Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir:The events and developments of the week are far from encouraging a hope that the Tunisian difficulty will be speedily settled. Italian, French, and Belgian journals contain articles denouncing in strong terms English and Ottoman intrigue, and crimination and recrimination are freely expressed by the opposing parties. Though fleets of considerable importance are at hand with instructions to co-operate for the safety of Europeans and for the tranquillity of the country an influence is exerted unfavorable to these results.
I hereby enclose a circular of the French consul, giving a view of the statu quo entirely at variance with the English and Ottoman explanations contained in my last letter.
Steamers have arrived during the week from Gabes, Sfax, and other cities along the coast, with intelligence that the Bey’s authority is completely set aside in those places, and parties are in power calling for Turkish rule under English protection. The indications are numerous of a disturbed state of feeling in this city, and hostility to the Bey’s government is reported to be on the increase in the interior. The Bey and well-informed Mussulmen are believed to exert their utmost influence for the maintenance of order, while foreign politicians and fanatical Mussulmans, by a singular concurrence of measures, contribute to the general disorder.
The affairs of the regency appear more grave now than at any previous time. The Bey is beset with opposing counsellors. Some insist upon a change in his ministers, others that he should yield to no such counsels. Some urge the presence and support of French troops, and the French Emperor indorses this proposition by the offer of men and money on a liberal scale. Others resist such counsels, urging the Bey to rely on himself. Still another party urge a resort to English and Ottoman support. The Bey appears in a maze. Hampered and paralyzed in his movements, he does but little for the establishment of order.
Meanwhile commerce and industry are paralyzed, merchants are ruined, and the country is forsaken by those Europeans who are able to make their escape to a more secure region.
As I write a letter is received announcing that the Turkish flag floats over Susa.
Should the French land troops, as they tried, and still propose to do in case of emergency, a general pillage of the city and murder of the Europeans would be likely to result.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
P. S.—The Mediterranean squadron in course of training has just arrived with many war ships and advice boats under the command of Vice-Admiral Count Bouet Williaumez.
We shall then be able to send ships upon all points of the coast where a regard for security requires it.
Circular of the consul general to each of his vice-consuls in the regency of Tunis.