UNREST IN EGYPT.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43103, 11 June 1907, Page 4

UNREST IN EGYPT.

Several English/ journals have been expressing some alarm aib thie growth of the Nationalist movement in Egypt, and there is no doubt that the feeling of .resentment at British domination of Egyptian, affairs is growing amongst a section of the Khedive’s subjects. The) movement is complicated by ithe antagonism felt towards the Christians by the Mohanimedans, and by the vigorous Mohammedan propaganda being carried on throughout the northern part of Africa. A .correspondent of- the Daily Express cabled from Cairo in April that the Nationalist movement was breeding a spirit ; of unrest among the ignorant natives that was ‘becoming a menace to British residents ini Cairo. “Even the-domestic servants, 'who were ‘formerly most submissive, are now getting out of band,” he wrote, '“and on the slightest pretext behave insolently towards their employers. Whenever trouble occurs) in the streets between ai European) and a native, the native policeman invariably sides' with his countryman, whatever may be the righltlfl of the case.” The change in Egyptian sentiment is naturally alarm-ing-to the British residents, but at the same time/the democratic man in any part of the world can hardly avoid feeling some sympathy for the Egyptians. It is true that they owe the regeneration of their country to' British influence and statesmanship, and that they ought to have a lively sense of gratitude towards Great Britain ; but the fact that the country has been regenerated explains why the Egyptians are -beginning to chafe under the domination' of what is to them a foreign Power. They have been taught self-reliance and independence, and the logical outcome of such teaching is a dbmand! for the unfettered control of their own affairs. Lord Cromer took an opportunity prior to his departure from) Cairo a few weeks .ago,to state that Great Britain must dominate Egyptian - affairs for an indefinite period, and from the diplomatic and, perhaps, from the commercial and industrial standpoint he was justified'in making this pronouncement. It .is hardly fair, however, th condemn the Egvptian Nationalists as though they were a pack of savage 'rebels.'. - * ■