View PDF version of this page

CHAPTER XXIV. THE DUTIES OF PROTECTED SUBJECTS IN THE LEVANT: AND THOSE OF MASTERS OF VESSELS ON ARRIVING AT A PORT. PROTECTED subjects are expected to recognise the consul as their chief, and to pay him due respect, especially in the presence of Ottoman subjects, who are thereby led to give greater importance to the nation which he represents. He must wait upon the consul when summoned by him, and pay him a visit of compliment every New Year's day. The fees due by him are fixed by the Sovereign, and must be loyally paid. The consul can in no way add to them. Before taking a case into a Turkish court the permission of the consul must be obtained. Differences among them-selves, or with the subjects of another Power, which they cannot arrange amicably, must be submitted to the consul's decision. If a man leaves his ordinary residence, whether to go into the country or travel abroad, he should advise the consul, so that if any disturbance arises, he may get early warning. A European who wishes to marry informs his consul, who offers no objection if the man be a merchant or able to maintain a wife, and the woman is a European or the protegee of a Christian Power. It is expressly forbidden to a European to marry an Ottoman subject : were he to do so he would

View PDF version of this page