THE “TIMES” CORRESPONDENT AND THE KHEDIVE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2921, 5 August 1882, Page 3

THE “TIMES” CORRESPONDENT AND THE KHEDIVE.

TPhe London “ Times ’’ correspondent, wri iting from Cairo on 30th May, says : —‘ ‘ There is no change in the position of; affairs. On questioning the Khedive to-.day as to his relations with Stamboul, be i said that 1 the last communications re' ceived from the Sultan were reassurId% and friendly, but he fully recognized w 'hat strong influences there were in tl he palace against him. Speaking of b dmself, he asked whether I had 1 teard any single definite charge made » against him. I replied, only that l of being under the influence of the Powers. After begging me,to apeak without fear, and to mention any other matter in my mind, without regard to etiquette, he said' ‘ Then the one .charge .made is ; serious, if .it implies that I, an Egyptian, have sacrificed Egypt’s interests. But is this so? Does not the record of my reign show lessened taxation, more freedom from Kourbash funds, and the land increased in value. I do not claim these merits as mine, except that I have never tried to thwart them. But it proves that 1 have never sacrificed Egypt’s interests. He for invoking the authority of the Forte, they have answered that. When I commuted the sentence on the Circassians they blamed me for deferring to the Porte, whom they then defied. When I accepted the Joint Note, they blamed me for not deferring to the Porte, whom they now invoke. A criminal has a right to ask for evidence before he is condemned ; but as yet I have not even been charged with an offence.’ I, informed him that the natives believed he was afraid to leave his palace. He ordered his victoria, and with the hood down in the blazing aun drove through the crowded quarters of the town unguarded, except by two ordinary outriders.”