THE ORIGIN OF THE SUEZ CANAL. 71 



though it is, with the utmost tenderness and de- 

 ference. But in due course the Divan will certainly, 

 in presence of the universal wishes and support of 

 other Powers, be bound to assert its independence and 

 dignity before the world. I may add that the accom- 

 plishment of these duties will be a source of strength 

 rather than of embarrassment. This is the opinion of 

 Prince Metternich, one of the oldest and most trusty 

 friends of Turkey. 



" They must be beginning to see at Stamboul, 

 especially since the seizure of Perim, that if a certain 

 great Power wishes to close the Eed Sea, as she 

 succeeded in doing more than a century ago, by a 

 decree of the Porte, it is with a view to her sole profit, 

 and not in the interest of the Ottoman Empire, for 

 whom rapid communication with the holy places of 

 Arabia is almost a matter of life and death. It is not 

 very long since The Times declared that Great Britain 

 was 'the first Mussulman Power.' It was hitherto 

 supposed that Turkey was. I know who wrote that 

 article, and you may be sure that it was only a feeler. 

 According to this system the seizure of Perim would 

 be only the first step in a more complete invasion." 



To His Highness the Viceroy. 



"PARIS, August 12, 1857. 



" The manifestations of the commercial bodies and 

 of the citizens of all countries day by day condemn 

 more strongly Lord Palmerston's declarations, but I 



