If matters are proceeding favourably on the banks of the Danube, and success attends the Ottoman arms in Little Wallachia, the same favourable report cannot be made of what passes at Constantinople. Indeed, it is difficult to believe the fact, were it not attested by several witnesses, independent of each other, and enjoying opportunities of being well informed, that the gallantry of the troops, and the ability and devotedness of the chief, are, to an alarming degree, neutralised by the intrigues in the Turkish councils. The Moniteur of this day confirms the fact of the dismissal of the Grand Vizier; and adds, no doubt to weaken the unfavourable effect that would naturally be produced by changes in the ministry at such a moment, that the movement has no political character. It is stated that the contrary is the case, and, moreover, on authority entitled to respect, that none feel more annoyed than the French government, not only by these changes, but by other incidents, which prove that some of those in whose hands the safety of the country is placed are far from doing their duty, and that their dereliction is traceable to causes not of the most honourable nature. I select from a private letter received from a friend at Constantinople, a few passages, that seem to bear out that view of the case, and which are worthy of attention, as the party who communicates them is in a position to be acquainted with much of what is passing. The letter bears the date May 25^th, and contains passages of this kind:

"The loan is not effected, although we are in the greatest distress. But you are completely in error if you believe we have a government here. We have only a semblance of government. For one who feels sympathy for the cause in which Turkey is engaged, it is lamentable to be obliged to witness what is passing before our eyes—to see the utter indifference to the public good, to behold the grasping cupidity of men in office, and the implacable, though underhand warfare which the great functionaries carry on against each other. What has been done to Namik Pacha is taking place with Omer Pacha. The able general and honest man is left without succour, and even without a line in reply to his reiterated and most pressing demands. There has not been a single cabinet council for the last twenty days, because Reschid Pacha has had the misfortune to lose two of his little grandchildren! And without him nothing can be discussed in council, nothing done. It is he who is the Sultan, de facto, and he who is the Sultan nominally, is reduced to devour his own heart, in the impotence to which they have reduced him. The cry of ‘the country is in danger’ has no meaning here.

"Each affair a little above the most ordinary business, and after all the complications and delays of office people, ends in an Irade, and this imperial Irade (supreme sanction) has no fixed term; you may wait eight days for it or three months. If the question be, for instance, to send money or reinforcements to the army, a fortress or a town has time to be captured before the imperial Irade makes its appearance, and all because, by means of the basest intrigues, matters are kept concealed from the Sultan.

"Nothing can be more surprising than the attitude of the people. Is it apathy, or indifference, or resignation? I cannot understand it, but the fact is, that they scarcely seem to be aware that the Russians are besieging Silistria. The French generals complain often and strongly of the little cooperation they receive.

"But what is most remarkable is, that all the better class of Turks, the well informed, or, at least, those who appear so, with whom I have conversed, are unanimous in believing that the object of the intrigues is to destroy the government, and no one seems to have sufficient energy to avert the misfortunes that will fall on the country sooner or later."—Paris Correspondent of the London Times.

How infatuated the statesmen who dream of maintaining the integrity and independence of the Ottoman empire! It is drying up by a fever in its very bones. Nothing can save it. —EDITOR

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