Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.
Sir: By this mail I transmit a copy of the Levant Herald, containing the details of the revolutionary movement in the Danubian principalities, and which has led to the deposition of Prince Couza. As the prince of the principalities must be a tribute-paying vassal of the Sultan, it will be difficult to find any prince of a reigning family who would accept such a subordinate position.
While the question of the succession remains open there is reason to apprehend serious embarrassments to the Porte from domestic and external intrigues. It was always understood that Prince Couza enjoyed the special protection of [Page 238] the Emperor Napoleon, and that his governmental policy was modelled after that of his patron, and in conformity with his suggestions. His fall is a blow to French influence in that part of the empire.
The two provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia united under the name of the government of the Danubian principalities, containing over 4,000,000 of inhabitants, and are capable of maintaining at least 6,000,000. Their productions are chiefly pastoral and agricultural. It is chiefly from these provinces that the supplies of grain are derived which attract such great numbers of vessels to the Danube from all parts of Europe. They are the outward ramparts of Turkey against Russian aggression, and it is of great importance that a tributary state should exist there capable of maintaining its own existence. The absorption of the principalities by Russia would put that power in possession of all the available routes of access to Constantinople, and would render it almost impossible to defend the capital with any prospect of success.
The war in Syria still continues, and this in connection with the revolution in the principalities gives serious inquietudes as being likely to re-open the eastern question, and to lead to complications among the protecting powers. It will require unusual wisdom and sagacity to solve successfully the perplexing questions growing out of these different movements. Large expenditures of money will be required, also, at a time when the Turkish treasury is in a state of extreme penury.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.