Well, my Lords, having established the Balkans as the frontier of Turkey in Europe, the Congress resolved that South of the Balkans, to a certain extent, the country should be formed into a Province to which should be given the name of Eastern Roumelia.  At one time it was proposed by some to call it South Bulgaria; but it was manifest that with such a name between it and North Bulgaria there would be constant intriguing to bring about a union between the two Provinces.  We, therefore, thought that the Province of East Roumelia should be formed, and that there should be established in it a Government somewhat different from that of contiguous provinces where the authority of the Sultan might be more unlimited.  I am not myself of opinion that, as a general rule, it is wise to interfere with a military Power which you acknowledge:  but, though it might have been erroneous, as a political principle, to limit the military authority of the Sultan, yet there are in this world other things besides political principles—­there are such things as historical facts, and he would not be a prudent statesman who did not take into consideration historical facts as well as political principles.  The province which we have formed into Eastern Roumelia had been the scene of many excesses, by parties on both sides, to which human nature looks with deep regret; and it was thought advisable, in making these arrangements for the peace of Europe, that we should take steps to prevent the probable recurrence of such events.  Yet to do this, and not give the Sultan a direct military authority in the province, would have been, in our opinion, a grievous error.  We have, therefore, decided that the Sultan should have the power to defend the barrier of the Balkans with all his available force.  He has power to defend his frontiers by land and by sea, both by the passes of the mountains and the ports and strongholds of the Black Sea.  No limit has been placed on the amount of force he may bring to bear with that object.  No one can dictate to him what the amount of that force shall be; but, in respect to the interior and the internal government of the province, we thought the time had arrived when we should endeavour to carry into effect some of those important proposals intended for the better administration of the States of the Sultan, which were discussed and projected at the Conference of Constantinople.

My Lords, I will not enter into any minute details on these questions.  They might weary you at this moment, and I have several other matters on which I must yet touch; but, generally speaking, I imagine there are three great points which we shall have before us in any attempt to improve the administration of Turkish Dominion.  First of all, it is most important—­and we have so established it in Eastern Roumelia—­that the office of Governor shall be for a specific period, and that, as in India, it should not be for less than five years.  If that system generally obtained