en the sultan made military preparation to restore the
peace of his provinces. Russia ostensibly opposed Austria in these
proceedings, but, as was afterwards proved, secretly abetted her.
The attitude of the czar towards Turkey was one of vigilance and
preparation, as an armed robber watches the wayfaring man. The czar was
encouraged to hope that events would arise from the policy of France
favourable to his own designs. This expectation arose from the
ostentatious interference of France in the disputes between the Latin
and Greek Christians. French agents were spread over Syria; and a tone
at once insolent to the authorities, defiant to the Greeks, and unworthy
the dignity of the representatives of a great power, was adopted by
these men. The French ministers and consuls in the Turkish empire were
rather religious partizans, than political agents acting in harmony
with the authorities of the country to which they had been accredited.
Frequent disputes arose in Jerusalem, in connection with Greek and
Latin rites in celebration of certain anniversaries at the Holy Places.
Disturbances of a fierce nature at last rendered the interference of the
Turkish authorities necessary, who acted with impartiality. The French
ambassador resorted to menace and intrigue on behalf of the _proteges_
of France--the professors of the Latin rite; and the sultan,
intimidated, yielded everything which French violence demanded. The
English ambassador in vain advised moderation on the one hand, and
firmness on the other; the French minister seemed to disdain all
temperate counsels, and the Porte was too much awed by his threats to
adopt an attitude of resolution, or even dignity. The concessions wrung
from the sultan by the French furnished the Russian government with the
occasion it had long sought. An especial envoy was sent to demand the
restitution of all the privileges of which the Greeks had been deprived.
The vacillating sultan yielded to his new tormentor. Negotiations were
set on foot by the ministers who represented the great powers; and
France was induced by the influence of England to adopt a concessive
tone, and to withdraw from the insolent and hostile position she had
assumed. The Russian minister, Prince Menschikoff, and his master, were
elated by their success, and increased their demands. An ultimatum
was put forth on the 21st of May, that contained stipulations which
virtually made the czar protector of the Greek Christians thr