Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople, April 5, 1903.
Sir: I beg to confirm cablegram announcing audience with the Sultan.
Late on Thursday night I received a verbal communication from the minister for foreign affairs to the effect that His Imperial Majesty would receive me the next day after the ceremony of Salamlik, but on condition that I would not discuss business.
Early the next morning I visited the minister for foreign affairs at his house and informed him that I could not accept an audience with such a condition attached, as the object of the interview was to present a personal message from the President, and at the same time bring certain matters to the personal attention of His Imperial Majesty which the United States Government was desirous of having settled, and that the only concession I could make would be to agree that after presenting the demands I would not attempt to enter into any discussion. And the audience was arranged for on this basis.
I then proceeded to the palace, and after waiting for nearly five hours I was finally admitted. The Sultan, after his return from the mosque, was first compelled to successively receive the Austrian, Russian, and English ambassadors.
* * * * * * *
Besides the general school matter, I submitted the questions of emigration, excavations, insurance, and prohibition of American pork, * * * and I can only hope that the matters will be favorably acted upon and Imperial orders issued to put them into execution.
I have, etc.,