The stream of explanations which followed Midhat's fall has not
yet stopped. By far the most probable one is that he had checked the flow of money to the Palace, dismissing his Finance Minister in particular, for honouring the Sultan's order for £500,000; and that the Sultan's relatives, indignant at the slight put upon their master's authority, persuaded him to decree the Grand Vizier's dismissal. The report, however, that Midhat had used very imprudent language, and had an idea that he could dispense with the Sultan's support, has received much confirmation, and is consiatent with his known character. According to a sort of circular signed " Veritas," and issued with Midhat's consent, his fall was due to an intrigue of Ignatieff, who offered /2,000,000 to the Sultan to dismiss him, a story which displays great confidence in the credulity of Europe. The Rusgian Treasury does not waste its millions in that style. Many of the letters from Constantinople are still full of Midhat's praises, but the correspondent of the Daily News affirms, as he affirmed three months ago, that Midhat approved the Bulgarian massacres, and after promising Lord Salisbury to punish Shefket Pasha, went home, and was found drinking brandy-and-water with that " energetic " person. It is said now that Midhat was the Turkish Lafayette, but a Turkish Barrere might be a more accurate description.
