Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-07-15
ENGLAND AND EGYPT.

The New York Tribune states the
differences between France and Eng
land as follows
The Egyptian side is that Great
Britain, without assent of European
Powers, in disregard of treaty OBJ
legations to them, and against the
protest of Turkey and France, has
made wal upon Egypt True, a
demand made by Admiral Seymour
was not regarded by the authors
ties in Alexandria, but the Admiral
had no right whatever to dictate
TO Egypt in any way, for the meas
ure of control of the European
Powers was limited, and that power
was entrusted to two commissions
ers from England and France, who
have united III no demand and have
authorized no hostile action. In
fact, it Is understood that France
protests. From the Egyptian point
Of view, therefore, the assault upon
Alexandra appears to be entirely
without justification; wanton in
reference intended to overthrow
the popular party, because that par
ty sustained Arab Bey. and sought
to emanclpate the country as far as
possible from European influence.
The BIZ. tish side is that no war has
been declared or commenced against
Egypt or Turkey; that Arab Bey is
In fact a rebel, who has threatened
the life and by threats controlled the
action of his rightful ruler, the Khe-
dGhye Ha Ybo 6 81 t is~ sata af Thfs
turbulent insurrectionist, it is assert
ed, nstigated the recent riot in
Alexandria, held the Khedive under
virtual dufess by means of the army,
and melted the military and civil au-
thoritles OF Egypt to cast off the
rightful control which foreign ma
tions had exercised for the protec-
ton of -bondhoiders and the preser-
Walton of order. He had threatened
to destroy shipping in the Suez
Canal, 1T was said, and
was openly building strong
forts at Alexandria, which could
have had no other object than to
drive away or destroy the vessels of
England and France. Those two
powers had solemnIy undertaken to
maintain the Khedive in authority,
to protect creditors of Egypt, 10
assure the safety OF commerce on tie
Suez Canal, and therefore were bound,
If Turkey refused or failed to put
down asreyolutionist like Arab Bey,
to do so themselves Turkey aid
refuse, England appealed to the
European conference and to France,
aud they did nothing. The duty
was LETT to England, and it mas
been met by England alone in good
faith.
Two things must be added to these
statements. The debt which Eng
land and France seek to secure, and
which the people of Egypt would be
glad to cast off altogether, was in
CURED mainly for no legitimate pub
lie ends, but for the expenses OF
tyrannlcal and cruel rulers to whom
Egypt owes nothing. The predeces
sor of the present Khedive, for ex-
ample, was man of profigate and
wasteful life, and he loaded Egypt
with burdens III order to continue
his own excuses. Had England or
France any right to undertake the
collection of such debt? Was it
not shameful in the creditors to lend
money to such ruler on such secu-
rity, and is it not shameful to enforce
against the people of Egypt obliga-
tons so created? On the other hand,
it is exceedingly probable that the
revoiutlonists III Egypt were instiga-
ted by Turkey and by some other
European Power, with intent to en-
broll England and to free Turkey
from irksome obligations with re-
spect to Egyptian revenues and con-
troll.
1t does not seem to be at all clear
that the former Khedive was In any
sensej justified in mortgaging his State
and the labor of his people, as he
did But Great Britain did not
lend, nor France. individuals did,
because Great Britain aud France,
with other European Powers, had
pledged themselves to maintain the
existing status IN Egypt and Turkey.
The compact of European Powers
was formed, not to secure any debt
merely, bus to prevent war about the
Eastern question and to secure order
and some measure Of protection for
commerce. 1t is in this light that
the European Powers are bound
to abide by and enforce their agree
ment, Ii one or several refuse, the
duty still remains. The European
Powers have undertaken to give civ-
llization and commerce a certain
measure OF protection within the
domirions of 1.-THE unspeakable Turk,
and the duty falls to any one that
may be faithful though all others
may refuse.
The past position of Egypt has.
been anomalous. It's people have
not the lntAltiOence or tina individual