EGYPT FOR THE ENGLISH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5278, 23 February 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

EGYPT FOR THE ENGLISH.

(From the Scotsman ,. Dec. 22.)

The rumor that the British. Government had . agreed to' tmy' the Sultan’s Suzerainty over Egypt was published 1 in Ldndou yesterday afternoon-with some additional details. '|'he newspaper that guvo tho statement yesterday 'as'authoritative ish'otone to i which the Government would be likely to communicate their proceedings, especially in so important; ’a matter ; and we may repeat 1 what "we said yesterday, that the : story is incredible;'That it should be current, however, is : 1 further. evidence, if such evidence were needed, of the public belief that Lord Boaconslield is capable of, the most, fantastic and mischievous policy. Nobody feels safe, because,nobody:can be sure what course , his lordship , may advocate. ; '. Would a proposal for a Protectorate over Egypt be patriotic ? .Surely the, best form of patriotism ,is . that which ; seeks !to shield the/ fatherland from danger, and endeavors to win for it the bsteeth of the world.;,; Would that be the result of an acquisition of Egypt ? The Suez Canal was made by Trench enterprise, and chiefly by French capital. £)oes anybody, suppose, then, that Trance, .would look com-,, posedly upon our taking Egypt ? ffot long ago M. Waddihgton, the present Foreign Minister of Trance, was 1 in London', and ha was questioned as to what his country would think of ‘ Such,, a . course. , . His reply is said to. have ' been, that- in her present, condition Trance would do hb morp than

remonstrate;, but , she , ; \vould,'never forgive the action and though it might |be five, ten, or fifteen years before she | was strong enough, she'would take the earliest opportunity of trying to drive us 1 , out. Can anybody .believe that in such an effort she would be without allies ? Is it likely that Italy "would 1 regard our occupation of Egypt with equanimity ? She is growing in strength and >in ! commercial .importance, and she certainly would resent a proceeding which would be injurious to her: interests. Both danger and the distrust and dislike of other nations would therefore attend the acquisition of Egypt. Is there any pro-bable-gaih: by way 1 of obriipensatioh'? Bord Derby’s argument virtually answers thatquesi tion—We should be weaker, not stronger," for the possession of the Khedive’s country. Nor is that all. With what face can we talk of the ambition" of "Russia and her "desire jforaggrandisement if; we covet Egypt and, are willing to take it ! If soph ; a plan as that sketched in the rumpr tOjWlpch reference "has been made were carried out, might not Russia and other Powers -find some ugly taunts" for our annoyance - Might;they not say that Russia, if ,she desired additional territory, jwas willing to fight for it; while we carefully avoided sacrifices and used pur mpueyl regarding the whole matter as an , investment, from" which ! we, hoped to make, a profit ?'i;;;Nay, might there not be even’something Wqfeetjiah this ? A purchase of Egypt from the" Sultan involves payment ior ; it.- - Would -not each payment at this; time-> be regarded ! as" help given to one of the belligerents, and therefore an act of hostility.against the other? Theseconsiderations all militate against any accept!ahce of the rumor as "to the resolution of i the Cabinet,to /acquire Egypt.! It is altogether' incredible. Though such a policy might commend itself to Lord Beaconsfield, it could "not be acceptable /to 'all ,his colleagues. They* might, however, put not only that, rumor ibut all others at" rest if they would say frankly why Parliament is to meet in January. While they keep, silence the country* suffers, for it knows of many, possible dangers, and it does not know hpw they.may, be treated by Uhe Premier."' ' ' 1