448 
 
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
security, which are equally for the advantage of Arabs and Europeans, and

that the satisfaction of France will be complete if fulfilling here, as every-

where, her mission of humanity and civilization, she see her influence serve
for 
the prosperity of a country for which his Majesty has never ceased to manifest

his good will and sympathy. 
&c., &c., &c., 
DE BEAUVA L, 
Consul General of France. 
To the VICE-CONSUL OF FRANCE, at the Goletta. 
Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward. 
No. 41.]                       UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 
Tunis, May 4, 1864. 
SIR: The events and developments of the week are far from encouraging a 
hope that the Tunisian difficulty will be speedily settled. Italian, French,
and 
Belgian journals contain articles denouncing in strong terms English and
Otto- 
man intrigue, and crimination and recrimination are freely expressed by the

opposing parties. Though fleets of considerable importance are at hand with

instructions to co-operate for the safety of Europeans and for the tranquillity
of 
the country an influence is exerted unfavorable to these results. 
I hereby enclose a circular of the French consul, giving a view of the statu

quo entirely at variance with the English and Ottoman explanations contained

in my last letter. 
Steamers have arrived during the week from Gabes, Sfax, and other cities

along the coast, with intelligence that the Bey's authority is completely
set 
aside in those places, and parties are in power calling for Turkish rule
under 
English protection. The indications are numerous of a disturbed state of

feeling in this city, and hostility to the Bey's government is reported to
be on 
the increase in the interior. The Bey and well-informed Mussulmen are be-

lieved to exert their utmost influence for the maintenance of order, while

foreign politicians and fanatical Mussulmans, by a singular concurrence of

measures, contribute to the general disorder. 
The affairs of the regency appear more grave now than at any previous time.

The Bey is beset with opposing counsellors. Some insist upon a change in
his 
ministers, others that he should yield to no such counsels. Some urge the

presence and support of French troops, and the French Emperor indorses this

proposition by the offer-of men and money on a liberal scale. Others resist

such counsels, urging the Bey to rely on himself. Still another party urge
a 
resort to English and Ottoman support. The Bey appears in a maze. Ham- 
pered and paralyzed in his movements, he does but little for the establishment

of order. 
Meanwhile commerce and industry are paralyzed, merchants are ruined, and

the country is forsaken by those Europeans who are able to make their escape

to a more secure region. 
As I write a letter is received announcing that the Turkish flag floats over

Susa. 
Should the French land troops, as they tried, and still propose to do in
case 
of emergency, a general pillage of the city and murder of the Europeans would

be likely to result. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
AMOS PERRY. 
lion. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, 
Secretary of State, Wa ]kington, D. G.