The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1882-08-09
Bearing of the Egyptian CompIica-
lions on American Interests.

Railway World.
1t is generally conceded that tho course OF
events connected with the complications which
have arisen In Egypt may have very Import
ant bearing upon American interests. Many
OF our affairs may be materially affected by
the interruption OF navigation on the suez
Canal, and an extension Of tho theatre Of war
beyond the circle of the present combatants
would probably lead to marked changes In the
current value OF some of our securities, to an
increased demand for many Of our products,
and, perhaps, to partial revival of our oceanic
chipping interests.
The obstacles which will inevitably be Inter.
posed to successful agricultural operations In
Egypt can scarcely fail TO make slight In.
crease in the urgency OF tho European demand
for American cotton and breadstuffs, and 1t
remains TO be seen what additional Influences
may be brought to bear upon our financial, In
dustrlal, and commercial prospects.
While the news forwarded from day to day
falls TO furnish clear indications OF the future,
and new developments arc constantly being
made, the chances that the usefulness of tho
Suez Canal may be continued seem TO be rather
increased than diminished by the attitude OF
NJ. do Lcsseps and the leading continental
powers. II It's protection depended solely upon
Great Britain 1t is scarcely probable that her
single efforts would be successful unless she
speedily increased the effectiveness OF her
military movements. English correspondents
writing from Egypt have described various
modes Of attack which would be likely
canal il Arab Bey and his followers were
anxious to effect that object, and II the exist.
ing English safeguards were not greatly In.
creased. But the position taken by NJ. dc Les
seps and several OF tho European govern.
menis raises the question whether the canal
cannot bo best defended by an avoidance OF
all military and naval demonstrations. 1t is
alleged that the Egyptians will have no desire
10 destroy 1t unless the British forces invite its
destruction by aggressive movements which
are rem nominally intended for It's protection; pro ,t
tho course recently pursued by the famous en-
gineer who labored 30 zealously and success.
fully TO construct the suez Canal, his interest
In Its maintenance, and his general knowledge
OF the disposition and procllvities OF the
natives cannot be doubted. Aud ono OF tho
possibilities suggested by his proceedings and
by the refusal OF all the great European powers
TO actively assist the British warlike move
ments, is that Arab Bey and his followers may
refrain from attacking the canal on account OF
the belief that such proceeding would do
more to injure than TO help their cause. What
may happen in this connection, however, Will
doubtless greatly depend on future develop
ments.
The probability that an extensive European
war Will grow out OF the Egyption complica.
| tions Is somewhat lessened by the fact that
| Great Britain seems TO have no active allies
| While her course is not bitterly condemned, II
has not been fully approved by either OF the
| great European powers. In view OF the grea
| for the commerce OF Franco, Spain, Italy, Aus
tria, Germany, Russia and Turkey, It II
| scarcely possible that they can view with In
| difference q policy that apparently aims a
supplementing British occupancy OF Glib
raitar, Malta and Cyprus with tn,
acquisition OF direct control over Egypt. Ma
terial notifications OF such a scheme will
| probably be demanded, and 1t Is scarcely likel.
| that they VIII be refused II they are pressed
| with the understanding that refusal involves
defiance OF all the continental powers. Sucl
contest would not be in consonance with the
traditional policy OF Great Britain. However
ready she may be TO wage war against feebl
adversaries, or against n powerful foe wlel
she Is aided by effective allies, mono OF he
statesmen would countenance a European wa
in which she would be the subject OF ger
| eral attack.