The writer was the first to propose to the Turkish government the establishment of a railroad from the capital to Adrianople. Not succeeding in this, a line of post coaches was suggested, for which, after great exertion, a Firman was granted. But no sooner were the advantages of the project understood, than several persons in authority began to intrigue, until they succeeded in appropriating the Firman to themselves, which had been obtained at so much expense and toil by another.
But as usual, it proved to them more ruinous than profitable, because of the numerous contenders for the spoils.
No internal improvements are dreamt of, and no motive left for speculation, and as there is no mutual confidence between the government and the people, the formation of corporate companies, which require united action, is out of the question, or, if attempted, they are sure to fall through by official exactions. Thus, a country teeming with mines and minerals, is left unexplored, and all other internal resources lie dormant.
Some attempts have of late been made by the government at internal improvements, such as the post-road from Trebizond to Erzuroum; but the over-exertions of those intrusted with the work soon exhausted the appropriations, and the road was but half completed.
The coal mines at Heraclea have shared a similar fate. Indeed, no undertaking can be prosperous in the lands of the officials--and if any such privilege be granted to private individuals, it is invariably under the patronage of some grandee.
A permission was obtained from government by an individual to light the streets of Pera. In the course of six months the lamps were demolished by the citizens, because they were heavily taxed to fill the pockets of the speculator, without any advantage to themselves--the streets for the most part, being as dark as before.
All innovations are, therefore, in disrepute, not that they are not appreciated, but because they invariably prove to be mere schemes for individual advantage, and never pro bono publico.
Hence it is also that the streets, even in the metropolis, are ill paved, filthy, and not lighted--each person carrying his own lantern, and getting along as best he can.