massacre at Damascus called for the intervention of Europe. At that period England and France, with the concurrence of Europe, occupied Syria. An European commission was formed, which drew up a scheme of government for the Lebanon, which has been the means of ensuring the maintenance of peace and order ever since. He was of opinion that European action of a similar nature would be the only means of restoring peace and order in Herzegovina and Bosnia. But he did not consider that he had sufficient authority to make a proposal of this nature, and he was therefore anxious that the initiative should be taken by Prince Gortschakoff on his return, whose advice and opinions would have greater weight with the Cabinets of Europe.

CHAPTER VII.

The Andrassy Note-General Ignatieff's Audience of the Sultan-Opinions of Prince Gortschakoff-Visit of Archduke Albert of Austria and Prince Charles of Prussia to attend Festival of St. George-The Emperor's Speech -M. de Giers appointed Assistant-Minister for Foreign Affairs-Opinions of Russian Press on Purchase by Her Majesty's Government of Suez Canal Shares-Treaty between Russia and Japan for Cession of Saghalien-Refusal of Insurgents to Submit without European Guarantee-Audience by Emperor of French Ambassador-Prince Reuss Succeeded by General Schweinitz-Death of Grand Duchess Marie Nicolaievna-Disturbances in Kokand-Deposition of Khan--Annexation of Khanate to Russia-Insurgents of Bosnia refuse Submission--Failure of General Rodich's MissionConversation with Prince Gortschakoff-Alarm at reported Intention of Turkey to attack Montenegro-Porte's Denial-Conference of the Three Imperial Chancellors at Berlin-Murder of French and Prussian Consuls at Salonica-Turkish Fanaticism-English Fleet ordered to Besica Bay for Protection of British and Christian Populations-The Berlin Memorandum— Its Rejection by Her Majesty's Government-Lord Derby-Despatch stating Motives for Refusal.

AFTER considerable delay, caused partly by the necessity of exchanging opinions with the Governments of Berlin and St. Petersburg, and partly also by his awaiting a project of reform emanating from the Porte, Count Andrassy submitted a project for the amelioration of the position of the Christian population of Turkey, with a view to the pacification of the disaffected provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After some modifications at St. Petersburg and its acceptance at Berlin, it was approved by England, France, and Italy, and the Note-commonly called the " Andrassy Note "was presented to the Porte by the representatives of the

six Powers at Constantinople on the 30th January, 1876.

Previous to the presentation of this Note, General Ignatieff, the Russian Ambassador at Constantinople, had an audience of the Sultan, and laid before His Majesty the various grievances which had given rise to the insurrection in Herzegovina, referring to the vexatious system of administration of that province. His Majesty expressed his deep concern, and then expounded to His Excellency the difficulties of his position. He expressed his desire for the introduction of such reforms as were compatible with the maintenance of his sovereign authority, and said he had equally at heart the happiness and welfare of his Mussulman and Christian subjects. He repudiated any foreign interference in the internal affairs of his empire, as being the first step to the destruction of its independence, and as leading to its dissolution. He could not accept any proposals bearing such a character, said His Majesty: "Car ce serait me suicider et je prefère mourir sur mon tróne.”

General Ignatieff also reported that Mahmoud Pacha, the Grand Vizier, had received direct orders from the Sultan to prepare a "Code" of reforms such as would fully satisfy the just requirements of his Christian subjects.

In referring to this code, when produced, Prince Gortschakoff styled it, "Un roman!"

It was not without hesitation, therefore, that the Porte accepted the proposals of the "Andrassy Note," conveying the opinions and desires of united Europe.

Prince Gortschakoff returned to St. Petersburg on December 3rd. In an interview I had with him on the following day, he expressed his opinion that if the six Powers acted in unison at Constantinople the Porte could not resist the voice of Europe.

I asked His Highness what influence could be exercised to induce the insurgents to lay down their arms; and whether he was of opinion that the 30,000 refugees (here the Prince corrected me, and said 60,000) now on foreign soil could be persuaded to give in their submission and return to their homes? Prince Gortschakoff replied that if the six Powers could be assured of sincerity on the part of the Porte in accepting the reforms proposed, and could ensure their strict execution, he considered that a successful issue might be the result; that as yet there had been only a question of exercising a "moral" influence, which, representing the voice of united Europe, should suffice.

Prince Gortschakoff appeared to attach great gravity to the present state of affairs in Turkey, observing that whatever was done could only be a "replâtrage," as His Highness expressed it. His language was marked by a great spirit of conciliation, by an earnest wish to effect a satisfactory settlement of the grave difficulties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by the desire that a thorough understanding should exist between the Great Powers as to the surest means of maintaining the general peace.

The Archduke Albert of Austria and Prince Charles of Prussia-both Knights of the Imperial Order of St.

George-were invited by the Emperor to attend the annual féte given by His Majesty in commemoration of the foundation of that distinguished order.

The Emperor, in giving the health of the Archduke and Prince Charles, said:-"I drink to the health of my friends and allies, the Emperor William, Grand Cross of the Order of St. George, of which the smaller cross has decorated his breast since 1814, and also to the health of the Emperor Francis Joseph, whom we are equally proud to record among the Knights of our Military Order for twenty-six years. I am happy to be able to state on this occasion that the intimate alliance between our three empires and our three armies, founded by our august predecessors for the defence of the same cause, exists intact at the present moment, having the sole object of the preservation of the tranquillity and of the peace of Europe, I have full confidence that, with God's aid, our common efforts will effect the pacific aim that we have in view, that all Europe desires, and of which all States have need. May God preserve their Majesties for the happiness of their people."

In consequence of the serious illness of M. de Westmann, M. de Giers, Minister at Stockholm, was appointed Assistant-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and was further charged with the direction of the Asiatic Department in that Ministry. Great regret was felt for M. de Westmann, who for many years had filled the post of Assistant-Minister at the Foreign Office with great ability and unceasing fidelity to his Sovereign.

The announcement at this time of the purchase of