The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1898.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 361, 1 November 1898, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1898.

A CABLEGRAM in this morning's issue gives currency to the report that it is the intention of England to proclaim a protectorate over Egypt. Those who have watched events in regard to that country since che first shell from the English fleet fell on the forts at Alexandria, will look upon this as a natural consequence, and the present time as opportune in which to announce the fact to the world. It is true that at the time we landed our array, the British Government announced that the occupation of the country was only a temporary measure and that when order was restored and Egypt placed in a position to protect herself, she would be left to work out her own destiny. Since that day Britain has expended much treasure and sacrificed many lives in prosecuting the duty she undertook. France refused to undertake either of these thing—she declined to assist.buthas ever sinco grudged England any of theadvantages she has made such great sacrifices to attain. By the victories gained by her troops, in conjunction with the native army which she has trained and officered, she has freed Egypt from her enemies, and by her wise and humane administration has brought about a state of prosperity in the country.and of happiness to the population, which was beyond dreaming of as possible under uncontrolled Musselman rule.

The French press has for years been agitating to secure a combination of Powers to compel our evacuation of the country, and her Ministers in obedience to this artificially created public opinion have periodically protested that the time had arrived when our promise to evacuate the country should be fulfilled. That time had certainly not arrived until after the battle of Omdurman, when the forces of the Mahdi, which were in occupation of Egyptian territory, were scattered. The action of the French Government in attempting to seize Fashoda, which is within Egyptian territory, completejy altered the complexion of affairs and fully justifies England in proclaiming a protectorate. It would be affectation to pretend that England was not prompted by interested motives to do what she has done for Egypt. It is important in carrying out her policy in Africa that Egypt should be free from molestation by France, more particularly when it assumes the form of seizing Egyptian territory, with the sinister design of thwarting England in giving effect to it. This Fashoda question is settled for the prosent, but from French sources the information or threat comes that it will be revived when a favourable opportunity presents itself. There is also the statement put forth that Russia will interfere in the business. For our part we believe that the firm attitude of England has securely buried the Fashoda question, and that the statement concerning Russia is wild conjecture, if not deliberate untruth. In any case, the temper of the British nation is such that, were even a stronger combination than France and Russia arrayed against this nation, they would not recede a fraction of an inch from the position Lord Salisbury has taken up. We believe that the dominant feeling throughout the British Empire is that the time has come when France should be taught her legitimate position amongst the nations of the world. The Germans have half taught the lesson, and only very little more provocation is required for Britain to act the part of finishing governess.