Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/1425

 CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT 1303

Murad IV., 'The Intrepid'

. 1623

Abdul Hamid I.

1773

Ibrahim

. 1640

Selim III. .

1789

Mohammed IV.

. 1648

Mustapha IV.

1807

Solyman II. .

. 1687

Mahmoud II.

1808

Ahmet II. ,

. 1691

Abdul-Medjid

1839

Mustaphall.

. 1695

Abdul-Aziz.

1861

Ahmet III. .

. 1703

Murad V. (May 30)

1876

Mahmoud I..

. 1730

Abdul-Hamid II.

(Aua 31).

1876

Othmanlll..

. 1754

Mohammed V. (April 27)

1909

Mustapha III.

. 1757

The civil list of the Sultan is variously reported at from one to two millions sterling. To the Imperial family belong a great number of crown domains, the income from which contributes to the revenue. The amount charged to the Budget of 1911-12 is £T493,280.

Constitution and Government.

The fundamental laws of the Empire are based on the precepts of the Koran. Next to the Koran, the laws of the 'Hadith,'a code formed of the supposed sayings and opinions of Mahomet, and the sentences and decisions of his immediate successors, are binding upon the Sovereign as well as his subjects. Another code of laws, the 'Canon-Nameh,' formed by Sultan Solyman the Magnificent from a collection of ' hatt-i-sheriffs, ' or decrees, issued by him and his predecessors, is held in general obe- dience, but merely as an emanation of human authority. After the promul- gation of the Hatt-i-Sherif of 1839, complete codes of law (Civil, Criminal, and Commercial) were drawn up and form the laws in force, being largely based on the Code Napoleon. These codes are administered by the * Niza- mic ' Courts. The Civil Code is administered by the Sheri Courts, dealing with questions of real property, and with all matters relating to the personal status of Moslems.

Forms of constitution, after the model of the West European States, were drawn up at various periods by successive Ottoman Governments, the first of them embodied in the ' Hatti-Humayoun ' of Sultan Abdul Medjid, proclaimed February 18, 1856, and the most recent in a decree of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II., of November 1876. The latter provided for the security of personal liberty and property ; for the administration of justice by irremovable judges ; the abolition of torture, the freedom of the Press, and the equality of all Ottoman subjects. Islam was declared to be the religion of the State, but freedom of worship was secured to all creeds, and all persons, irrespective of religion, were declared eligible to public office. Parliament should consist of two Houses, a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate. Senators should be at least 40 years of age, and would be appointed by the Saltan from among those who have rendered distinguished service to the State. For the election of deputies one electoral delegate has to be chosen for every 600 electors, and^ these electoral delegates choose one deputy for every 6,000 electors. Electors must be Ottoman subjects of at least 25 vears of age, Avithout distinction of race or creed, while delegates must be at least 30 years of age. Civil or military officials may offer themselves for election, but must immediately resign their posts on "being returned. In consequence of the prevailing discontent, especially in the army, caused by corruption and misgovernment an Imperial decree was issued for the convocation of a Parliament, and constitutional government was restored July 24, 1908. Martial law was proclaimed at Constantinople in April, 1909, for a period of one year fr om that date ; the proclamation was renewed in April, 1910, and again in