"Moldavia has recently been the arena of anarchical and separatist intrigues so wide in extent that no great success could be expected at the recent elections, the more so as a rumour had been spread throughout Moldavia that I had decided to turn my back on the country very shortly. Our tour effected a complete change. Towns like Galatz and Fokschani, which have sent anti-dynastic Deputies to the Chamber for four years in succession to advocate my deposition, have now elected men who openly declared themselves to be on the side of my dynasty during the most critical period. The elections throughout the country have resulted satisfactorily, and my Ministry can count upon a secure majority.... Tell voted against a foreign prince in 1866, as he was of opinion that such a ruler could neither become intimately acquainted with the country, nor would enjoy the same language or religion.... He informed me on entering the Ministry that no Prince had ever known the country better or respected the Church so much as I had done.... He says: 'I think more of the happiness of the country than of its liberties!'... "General Solomon and Colonels Slaniceanu, Lupu, and Sefcari are thorough soldiers, who were all at their posts in the hour of danger and did their duty loyally. The army, moreover, behaved excellently at the critical time, which gave me great pleasure, as I have always given it special attention. "... I should like to be able to lengthen every day, for none suffices for my continuous work. Everything that is performed in silence by the chiefs of departments in other countries is here laid before me; no decision is arrived at without my being consulted. Every one wants an audience of the Prince to lay a grievance before him. But the more work I have the better I like it, and I by no means wish to complain." Owing to the sudden illness of the Grand Vizier, Ali Pacha, through overwork, and the prevailing centralisation of the Turkish Government, all affairs of State came to a standstill for the time being. The Sultan refused to appoint a substitute, and Ali Pacha refused to resign: "I shall die, if needs be, but I shall die as Grand Vizier!"