The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-17
The Egyptian Imbroglio.

Inc Egyptian lmDfOgllO.
Since the opening OF the Sucz Canal the
state Of things in Egypt has become a mat
ter OF keen interest 10 commercial nations.
Under these circumstances the present de-
hant attitude Of the Khedivo toward the
Western powers threatens TO entail political
complications OF grave character, while
taken in connection with other recent incl
dents 1t points to possible change in the re-
lations of England and Russia.
The Khcdvcs restiveness under the re-
strants imposed on him by his European
Ministers, Messrs. WILSON and BLIGNIEREs.
aud the probable necessity OF exert
ing overt and serious pressure upon
the Egyptian ruler, must for some
time have been plain enough TO the
British Government. 1t is certainly
curious that concidcnt with the untoward
prospect in the Levant conciliatory spirit
toward Russia began to reveal itself In the
course Of the British Foreign Office and in
the tone of those newspapers which are UNI
derstood to be organs Of the Government.
Lord A. LOTUS, for instance, who had
made himself distasteful at st. Petersburg
by his sturdy, uncompromising advocacy Of
the pro-Turkish policy heretofore pursued
by England. has been replaced by Lord
DUFFERIN, the most genial and dexterous
adept in diplomatic affairs among the
British statesmen Of our day. The welcome
accorded 10 this ambassador has been OF the
most cordial nature, and one OF the btterest
Of the anti-English journals published in
Russia, the NOrOe Tremyd, regards his ar
rival as proof that the British Foreign
Onlce has abandoned its former policy
Of antagonlsm 10 Russia and it init
mates that Russian friendship might
be found useful at COnstantinope In the not
unlikely contingency Of trouble at Cairo.
This view of Lord DUFFERrN's appointment
is not little fortified 10y the fact that the
English fleet has just been withdrawn
from the Sea of Marmora, and that
the London Times, which has seemed for
some time to reflect the intentions Of Lord
BEACoNsFIELD. now advises the Turks 10
waive the right OF garrlsoning the Balkan
passes-a privilege secured to them by the
treaty Of Berlin, and hitherto described as
Indispensable 10 the integrity Of the Otto
man empire.
According 10 report telcgraphed day
or two ago, the Western powers desire to
treat directly with the khedive, and will
only seek the INTERPRETATION OF the Porte
in the last resort. But after the summary
dismissal Of Messrs. WILSON and BLIG-
NIEREs, it is hard TO see what could be
effected at Cairo by pacific representa-
tions; and coercion can only be exercised
after appeal TO the suzcrain Of the Egyptian
Niceroy, and with the Sultans consent. The
frman Of 1873, under which most of the
Egyptian loans have been contracted, con-
ferred no independent political status
upon the Khedive. 1t merely invested him
with the right OF concluding commercial
and financial arrangements; and breach OF
faith on the part of the subordinate ruler
can only be punished or remedied in the last
resort by his official superior. Indeed, Is
MAIL Pasha holds his place only by virtue
Of decree setting aside the regular order
OF succession in Mohammedan countries;
and OF course an implied condition OF the
compact between the Sultan and his vassal
would be held to be such conduct on the lat
ter's part toward foreign powers as would
not involve the central State in grave en-
barrassments.
No doubt hearing will be given TO the
envoy OF the Khedive, who is said TO be
the bearer Of handsome sum In excess
/ Vi lit lllbulo lthulItu ny law sum
donations are peculiarly welcome at STAN
boul just now, where the DE ToCQUEvILLE
project for new loan has been abandoned
The time has gone by, however, when the
distribution OF backshcesh In the seragllo
could shape the action Of the Porte against
the joint pressure OF the English and Rus
sian embassies. A concession on the part
Of the British Cabinet in the matter
Of eastern Roumeia and an intima-
tion that a new Turkish loan should be
foated on the London market would suffice
probably to develop an edifyng degree Of
concord and amty between the three parties
specially interested in the treaty Of Berlin.
But on such an occasion the Khedive might
happen TO figure as peace Offering and the
! lrmans extOrted at the cost Of such heavy
sacrifices by the House Of MOHAAIMED ALI
would be apt to be torn TO shreds.
1t is plain that this Egyptian question,
which England and France are now called
upon to settle, presents but three practca-
bile solutions, for we take it for granted that
n ccssion II the Milo Valley to those powers
by Turkey, or even joint occupation of the
| canal by European troops, is not contem-
| plated On the one hand the Khodlve may
submit after all to the will of England ;
or he may be superseded, with or without
his assent, by his son and heir, Prince
TEvFIK; or, thirdly, the established right of
succession In the viceroyalty may be abol-