[Inclosure 1 in No.
225.—Translation.]
Aarifi Pasha to Mr.
Wallace.
Mr. Envoy: I have had the honor to receive the
two notes your excellency kindly addressed to me on the 20th of January
and the 3d of May last, Nos. 142 and 160, relating to the stores for
petroleum built at Tchiboukly by Sami Bey and associates.
The imperial Government regrets not to be able to bring itself to the
point of view contained in the aforesaid notes. Really the stores in
question have been established according to what is done in other
countries, with a view to prevent any danger and with an object of
public utility.
This measure should the less provoke any complaints since it is provided
in article 12 of the regulations of the harbor of Constantinople,
adopted in consequence of an agreement with the representatives of the
powers at Constantinople. The terms of that article are too explicit to
furnish the conclusion that individuals would be free to build private
stores.
Up to that time the petroleum imported into Constantinople was stored in
the deposits of the prefecture of the city, which, not being adequate to
such service, used to occasion serious inconveniences which provoked
continuous complaints from the parties interested in the matter.
It was with a view to stop those complaints and to regulate the storage
of petroleum that the Sublime Porte had to grant the concession to a
private society offering all the guarantees.
As to the dues collected on that score, there is room to remark that they
are not high at all, taking into consideration the multiplied advantages
that the merchants derive from the establishment of the new stores, so
that in consequence of the guarantees they present, the insurance
expenses have decreased from 2½ to 1½ per cent.
Besides, the landing, which formerly was made through lighters with great
difficulty and expense, is rendered very easy now that the ships can
come alongside the wharf built in front of the stores.
It is to be noted also that a great number of merchants interested in the
matter have manifested, with certificates duly signed, their complete
satisfaction to the new condition of things. I have no doubt that your
excellency will kindly, from equitable sentiments, recognize the
justness of the preceding considerations, and give your citizens who are
interested such recommendations as will be apt to remove their
objections in the matter.
Accept, &c.,