Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-08-17
las the work of education already ad-

has the work of education already ad-
vanced that the mission reports the
sale, during 1881, of q, $50 volumes OF
| books, religious and educational, for
which was received the sum of Sc, 24S.
About one-third of all the books sold
We're sacred Scriptures, making the
Bible distribution in Egypt almost
double that of al Syria. Other figures
might be given, but these indicate
something Of what is being done for
the Christian education and enlighten-
ment of Egypt.
PROGRESS OF EDUCATION.
Never before has there been such a
desire on the part of the middle and
lower classes of the people, MosIem
and Christian, for education as during
the past two years. This may be ac-
counted for in two ways-frst, the ap-
probation of the education offered in
the schools; second, the better condi-
ton OF the people resulting from i'm
proved government. As soon as the
reforms introduced by Tewfik's govern
ment and the Anglo French control
began to bear fruit, the fellah was sur
prised to find himself relieved from
the exactions and extortlons of the tax
collector. He had taxes, and heavy
taxes to pay still; but he knew
exactly their amount and when
they would be due, and he
could make arrangements accordingly.
He soon understood that there was
no evasion of the amount assessed, but
also felt that what remained of his in
come was his own, and would not be
pounced upon by some mudir and
wrested from him. A great impulse
was given by this feeling of. security to
the work of internal improvement.
Land Immediately began to exchange
hands and at prices which are double
the former nominal value. DR.. Thomp
SOD, In his Photographic Views of
Egypt" mentions the land as being as
high as $50 to $50 per acre. At the be-
ginning of the current year, before the
present anarchy, no good land could be
bought north of AssOuan for 500 per
acre. Land owners during the past
two years have been improving their
property. A few years ago respectable
dwellings could only be found in Alex
andria and Cairo and q few of the
larger cities in the Delta. But now
buildings are being erected all over
Egypt. In consequence of these inn
provements the wages of carpenters
and builders, of artisans of all classes,
and indeed of common laborers
and servants, have almost doubled,
and every man who will work can
find employment. The country has
been favored with abundant crops
The harvest, which was just ready for
market when all merchants were driv-
en- from the country and trade entirely
stopped by Arab. was an exceptionally
good one. The Nile last fall was suff
cient to water al! the land, and all
through the season | did not hear q
single complaint from a fellah on &c
count Of insect or blight of any kind.
The farmers were all happy with q
large crop already gathered, and with
the prospect of ready sales and fair
prices. The people oil Egypt were con-
tented with their government, including
the control, for in it they recognis ed
the protection they were enjoying. The
riot on June II and subsequent events
brought everything to a standstill. The
daily freight train from Asiont, which
had begun to take out its thirty wagons
daily, laden with grain and onions,
went cut with three small cars for the
local freight. So it was in every de.
partm ent of trade.