The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-07-13
The War Cloud.

probable solution Of the complications, in
auces us to recur to the causes OF the con-
troversy, and the parties which are inter-
ested. Russia, Germany, Austria, Eng
land, France and Turkey are immed lately
Identified with the interests involved in
favorable or hostile termination Of the diff
ficulties which loom up in such huge pro-
portions, growing out of the practical abb
dication of the Khedive, and the assump-
ton of authority by Arab Bey, the military
This country is indirectly
concerned about the results of present ne
gotiations, only so far as they affect her
ly rs they may have bearing upon free
communication to the India possessions
of England through the Suez canal. 1t is
known that India has become supply de-
pot for the breadstuffs of England, and
that any interference with the canal trans
portation. which is now seriously threat
ened. will have an influence upon the de-
mands upon this country.
The present complications grow out Of
the reckless andeXtravagan: administI alton
of lsmail Pasha The Cincinnati Times,
referring to the subject, has the following
condensed statement of the prominent
causes which have lead to the hostile atti-
tudes of the several nationalties now NOV
ing in prominent connection with the
scenes Transporting at Alexandria In
1876 the Egyptian government was in an
alarming condition fir ancially, and the
then Khedive, Ismail Paslla, was ruling the
country with high hand and sqnandering
money i'm the most reckless fashion. The
interests of bond holders were seriously
threatened, and England and France had
reason to believe that their supremacy over
the Suez canal was in peril. They informed
l. mail Pasha in very positive terms that he
must reform his government. He promised
to do so, but his promise proved to be emp
ty words. He continued to manage affairs
in the old despotic wry. Finally, in 1879
the Khedive was forced to add icate in favor
of his nephew, Tewfik Pasha, who has adj
ministered the government under the SUI
pervision of England and France, with
Germany, Italy ard Austria behind them
In this arrangement England and France
are represented each bv min lister, in
vested with full authority to inquire into
the public service, including the public
debt. They prepare the budget. There is
also a Comm ISIS Toner of Liqnidat ion. to
look after the national finances. One re-
suit of English and French rule is that
thousands of foreigners have been ap-
pointed to office, and are drawing annually
all enormous sum in the way of salar les,
estimated at about 50 500 900. 7-it-
This is the status quor which Arab
Bey has been seeking to disturb. Arab
Bey, the Minister of War. is in favor of a
constitutional government. He has of late
organized what is called the National party,
which includes the Egyptian army and a
considerable portion of the population
This party would rid the government of all
foreigners and ign influence. Egypt
for the Egyptians" is the cry of Arab and
his followers. The first act of the new min
stry (Which came in few months ago. with
Arab Bey rs Minister Of War, was to
place the budget in the hands of the Cham
Der of Notables, a body nom ina ted by local
officers and chosen from the prominent ma
tive Egyptians. This body is wholly sub
servient to Arab Bey, and will do his bid
ding. With the budget and the army under
his control, he is in the pos tion Of dicta
tor. The Khedive has protested against
these proceedings, but he is powerless.-
England and France having much at stake,
cannot afford to let the National party take
the affairs "f Egypt into its own hands by
usurpation and military force, especially
when their control of the Suez Canal, the
great artery Of Eastern commerce, is threat
ened. Hence, they have determined to crush
Arab and his army and maintain the ''status
quo" 0p4F 9-
The progress of affairs at Alexandra ia and
the phase the complications may eventually
assume, excite concern all over the world,
for hOstiites once opened, there is no
torecasting the difficulties which may grow
out of them. 1t may be assumed as set
tied that England will allow no compro-
mise of her interests in the East, and that
whatever policy may become necessary to
preserve them W i'll be adopted, and prose-
cuted with the vigor which has always char
acterized the action of that power when
its national interests an reputation are at
stake. +"'