Page:The European Concert in the Eastern Question.djvu/255

 These articles may be classified, as relating to—

i. The conditional recognition of the three old Principalities as fully independent (Arts. 26, 27; 34, 35; 43, 44, 45).

ii. The constitutional organization of the new Tributary Principality and the autonomous Province (Arts. 3, 4, 7; 13, 17, 18).

iii. The territorial delimitation of the four Principalities and the Province (Arts. 3, 4, 7, 18).

iv. Certain provisions with reference to the Principalities and the autonomous Province, which, though they exhibit some slight variations, are in the main matters of common form. These relate to twelve topics, viz.

(1) Religious equality. This is stipulated for in the case of Bulgaria (5), as it is with reference to the Ottoman Empire generally (62). It is made a condition precedent to the recognition of Montenegro (27), Servia (34), and Roumania (44).

(2) Treaties of commerce and navigation, made by the Porte, are to remain applicable to Bulgaria (8), and to Servia (37), till further arrangements are made. All Treaties made, or to be made, by the Porte are to apply to Eastern Roumelia as well as to the rest of the Empire. The Treaty relations of Roumania and Montenegro are passed over in silence.

(3) With reference only to Bulgaria (8) and Roumania (44), it is provided that the subjects and citizens of all the Powers shall be treated on a footing of strict equality within those Principalities.

(4) With reference to Bulgaria (8), Servia (37), and Roumania (48), it is declared that no transit dues are to be levied on goods passing through these countries.

(5) Consular jurisdiction and the privileges of foreigners are maintained, till modified by consent, in Bulgaria (8), Eastern Roumelia (20), Servia (37), and Roumania (49); but it is expressly stated that 'Roumania shall have power to make conventions to determine the privileges and attributes of consuls in regard to protection within the Principality.' Nothing is said as to consuls in Montenegro.