The Constantinople correspondent of the Timms forwards a remarkable account
of the present Sultan of Turkey. He says that Abdul Hamill is quite absolute, more absolute than any previous Sultan, and zealous to preserve his absolutism. He has some conception of his duties as Sovereign, and a certain royal pride, which makes him anxious to preserve his Empire intact. He is very obstinate in pursuing any serious purpose, and possesses a good deal of the finesse which distinguishes his countrymen in general. The "predominant feeling in his mind, however, is fear for his personal safety, the result partly of physical nervous debility, and partly of the insidious suggestions of others " intent upon preserving per- sonal influence. The effect of this temperament is that he looks upon his authority, first of all, as a means of protecting himself, and cannot bear to delegate it, or trust any subordinate com- pletely. It must be added that the Sultan, bred in seclusion, untravelled, and unaccustomed to books, knows very little, and frequently accepts the statements of extremely ignorant per- sons whom he thinks devoted to him. His nervousness may, in the event of an 6m,eute, have most important political con- sequences.
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