CHAPTER V

CONSTANTINOPLE

1865-1867

Offer and Acceptance of Constantinople Embassy--Sir Henry Bulwer--Comparative calm at Constantinople--Arrogance of French Ambassador, M. de Moustier--Lord Stratford de Redcliffe on Turkey--Sultan Abdul Aziz and his passion for ironclads--The Principalities: Prince Charles of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen chosen as Hereditary Prince--Difficulties relating to his Investiture--Crete: The Fortress of Belgrade--Lord Stanley on Greece--Russian policy towards Turkey--Pro-Russian proclivities of Napoleon III.--Projected visit of the Sultan to France and England--Mr. Hammond's apprehensions with regard to the Sultan--The Dragoman system at Constantinople--Appointed Ambassador at Paris 144