Current History, A Monthly Magazine | Page 4

of the

Chamber, were leaving Constantinople for Bucharest, where they
intended meeting the representatives of the Greek Government, in
order to find a way of settling the outstanding Greco-Turkish
differences regarding the Aegean Islands and the question of refugees.
The object of this political move was twofold. First, Turkey was bent on
giving to Europe a proof of her pacific intentions, and, second, she was
trying to convince the Hellenic Government of her willingness to reach
an understanding regarding their mutual differences, and begin anew
the friendly relations of yore. The following extract is from an editorial
article published in the Ikdam of Constantinople on Aug. 17:
From today the regeneration of our fleet begins. From today Ottoman
hearts must again rejoice. We must work hard now for the
strengthening of our navy. We must know that our fleet, which till
yesterday was lifeless, is no longer in incompetent hands and under the
leadership of lazy minds. New Turkey has intrusted her navy to iron
hands. At the head of our fleet is Djémal Pasha, whose naval successes
it is unnecessary to mention. The commander of the fleet is the Chief of
the Naval Staff, Arif Bey, and in command of the light flotilla is Capt.
Muzzafer Bey. Likewise the commanders and the other officers of the
two new battleships are chosen among the fittest. This is the beginning
of a new era for our navy. In addition to this we must say that we are
expecting good results from our political activity. Talaat Bey and Halil
Bey have left for Bucharest, where they will try to find a solution of
outstanding serious questions. At the same time they will have an
opportunity to exchange views with Rumanian statesmen. It is
unnecessary, in our belief, to exalt the significance of this mission. We
think, however, that a wise and moderate policy, strengthened by a
good army and navy, will go far in bringing good results.
On Sept. 10 an official announcement from the Sublime Porte was
handed to the representatives of the powers in Constantinople, and
communicated to the press. This declaration ran as follows:
As an expression of the sentiments of hospitality and friendship on the
part of the Ottoman Government toward the European populations of
the empire, there were instituted long ago certain regulations to which

Europeans coming to the Levant for commerce would be subjected,
these same regulations having been duly communicated to the
respective Governments of those Europeans.
These regulations, adopted by the Porte on its own initiative, and
considered entirely as privileges, and having been strengthened and
made more general through certain acts, have continued to be in force
up to this time under the name "Old Treaties," (in Turkish "Ouhout-i
Atikah.") These privileges, however, are wholly incompatible with the
legal status of recent years, and especially with the principle of national
sovereignty. In the first place, they became a hindrance to the progress
and development of the Imperial Government, while in the second, by
creating misunderstandings in its relations with the foreign
Governments, they formed a barrier preventing these relations from
becoming more harmonious and more sincere.
The Ottoman Empire continues to advance in the path of regeneration
and of reforms, overleaping many obstacles, and in order to acquire the
position due to it in the civilized family of Europe, it adopted modern
principles of government, and has not deviated from its programme of
having the State conducted on these principles.
The founding of the constitutional form of government is in itself a
proof that the efforts of the Ottoman Empire for its regeneration have
been fully crowned with success. Certain exceptions, however, based
on the capitulations, such as the participation of foreigners in the
administration of justice, which is an all-important prerogative of
national sovereignty, the limitations imposed on the legislative rights of
the State, based on the argument that certain laws cannot be applied to
foreigners, the injustice inflicted on common right from the
impossibility of convicting a delinquent who disturbs the safety of the
country merely because he happens to be a foreigner, or because the
prosecution against him must be subjected to certain limitations and
particular conditions; and likewise the difference in the competency of
the various courts dealing with cases where the capitulations are
involved; all these constitute impregnable barriers against every effort
of the country toward progress in the administration of justice.

From another point of view, the fact that foreigners living in the
Ottoman Empire are exempt from taxation, in accordance with the
capitulations, makes it impossible for the Sublime Porte to procure the
indispensable means for the carrying out, not only of the reforms but of
its everyday needs.
The impossibility of increasing the indirect taxation is bringing about
the increase of direct taxes, and therefore makes the burden