The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4282, 21 September 1882, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1881.

The question has frequently been asked f Why did England go to war in Egyptwhy did she interfere? TLere can be no doubt that the interest of English bond* holders who lent money to the ex-Khedive for public works, but which was wasted on his personal pleasure or for selfaggrandisement had something to do with it. This probably was the most powerful lever in bringing about the joint control by England and France of the finances of that country, for the French financiers too had dipped their fingers into the Egyptian pie. In order to establish good govern* ment, the Khedive was deposed, Tewfik his son placed on the throne, and his position guaranteed by the two Powers, English and French Commissioners being appointed heads of the Treasury and Public Works Department. These gentlemen had no bed of roses in the land of the Pharaohs, owing to the jealousy and intrigues of the natives. However, they seemed in a fair way of evolving order out of chaos, when Arabi .stepped upon the scene, and finally succeeded in upsetting the established order of things. He was the hero of the hour, the idol of the army, and the Khedive was incapable of any but the feeblest resistance. But there were other interests at stake. The Suez Canal, a channel of the utmost importance to England, is commanded by Egypt, and it was a matter of necessity that it should not be at the mercy of possibly, we might go further and say declaredly, hostile people, for it mast be remembered that Arabi's aim was to dispense with European con troi; his party was professedly a National party, and liis motto "Egypt for the Egyptians." But irrespective altogether of the reasons just mentioned the trade of Egypt is no trifling consideration, as will be seen from the following summary of a letter published in the Pall Mall Gazette. The writer is Mr John Slagg, MP., who says :—" The English have not forced themselves and their trade upon Egypt. European emigration to that land began in Mehemet Ali's time, and has been encouraged by his successors down to the present Khedive. Formerly the natives had not the means of cultivating the soil; but the Europeans supplied the means. They supplied money and machinery; they erected cotton-ginning factories and Bteam* presses, by which the quality of Egyptian cotton was improved ; they brought the produce from the grower to the shipping ports, and helped its final distribution. This assistance has ceased at present, and the crops are lying in the interior unsold ; the native grower can neither continue.his cultivation nor pay his taxes; and thousands of natives are already, threatened with starvation. When Ismail Pasha. was deposed national bankruptcy seemed inevitable; but the security given by the Anglo

French Control caused capital to flow into ■ Egypt, and legitimate interest took the place of usury; but the usurious rates have come back owing to the condition into ..which the rebel Arabi has brought the country. To European influence the improvement of the cotton-seed industry is due. This product was formerly; burned in bathhouses and ovens,a nd eve::';; thrown away; but. the crop now realises nearly two millions sterling, of which 90 per cent, comes to England. The trade will of .course, be temporarily stopped, and the loss to the Egyptians be very serious, while the English and their customers will, have to share

the injurious effects of bad feeling between the two countries. English soap-boilers must suffer as well as English farmers and manufacturers. Egypt exports annually about one million quarters of wheat and beans, about 70 or 75 per cent, of which comes to England. Of wool, ivory, cum, &c, Egypt exports to the value of half a million, nearly all of which finds its way to England. The value of cotton exported from Egypt is nine millions sterling, of which England receives two thirds, giving employment to 25,000 workpeople, whose earnings amount to £1 per week each. On the other hand, Egypt imports manufactured goods, machinery, coal, &c, to the value of five to six millions, of which England contributes four-fifths. England has enormous interests in the shipping trade with Kgypt, British steamers ©f the regular line engaged in the Eastern trade representing a capital of '£2,160,000." These facts show the important interests England has in " Egypt, The French Government was willing to undertake the joint control of the Canal, but as the Chamber would not vote the funds, France dropped out of the reckon' ing. Indeed, it was thought at one time that France would co-operate in Egypt with England to put down the rebellion, but she subsequently withdrew, probably so as not to leave other European Powers —which are generally regarded as only waiting for her to make the first false step to attack her, with a view to again humbling her, she having recovered so quickly, and grown so powerful, since the Franco German struggle—apretextforwar. But as England has borne the brunt of the battle, no doubt she henceforth will dominate Egypt. That the Great Powers will meet to settle up accounts over this matter is more than probable, and that England's little war bill will be passed for payment (as best she can find the means), and that Egypt will be practically handed over to her, are very likely to be the out' come thereof. To the victor belong the spoils of the battle.