Mr. Perry to Mr.
Seward.
No. 37.]
United States Consulate, Tunis, May 7, 1864.
Sir:Since writing despatch No. 34, relative to
the rebellion, I have been invited to the Bardo, and have received from
the chief minister the statement which I append.
The antagonism between the French and English consuls is very marked. The
French consul is bent on the complete destruction of the constitution
and on the removal of the Bey’s chief minister, while the English consul
is opposed to both of these movements. While I allow the principle that
the form of a government should depend upon the character and wants of a
people, I must favor constitutional liberty and independence rather than
absolutism and dependence.
The reports from the interior of the country are favorable to the
restoration of tranquillity and order. Several tribes and cities have
returned to their allegiance to the Bey, restoring numerous flocks and
herds which they had stolen. Some outbreaks have, however, occurred in
cities situated along the shore. In Sfax, where we have an agent, many
Jews and Christians have been robbed of all their possessions, and all
the French subjects taking refuge on board a man-of-war have come to the
Goletta. In this city have occurred some outbursts of passion, directed
especially against Tunisian Jews, some thousands of whom have suddenly
doffed their Moorish garb and red caps, putting on instead thereof
European clothes and hats.
It is difficult to predict the complete restoration of tranquillity until
a better understanding exists between the leading European consuls.
Christian and Jewish families are leaving the country in large numbers
for Malta, Italy, France, and Algeria; and the Goletta is thronged with
people who have come there from Tunis and the surrounding country to be
within range of European war ships. Consternation prevails more
particularly among the Jews. The Bey is exerting his best energies for
the maintenance of order, and I think if he could have the harmonious
co-operation of the consuls all signs of revolt would soon
disappear.
[Page 444]
Two more French men-of-war, two Italian, one English, and one Ottoman
have arrived at the Goletta during the week, making in all twenty war
vessels that are now in the harbors of the regency.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
AMOS PERRY, United States
Consul.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Enclosure 1, with despatch No. 37.]
On the 29th day of April, 1864, the French consul, accompanied by the
aide-de-camp of the governor general of Algeria, the admiral of the
French fleet, and Colonel Compenon, a French subject in the employ
of the Bey, visited the Bardo, and asked for an interview with the
Bey, aside from the prime minister. An interview was granted by the
Bey, in company with the minister, on the condition that the latter
should take no part in it, unless desired. The consul assured the
Bey of the good will of his master, the Emperor of France. The Bey
expressed pleasure at receiving such an assurance. The consul then
urged the Bey, in behalf of his government, to rescind the
constitution and dismiss his chief minister. The Bey replied that he
had adopted the constitution only under the united counsel and
pressure of France and England, and he could in good faith rescind
it only with their assent and approbation. England still held him to
his engagement to maintain the constitution as the fundamental law
of the land, and he could not break faith with England to conform to
the changing counsel of France. He had, however, so far yielded to
new counsel from France, and to demands from a portion of his own
subjects, as to temporarily suspend, with the approbation of the
English consul, certain provisions of the constitution. In regard to
his minister, the Bey said that it was easier to dismiss him than to
fill his place. He regretted that he was not blessed with
trustworthy servants able and competent to manage his affairs.
The consul replied that it was necessary to rescind the constitution
in order to restore tranquillity, and offered to name for minister
one who would, with the aid that France would cordially give,
produce results to the glory and honor of the Bey. He said the prime
minister had enriched himself, impoverished his country, disgusted
natives and foreigners, and that his removal would alone restore
tranquillity and give hope of renewed prosperity.
At this stage in the conversation the Bey suggested that the demands
and reply be made in writing. The consul expressed a willingness to
receive a reply in writing, but refused to make his demands in
writing.
Colonel Compenon interrupted the conversation with impertinent
remarks. Pointing to the minister, he said: “You are the author of
all these troubles.” He was finally checked by the consul. Neither
the Bey nor the minister addressed to him a word in reply, and gave
no occasion by word or deed for any affront to be taken.
Finally, the Bey, taking the hand of his minister, left the hall
under plea of indisposition.
