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palities. Those amongst the rayahs have reference to the
regulation of their own affairs in the manner of the English
Quakers or Methodists, excepting that in their own disputes
they are allowed to arbitrate without appealing to Turkish
tribunals. The term, Municipalities, is misapplied, and only
calculated to deceive. In taxing the rayahs, the amounts
levied are arbitrary, and the only privilege the various sects
possess is to raise the money in the best way they can, as a
body amongst themselves, instead of the Turkish authorities
coming in contact with individuals. The system was no
doubt originated for the purpose of enabling the Turks to
levy their imposts with greater facility. The Greeks,
Armenians, Jews, etc., have no protection from these imaginary
 municipalities.”
Feb. 7th~—“1In the morning I called on Mr. Perkins,
who is opposed to the belief in the regeneration of the
Turks. The municipalities are aptly ridiculed in the novel
of Anastasius (by Hope), where the Turk sits upon the
ground smoking under a tree, and leaves the people of the
village, where he had been sent to levy contributions, to
raise the money in the best way they can. Mr. Ralli
attributes the evils of Turkey to the radical vices of the
institutions, to the monopolies, and above all to the depreciation
 of the standard of value in the money. The trade to
Persia through Constantinople has increased very much, but
fluctuates greatly. One year it has been probably 7 to
800,0001.; at another, owing to a glut, not half of that
amount. But he is certain that the trade to Persia, ete., is
double that of Constantinople for Turkey. In the evening
I dined with Mr. Thomasset, and met Mr. Boudrey, a
French gentleman of intelligence. He says the trade direct
with France has nearly fallen away entirely with Turkey.
Belgian, Swiss, and German fabrics have superseded those
from France. No regular impost is levied by government

183%.

=r. 38.