, 1879-05-03

Resistance to European Domination.

Resistance to European domination.
London Times, 1pT1t II.
It Is not merely the kheQiye who has rebelled
against the influence OF the Western Powers.
The most influential part OF the population and
the chief religious and political authorities are
on his side, and resent the intrusion Of
European influence into Egyptian affairs. The
leaders Of the nation are said tobe with him in
the struggle be has commenced for what he
deems Independence He has, in the first
place, the support Of the ulemas, or priests, and
when We bear in mind their numbers and their
influence over other classes Of the COM
munity their adherence is readily seen
to be of the greatest Importance. In
Egypt, as in Coustantinople, their hatred
OF European intrusion Is intense and unfelgned
Tile predominance Of Islam seems necessary to
their very existence, and thev abhor any ao-
nroach to Christian rule. This is inevitable;
but 1t is, perhaps, still more signrd-
cant that that interesting body, the
Chamber Of Delesates, is also ~, On the HE,
is rather more than twelve years old, the
Grst meeting OF Parliament in Egypt having
been held on the 25th OF November, 1856. There
is unly one Chamber, and the humber OF dele
rates is fixed at seycnty-f1ve, and every male in
habit babitant over Is years Of age who is not legally
interdtcted has a right to vote. Cairo
names three members, Alexandria TWO, and
Dia1nctta one, aud the rest OF the
country is divided into electoral districts,
each returning one member, ,,,,a IL Is eers
the creatures Of the khcdive- But, however
body Of Delegates may be elected, they are apt
to acquire some independence when they act to-
rc1her, and the Egyptian Assembly seems to
lave been no exception to the rule. The Minis
ter ter Of Foreign Affairs, We arc told. went
the other day TO close the session, which had
rome to au end By mere lapse OF time But an
Egyptian Mirabeau, Abdul Salem Mouch'i, DE-
cl9rcd, on behalf of the Assembly. tlat they
could accept no such d1smssal. me Cnampei; 1s.
be said, had as yet done nothing; they lad l
still much to do in the supervision OF the
Ministry, and they declined to separate.
His colleagues supported him, and the
egyptian Assembly seems now TO DC
sitting permanently, claiming tnat all ministers.
on its will and responsible to it tor their con-
6rct of affairs. Such proceeding may not
DC worth much at present: but 1t Indicates the
existence Of real spirit aud cnerey ln the dele
desI, derclopment. At all events. If the khe-
dive is. supported By such n body
of men. it must be presumed he commands
some independent support 10 inc e'ass !tolh ll
winch thev are taken. Then there IS the influ-
eucr OF the tarens, which Is subtle and per
s;stent' snt 4 strict system Of economy under
European supervision is fatal to fcrnnne luxury
and eYtrayagaucc. In short, the inauen-
tial Pashas, rhe religious party, tenale
;mfnence. and the chief landowners IN The
rhe Khcdiyc III determined resistance TO
Enroneau predominance The landowners are
evt,, snid to have offered their lands as guar
anIee that the promises the Sultan mas maue
shall be carried out. Add to this that these
nronises themselves are so enticins. as to tend
r. divide the European interest, anu 1t Will DC
seen 1kat the Khediye's position Is oy no means
a weak one. -