Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-07-21

The attack Of Great Britain upon the forts
at Alexandria is not dignified by the name of
war. Lord Granville has denied that IL was
the opening of hostilities, because Arab Bey
wasarebel against his own ruler the Khediye,
and the action of the feet was no more war
than as il it had been directed at so many
pirates. Technically this may DO true, but
there is such complication of interests in
Egypt as to make the recent attack practical
ly as much an act of war as if it had been
levelled at a recognized nationality. The sit
uation in brief was this Egypt is vice re-
gency whose actual ruler, the Khedive, &C.
knowledges the nominal supremacy of Tur-
key. For this reason there are no ambassa-
doris and no ministers sent to Egypt. At one
time Egypt paid q very considerable trib-
ute to Turkey, but when the Egyptians had
borrowed money in the French and English
markets, and had gotten into difficulties about
paying the interest, the tribute was very un.
tremendously cut off without consulting Tur-
keys wishes in the matter at all. This hap
pened about the time that England and
France began to interfere in the financial af-
fairs of Egypt in the interest of their citizens
who held Egyptian bonds. The Suez Canal
also gave them reason for regulating the in
ternal affairs of Egypt, and Board of Con-
troll was appointed by France and England to
manage the finances Of the much taxed and
unhappy Egyptians. Thenceforward the
whole civil service began to pass into the
hands of Europeans, until the natives were
left without single officeholder.
In February, 1881, the discomfort of the
natives showed itself in a revolt against on
order of the Khedive disgracing and imprison-
ing a Colonel named Arab Bey. He was
a comparatively unknown man at that time,
and for some infraction of military discipline
the Khedive had ordered his punishment.
Then the revolt occurred which brought him
forward as the leader Of the native party.
The party demanded and secured Arabs
release and promotion and the dismissal of
nearly all the foreign. born officers then in the
army. In September last another outbreak
took place owing to a report that some of the
regular regiments were TO be sent to Upper
Egypt. On this occasion Arab again was the
leader of the maloontents, and he obtained
the appointment of a new Ministry and the
summoning of the Chamber of Notables.
Thonceforward Arab became the actual exec
utve power of the country, and he rapidly
led the opposition to European domination il
financial matters. The European Board Of
Control had taken possession of the national
revenues and retained part of them to meet
the interest and sinking fund of the bonded
debt, and it was against this arrangement
that Arab secretly directed his efforts. Here
he at once antagonized both England ant
France, and these nations finally addressed
note, not jointly, but in identical terms pro
testing against any interference with thu
Board of Control. Following this, the Cham
Der took a more openly hostile position, ant
compelled the Khedive to appoint new
Ministry, of which Arab was a member a
Minister of War.
At last the intention of the Nationalists Al
the Egyptian military party was called, be
came SO evident that England and France
prepared for armed Intervention by sendinC
war-ships to Alexandria and demanding tn
dismissal of Arab Pacha into exile. A veal
attempt was mndo by the Khediye to execut,
the intentions of the European Powers, bu
the army and the people were in favor o
Arab Pacha's leadership, and he was quickly
restored to power Both England and Franc,
had gone too far to reoede Besides, the,
were both large owners of Suez Canal stock
and their citizens held a great amount o
Egyptian bonds. They had these direct pc
cuniary incentives to act energetically, bu
England had larger interest. The shortes
route 10 India through the Suez Canal mus
be saved from passing out of her hands. See
ing the danger that would result from hos
tile ruler of Egypt, England was forced t
push matters to crisis rapidly. The effort
of the other European Powers 10 secure
peaceful solution of the difficulties throug
the Intervention of Turkey failed. Arab
Pacha began to prepare for war by strength
ening the defences of Alexandria, and the out
break of June IL, in which some foreigner
and many natives were killed, hastened til
opening of hostilities. At last England int
mated that work on the forts must cease
which pointthe Egyptians pretended 10 yield
but the electric light turned on the forts 6
night showed that the work was still goin
on Then demand for the surrender of tn
forts was made, and the refusal resulted
the bombardment.