НАГРАДЪ ГРАФА УВАРОВА. 
453 
Reverting to the other articles of the Treaty, His Majesty said, that he 
thought nobody would accuse liirn of exaggerated pretensions in exacting 
anually a million of ducats (something less tlian^ 500,000) for ten years, 
as au idemnity for the expenses of the war. Adding this sum to the value 
of the cessions in Asia, he was still by no means repaid for the losses he 
had experienced. He was moreover far from being satisfied with the gua- 
rantee, which general Diebitch had consented to accept, as a security for 
the payment. The Turks attached no importance to the possession of the 
principalities, and would therefore be in no hurry to fulfil their engagements, 
when the worst alternative of a failure, would only be a prolonged occupation 
of territories, tliey did not care to recover. During the course of the 
négociation tliey had repeatedly tendered the cession of these provinces in 
lieu of any payment. But he would hâve nothing to do with the occupation 
of the principalities. He would stand clear with Europe and leave open no 
door for suspicion. He would ratify the Treaty as it stood, that no further 
doubts might be started as to the conclusion of the peace, and in order not to 
give any public mark of his disapproval of general Diebitch’s arrangements. 
But he was still not the less firmly determined to look for sonie other 
guarantee. 
I took the liberty of asking His Imperial Majesty to what other gua- 
rantee he would look? 
With all I hâve in liand, replied the Emperor, I sliall hâve no difficulty 
in finding guarantees. I may retain temporary possession of Varna or of 
Silistria or of another fortress in Asia. 
His Majesty did not explain, which fortress he meant but I bave some 
feason for believing, that the occupation of Batoum is contemplated. In 
this case some négociation will be necessary, for Batoum is not in the pos- 
session of the Russians. 
From the discussion of these questions the Emperor passed to a con- 
sidération of the general state of the Turkish Empire, expressing his con- 
viction, that it was impossible, it sliould hold together much longer, — He 
would take care, it sliould not fall to pièces during the few rnonths his troops 
remained in the Country, but he was very much afraid, that a general dis- 
memberment of the Empire by the Pashas would speedily follow the éva- 
cuation. Would to God His Majesty said, it might be found he was mistaken. 
Russia could desire no better, no more convenient, neighbour tlian the Sultan. 
He could not, however, shut his eyes to the rottenness of the Empire, it 
was bis first wish to uphold, nor to the dangers, that would accompany its 
fall. His Imperial Majesty entreated me to draw the attention of my Govern- 
ment to this subject also, and to déclaré his readiness to concert with the 
