New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-19
ENGLhND,S AVOWFD PURPOSE.

II
Much that seems unintelligible in the as
patches in relation to Egypt can be readiiy
understood if one central fact be borne III
mind That is the avowed object OF the Brit
ish Government. Parliamentary explana-
tons of Mr. Gladstone's Egyptian policy have
been unnecessarily diffuse and obscure. but
from one declaration neither he nor MS col
leapues have ever swerved. The Premier ana
the two main representatives, OF the forelSh
Office have evaded inquiries concerning dlpi"-
matte details, but they have invariably denhed
the supreme object OF their policy with distinct
ness and precision. They have dsayowed any
intention of annexing Egypt or of occupying
any portion of the isthmus or of the delta per
manently. They have repeatedly asserted that
their sole aim is tho maintenance OF existing
angements which have been sanctioned by
the Khedive. If they reinstate Tewhk anu
suppress the military revolt the avowed ends
of their policy will be accomplished. III they
annex any part of Egypt, or station permanent
ga1risons at Port Said and Alexandria, they will
be false to their pledges. Mr.. Gladstone's life
long hostility to annexation projects ana MS
sturdy respect for the moralities of politics and
diplomacy have an important bearing on these
contingencies.
The British policy in Egypt may have been
lacking in foresight, but it has been consistent
and Ineligible. So long as any compromise
was possible between the military party and
the sovereign, force was not employed. When
the country was brought face to face with an
arcly, it became necessary tor the British MIN
istry to choose between unfolding the sover-
eign, who had been faithful to his obligations
to Europe, and making terms with the leader
of military revolt who was acting in COLLISION
with treacherous ring of Pachas in Constan-
tinople. Even if they had not been bound by
every principle Of national honor to support the
Khedive, the safety of the short waterway to
Asia would have compelled them to oppose
Arab. He was military adventurer, whose
power depended upon the personal loyalty OF
the army He was popular because he repre-
scented the national sentiment in the crude form
of hostility to foreign influence. He had secret
intrigues with the Sultan and openly defed the
public law of Europe. The commercial inter
ests of East and WestwOuld be menaced by his
supremacy. The British Government conse-
ouenty had no alternative. They were forced
to support the Khcdive.
There has been no lack of continuity in Eng
lands policy She began by exerting herintluence
at Cairo and Constantnople, but the Khedlve
WAS helpless and the Sultan would do nothing
She then appealed to the Powers to declare how
the will of Europe could be enforced. Before
the decision was reached her fleet was menaced
by Arabs earthworks and Alexandria was
burned and pillaged. But when the catas-
trophe came, her attitude remained unchanged.
Her marines and troops were on shore and her
forces were protecting the canal, but the first
N ensures had been taken for the reinstatement
of the Khedve and the restoration Of order IN
the delta The action Of the temporary garri-
son at Alexandria had been wholly in accord
with the policy which Mr.. Gladstone has re-
peatedly defined at Westminster. The sover-
eign has been strongly supported and seems to
be rapidly regaining authority over his sub
jects.
Meanwhile, the Conference has invited the
Sultan to send troops to the Nile. If he acqui-
esces-and that is the worst thing that can pos
sibly happen so far as Egypt is commemorative
| British forces can be temporarily withdrawn to
the line of the Canal or distributed among
the British garrisOns. If he refuses, England
will have her troops on the ground to protect
the khedive, to restore peace ana To suppress
q revolt which menaces the commercial inter
ests of East and West. If France unites with
her in the military operations the risks of joint
occupation by rival Powers will be incurred.
There remains wide range for European ieal-
ousies and intrgues which is open only to
vague and Improbable conjecture. The
reassuring thought is that England occupies
the foremost position in the present crisis, and
that her policy has been explicitly defined by Il
statesman who throughout his career has never
violated his public pledges nor trifed with his
conscience.