New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-12-13
p.pIJamENT I'M EGYPT

A recent cable dispatch surprised us with the news
thai the Egyptian Parliament had been opened by the
Viceroy and few days later we were informed that
the EGYPTIAN Council had eulogzod the officers Of the
Egyptian army which is fighting against the insur-
gents Of Gambia. Thus, it seems Parliamentary rule
is establishing itself among the Mohammedans In the
Ear East reform the Importance OF which, If proves
a success, can hardly be overestmated. Nothing can
be better calculated to break down the fanaica con-
servatism Of the Mohammedan world with its more
than 100 900 900 inhabitants than the successful work.
ing Of modern institutions in of thor own countries
The land Of the Pharsohs and Ptolemes was we'll
qualified 10 become the pioneer OF constitutional re-
form among the adherentS Of Islam. Though de-
pendency Of Turkey, it is comparatively the most
progressive and most prosperous of the Eastern coun-
tes The glories OF the past have never lost alto
geher their insprting influence, and the residence in
the country of numerous scholars and merchants
from the more civilized portions of the world has not
failed to duse an interest in political and social i'm
proyements. Alexandria has grown with rapidly
not exceeded By any city in Europe. aud is now one
of the rst commercial cities Of the Old World, with
a population of 100000; while the progress OF the
Canal of suez has opened the eyes Of the Government
and the people to the highly advantageous position OF
their country.
The founder of the ruling dynasty, Mehomet ALI
an Albanian adventurer who elevated to the post
of Pasha of Egypt in 1906. was known as an enlght
ened and energetic reformer. lie Thoroughly reorgan-
lied the army and navy and the entire system OF ad
mnistration. aud would have achieved complete
independence of Turkey but for the interference oil
the European Powers who were anxious to avert the
overthrow Of the Ottoman Empire. He died in ls49
The fourth son of Mehemet, Said Pasha, who reigned
from 1854 to 1863 carried out the enlightened plans
of his father with some notifications OF certain OBJ
jectionaI features by which they were deiaced and
under bis auspices Egypt steadily advanced toward
higher position among the nations. The present
ruler. Isma Pasha, grandson Of MO
hemet, and son Of Ibrshim Pashs,
the celebrated soldier. is likewise q friend oil
reform, aud has now crowned tbs work OF bis
predecessors by granting Constitution The fact OF
a Constitution having been allowed to Egypt 49, IN
ITSELF matter of great curiosity; but what IS still
more remarkable is its liberal basis The Viceroy,
without any outside pressure grants. indirectly uni
versa suffrage. and places the native Christians he
Copts) on an equal footing with the Mussulmsns-a
liberality which may we'll shame most of the Euro
pean Governments.
The present population of Egypt is estimated at
5000, 900, Of whom about 10000 are COpts, aud
Is 900 domiced Europeans. Its commerce is rapidly
growing-the exports to Great Britain alone amount
ing in 1864 to 900. The weakness of all the
neghbOrng countries gives to the ruler of Egypt an
opportunity for building up large empire which en-
erge,c men like Mehemet Ali and Said Pasha WILL in
tho course of time, not fail to turn to advantage