Note 21 — Chapter VII · MIDHAT PASHA IN EUROPE
Reading edition
Mr Blunt, H.B.M. Consul at Salonica, addressed the following despatch to Lord Derby:—
“Salonica, 10th February 1877.
“My Lord,
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“The leading men with whom I have conversed, and the people in general here, manifest much surprise and some irritation at the sudden dismissal of Midhat Pasha from the Grand Vizierate, in whom they had full confidence that he would carry out reforms.
“The prevailing impression here is, especially among the Turks, that the fall of this popular statesman has been prepared and effected by the Sultan’s immediate entourage.
“In case there is any demonstration at Constantinople, in favour of Midhat Pasha, the popular feeling at Salonica would, I think, coincide with it.B—I have, etc.,
“J. E. Blunt.”