Telegrams from Constantinople have been allowed to pass over the
wires announcing that the Sultan intends to appoint Mahmoud Nedim Grand Vizier. This appointment would mean that all dependence upon Great Britain has been abandoned, that the Old Turks would obtain all offices, and that Russia would again be regarded as a friendly Power. The Sultan has intended this appointment, for some time ; but this announce- ment is probably put forward as a feeler, in order to see how many supporters Sir Henry Layard will find in the resistance he un- doubtedly intends to make. If he stands alone, the appoint- ment will be gazetted ; but if he is backed by France or Germany, there will still be delay. The Sultan seldom givea up anything, and he wants Mahmoud Nedim, who promises him obedience and a refilled treasury ; but he moves circuitously towards his objects. It is an ominous cir- cumstance for Sir Henry Layard that the Sultan has apparently forgiven the recent quarrel, and has asked the British Ambassador to dine. That always means, with Abdul Hamid, that he is revolving and has nearly perfected some project which he does not expect the British representative to like. Nothing baffles an Ambassador like the personal gracious- ness of a Sovereign whom he is expected to take by the throat.
