Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-06-14
Rrypt and AfrIca.
Philadelphia Times.l

Philadelphia Times.l
Egypt had made immerse conquests
of territory in Central Africa. While
the Sultan of Turkey was lolling in in
dolent repose in bis harem, surrounded
nv dancing girls aud bayaderes the
Khedive Of Egypt was scheming and
planning for the accumulation of soil
He raised large army; be equipped and
armed it in the best possible manner; he
oficered it with able military men from
France, Austria, Italy and the United
States. When all things we're ready, he
struck the provinces in the heart Of
Africa, and they surrendered Darfur is
now under Egyptian rule, and portion
Of the territory over which floats the flag
of the Khedive. And this economic ru-
Ter does not covet soil merely to count so
many acres. That plan does not meet
his appreciation. he follows the soldier
with the merchant, the cannon by the
steamboat, the rife and the sword by the
railroad and the locomotive. A railroad
is now under construction between Cairo
and KhartOum. 1t will be continued to
Darfur. 1t may even be extended to
Gendokoro and the Lake Albert Nyanza.
1t undoubtedly will be, If the Khedive is
allowed 10 carry out his ambitious de-
signs. This road will be located in the
valley Of the Nile, and Its cost not ex-
cessive From Cairo to Khartoum the
whole expense is estimated at 81 400, 900.
A branch line is also in contemplation
to run from Khartoum, along the valley
of Bahr ell Asrak, to the Abyssinian from
tier. As trade movement this furnish
es abundant evidence of the far-sighted-
ness of the present ruler Of Egypt. Wien
this road is completed, he can command
and monopolize the whole trade of the
long and fertile valley OF the Nile and
pour the profits into his treasury. Forty
centuries will gaze With wonder upon the
march of modern civilization by the
stony sphinx, and the shrill scream OF
the locomotive will almost resch the ears
Of the ancient Pharoahs as they lie en-
shrouded in countless folds beheath the
mighty and enduring pyramids. But
the present is the motive power, and the
past can only wonder in silence. Be
sides the commercial and trade aspect of
this movement, it has another OF start
ling import-conceale it is true, but
none the less perceptible to those who
have watched the course of the KhediVe
flr some years. II Abyssinia we're an
nexed to Egypt, he would command the
whole western coast of the Red Sea, as
he now in reality does the Suez Canal.
A few years ago, an Egyptian army
started in the direction of Abyssinia. 1t
was halted before the boundary was
reached, for fear of difficulty with Eng
land. Now no such an obstacle exists,
and the Khedive is free to carry out bis
design, if it still fingers in his memory
and intent. Suppose the road construc-
ted to Khartoum, and also the Spar
branch to the confines Of Abyssinia.
Then the Khedive can move his troops
with ease and rapidity, and overcome
the Abyssinians before they are prepared
to meet the invaders in successful man
ner. This railroad in the valley Of the
Nile ISL mastery conceived plan, both
from commercial and military point of
view, and, if completed, the man in Cairo
will be more powerful in a short time
than the master at Constantinople.