DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
439 
 
England, Belgium, Prussia, and Italy.  Some of the decorations given are

said to be such as are alone exchanged between independent sovereigns, and

their diplomatic bearings are supposed to be duly considered. Many of these

presents have been brought here by governmental steamships, and returns haev

been made to all but two of the above-named courts by special envoys of the
Bey. 
A recurrence to some historical facts may, perhaps, throw light upon the

actual status and relations of the Tunisian government. Without specifying

many events that tended to diminish the friendly and intimate relations between

the Tunisian and Ottoman governments, and to establish the indepsendence
of 
the former power, we particularly note the fact that the Ottoman Porte was

finally prevented from attempting to interfere in Tunisian affairs by the
presence 
of a French fleet in the harbors of Tunis. Since the above demonstration
of 
French power and assertion of Tunisian independence, no claims or obligations

other than of a religious nature have, I am assured, been either urged or
acknow- 
ledged by either party. So far as Turkey is concerned, Tunis is now, and

has been for some time past, politically independent. The Bey acknowledges

alone the religious superiority of the Sultan. On these points there appears
to 
be no difference of opinion among those who are supposed to be well informed.

Should the Sultan visit Tunis soon, according to newspaper announcements,
he 
would, I am assured, be enthusiastically received as the great hierarch of

Moslemism, while as a political sovereign he would find few friends in Tunis.

But the means finally employed to prevent Ottoman interference in Tunisian

affairs, though effectual, tended to a result unfavorable to Tunisian inde-

pendence. While protecting the Bey from the Sultan, the French could not

neglect such an opportunity to establish (their influence and promote their

interests in this regency. With an ever present power they were profuse in

their professions of good will, giving decorations to the Bey and his chief

ministers, and sending Prince Napoleon and other distinguished envoys to
honor 
the Tunisian court. 
But the Bey, while courteously receiving these attentions, was not blind
to 
his true interests, showing no more partiality for the French eagle than
he had 
before shown for the Ottoman crescent. His foreign affairs have been con-

ducted, unlike those of the home department, with dignity and discretion.

While maintaining amicable relations with France and Turkey, he has suc-

ceeded in establishing relations no less cordial and confidential with numerous

other nations. 
With the general conduct and bearing of the Bey in the difficult part which

he has had to act different European governments are evidently well satisfied,

and are disposed to lend what diplomatic aid they can to counterbalance and

counteract French power and influence in this regency' And to this effect
the 
various decorations, visits, and presentations of which I have spoken (aside

from those of France) are expressive and significant, giving the Bey encourage-

ment and confidence to stand up unabashed by the side of his powerful neigh-

bor across the line, maintaining a position of neutrality and independence.

In furtherance of the object here set forth, and in accordance with the 
example of other nations, I take the liberty again to call attention to my

recommendation in despatch No. 5, in favor of a present from the President,

and I suggest for the present a full-sized portrait of Washington or Lincoln,

in a handsome gilt frame, to compare with the portraits of some European

sovereigns hanging around the hall of state at the Bardo Palace; or, instead

thereof, a rich sword would be highly appreciated. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
AMOS PERRY, 
United States Consul. 
Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, 
Secretary of State, Washington, D). C.