The New York herald., 1867-02-18

interesting items Of intelligence relating to
the affairs of the East One is, that the Sultan
has resolved to emancipate his Christian sub
jects from their political disabilities and to
convene Turkish Parliament The other
is that Ismail Pacha demands the recog-
milton of the entire independence of
Egypt of the sovereignty of the Sultan.
The latter especially is deeply significant.
There is no man living more keenly alive to
his own Individual interests than the present
ruler of the land OF the Pharaohs. It is not to
be doubted that as he is an interested, so Is he
diligent student OF the changing phases of
the Eastern question. It is not long since he
made visit to Constantinople, when the pro-
fusion with which he poured forth his golden
favors was such as to cast all previous visits Of
the subject sovereigns of the Sultan, splendid
as some ofthem had been, entirely into the shade.
About the same time, on the occasion of an ex-
tensive and disastrous fire in that city, his con-
tributions in aid Of the suffering poor were on
a scale of almost unprecedented magnitude.
His gifts were measured not by thousands,
nor by hundreds of thousands, but by
millions Of dollars. His reward appeared
in the shape of Rrman, securing to him
and his heirs in the direct line the perpetual
though subordinate sovereignty Of Egypt
1t was difficult to believe at the time that he
yielded to his generous impulses for any other
purpose. The present move of the viceroy is
characteristic and perfectly in harmony with
the previous character Of the man. His afYec-
ton for the Sultan, proved at 80 great cost,
does not hinder him now, in the altered circum-
stances of the case, from looking after his own
interests, even at the expense of his sovereign
lord. The breaking up of the Turkish empire
he sees is certain. With characteristic wisdom
and foresight-we shall not say selfishness-hs
is setting his house in order. We have little
doubt that sooner or later his wishes in
regard to entire independence Of the Sublime
Porte will be realized.
In the event of anything like a curtail-
ment of the territories of the Sultan taking
place, the independence Of Egypt may be
considered certain. There are only two Of
the European Powers who can be said to
be really interested in that country; but
their interests are so nearly balanced that
there is no chance of either the one or the other
being allowed to exercise supreme control. |
The interests Of England are paramount. She |
needs Egypt and must have 1t as the great |
highway to India. There is nothing, indeed, |
which would more effectually arouse the old |
war spirit in England than any attempt that |
might be made to deprive her of that privilege. |
1t is to England that Egypt is indebted for that |
magnificent railway that crosses the Isthmus
and connects tho two sens II was originally
the product Of English enterprise and skill
and though now the property Of the Egyptian
government 1t exists chiefly for English pur-
poses and is managed all but entirely by Eng
ish hands, But France, too, has interests
IN Egypt. In Alexandria and in Cairo
her traders are numerous In that gigantic
the Sues canal, her funds are
argely invested. French influence is and has
ong been powerful at the viceregal court
The occupation Of the country by France would
lot be tolerated by England. The occupation
# the country by England would be az little
olerated by France. No one is more alive
o this difficulty than the viceroy himself
The recognition of his independence he knows
8 at once the simplest and safest solution, and
n the mutual jealousy Of France and England
10 finds the best encouragement to his hopes
Jor could any Of the other Powers take serious
exception TO the change; for, though 1t would
essen by so much the territory Of the Sultan,
I would not increase the territory Of any Of
heir rivals. We do not, therefore, consider il
It all improbable that at an early day the inde-
'endence Of Egypt will be an accomplished
act, and that in the person Of Ismoil Pacha
be title OF Sultan, once enjoyed by her rulers,
vill be revived.
If the viceroy have his way his example
viii certainly prove contagious. Disintegra-
lon win have commenced, and no Turkish
Parliament which II will be possible to con-
'ene will be able TO check its progress. The
Independence Of Egypt once recognized,
2oumsuia. Servia. Montenegro and the othar