of constitutional government. The constitution has had its friends and its opponents alike among Europeans and Moors; but Ibelieve therehas been no great demonstration of dissatisfaction, till since the arrival of the new French consul last autumn. Notwithstanding the fact that his predecessor had virtually forced the Bey to adopt the constitution, he was instructed not to recognize it, and he has exerted his influence against it. On the other hand, the English government recognized the constitution last autumn by a special convention, and the English consul has encouraged the Bey to persevere in maintaining it. The Italian consul has rather coincided with the French view of affairs, and other consuls have acted a somewhat independent part, defending the right of the English to treat with the Bey.
The antagonistic views of the English and French are at this time quite manifest. The French appear to exult at what has occurred, while the English express only regrets and the hope of the speedy termination of the difficulties. Meanwhile men-of-war are accumulating in the harbor, and the agitation in the city is intense.
Yesterday the French consul, accompanied by the vice-governor general of Algeria and the admiral of the French fleet, visited the Bey, and urged him in a formal manner to abolish the constitution and dismiss his chief minister. The Bey, in reply, requested that, for the sake of explicitness, the demands be put in writing, and promised a reply in writing; but being further pressed, said that though he had adopted the constitution to please the French consul, he had suspended it to please him and his own subjects; and in regard to his first minister, being satisfied with him, he should not dismiss him. The French consul left the Bey dissatisfied; and the Bey has to-day given an account of this interview to the other consuls.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C