ABSTRACT
The decree of the ‘Rose Chamber’ had proved abortive after the fall of Reschid in 1841. A year later Stratford de Redcliffe found the roses of reform flung into the ‘dust hole’ of reaction. Izzet Mehemet and Riza had restored the old abuses and Stratford failed for some years to stay them in their courses. Stratford took up his post as ambassador at Constantinople again at the end of January 1842. His position was unfortunate. Reaction was proceeding apace in Turkey, and, for that matter, in England too. Palmerston, who had vigorously supported the ‘Rose Chamber’ decree, had fallen and Aberdeen reigned in his stead. In August 1842, the severe and reactionary Izzet Mehemet was succeeded by the mild Rauf. It had been hoped that Reschid might regain power. He had returned from his Embassy at Paris and had held secret interviews with Stratford. But neither he nor his followers were popular.
