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CHAPTER XXII. OF THE CONSULS OF EUROPEAN SOVEREIGNS, AND OF THEIR FUNCTIONS IN THE ISLAND OF . CYPRUS, AND IN OTHER PORTS OF SYRIA. THE consul of France, now M. Benoit Astier, an esquire and privy councillor, has in all circumstances, public and private, precedence over his colleagues. He is bound to protect all the subjects of his most Christian Majesty, as well as other Europeans not specially commended to the protection of another Power. These last however may choose what Power they will, but the Genoese generally choose that of France. His officials are these : the Deputy of the colony, who is also Treasurer, and is elected yearly from the French merchants. He acts in the absence of the consul. The chancellor of the consulate holds his office under a royal patent, and, as well as the consul, may wear a sword. After him come the first, second and the third dragomans or interpreters. The authority of the French consul is wider than that of the others. He can command de par le Roi, and such com-mands must be obeyed. To debate on any national question he assembles the merchants in his office, and the matter is decided by a majority of votes. Mr Timothy Turner, the English consul, died in 1768, while I was writing this work. He was an officer of the Levant Company; but held a commission from His Britannic Majesty.

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