ew and enlarge still more the new
institutions, ordained with the view of establishing a state of
things conformable with the dignity of my empire and the position
which it occupies among civilized nations; and the rights of my
empire having, by the fidelity and praiseworthy efforts of all my
subjects, and by the kind and friendly assistance of the great
powers, my noble Allies, received from abroad a confirmation which
will be the commencement of a new era, it is my desire to augment
its well-being and prosperity, to effect the happiness of all my
subjects, who in my sight are all equal and equally dear to me, and
who are united to each other by the cordial ties of patriotism, and
to insure the means of daily increasing the prosperity of my empire.
I have, therefore, resolved upon, and I order the execution of, the
following measures.

"The guaranties promised on our part by the Hatti-Humaioun of
Gul-Hane, and in conformity with the Tanzimat, to all the subjects
of my empire, without distinction of classes or of religion, for the
security of their persons and property and the preservation of their
honor, are to-day confirmed and consolidated; and efficacious
measures shall be taken in order that they may have their full and
entire effect.

"All the privileges and spiritual immunities granted by my ancestors
_ab antiquo_, and at subsequent dates, to all Christian communities
or other non-Mussulman persuasions established in my empire under my
protection, shall be confirmed and maintained.

"Every Christian or other non-Mussulman community shall be bound,
within a fixed period, and with the concurrence of a commission
composed _ad hoc_ of members of its own body, to proceed, with my
high approbation and under the inspection of my Sublime Porte, to
examine into its actual immunities and privileges, and to discuss
and submit to my Sublime Porte the reforms required by the progress
of civilization and of the age. The powers conceded to the Christian
Patriarchs and Bishops by the Sultan Mahomet II. and his successors,
shall be made to harmonize with the new position which my generous
and beneficent intentions insure to these communities.

"The principle of nominating the Patriarchs for life, after the
revision of the rules of election now in force, shall be exactly
carried out, conformably to the tenor of their firmans of
investiture.

"The Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops and Rabbins
shall take an oat