5
With regard to this Firman, or Hatti-Houmaïoun, it was further stated in the Treaty that—
"The contracting Powers recognise the high value of this communication. It is clearly understood that it cannot, in any case, give to the said Powers the right to interfere, either collectively or separately, in the relation of his Majesty the Sultan with his subjects, nor in the internal administration of his empire."
We return, then, to the promises of the Hatti-Houmaïoun of 1856, which was thus formally introduced to the public law of Europe. These were the Sultan's words:—
"I have resolved upon, and I order the execution of the following measures:—
The guarantees promised on our part by the Hatti-Houmaïoun of Gulhanế, and in conformity with the Tanzimat, to all the subjects of my Empire, without distinction of classes or of religion, for the security of their persons and property, and for the preservation of their honour, are to-day confirmed and consolidated, and efficacious measures shall be taken in order that they may have their full and entire effect."
Thus were the promises of Gulhané, at the requisition of the Powers, taken up and reproduced, after seventeen years of neglect. In this Hatti-Houmaïoun of 1856 the Sultan was led to promise much. His Majesty declared that—
"All the subjects of my Empire, without distinction, shall be received in the civil and military schools of the Government."
Twenty-one years after this promise was made—i.e. on the 5th of February, 1877—there appeared the following announcement in the Times:—"An Iradế of the Sultan ordains that from henceforth the children of non-Mussulmans will be admissible into all the military schools." The promissory note of 1856 has been thus renewed in 1877.
So far as verbal promise could go, the Hatti-Houmaïoun of 1856 dealt fully and fairly with the military grievance. As to the army,
