Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople, February 18, 1903.
Sir: Referring further to my cablegram of the 13th instant, I beg to inclose copy of note to Sublime Porte, requesting an audience with His Imperial Majesty in order to present the President’s message and at same time endeavor to secure a settlement of pending questions, having refrained from presenting demand for audience for three days after forwarding cable at the earnest solicitation of the minister for foreign affairs, who assured me that both the general school question and the examination of students at Beirut Medical College had been favorably acted upon and papers sent to palace for the Sultan’s approval.
This I have no reason to doubt, but as nothing can be considered finished here until an imperial decree has been issued and official notification received, I did not feel warranted in accepting the statement of the minister for foreign affairs that I could consider these two matters settled; consequently I advised his excellency that it would be impossible for me to longer delay the demand for an audience.
I think the minister for foreign affairs fully appreciated the courtesy that has been shown him, and that he has done everything in his power to hasten a settlement. I have endeavored to make the demand [Page 742] for personal audience with His Majesty in as polite a manner as possible. As the Sultan is always averse to discussing business direct with the legation whenever possible, it is quite probable that every effort will be made to avoid the audience.
In addition to the two questions particularly referred to in the President’s message, I have been pressing the Porte to settle a number of others which have been the subject of controversy between the Sublime Porte and the legation for many months. The list includes Doctor Banks’s petition for permit to make excavations near Bagdad, emigration of wives and minor children of naturalized American citizens of Ottoman origin, the removal of prohibition of American pork which has existed for a number of years, permission for extension and new buildings at Robert College, etc., several smaller questions, such as the detention by the custom-house of safes imported by the Singer Sewing Machine Company, etc., having been satisfactorily adjusted since my return.
It is my intention to insist upon a prompt settlement of all these questions, and, unless otherwise instructed by the Department, will pursue the matter on lines indicated in my previous communication.
I have, etc.,