New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-28
PLEDGES md PRECEDENTS.

The laurcs which Mr.. Delane won will not
suffer The London Times to sleep. 1t cannot
resist the temptation to sustain its Old-tlme
reputation as the director of English opinion by
taking position on the Egyptian question
which is markedly in advance OF the ground
occupied by the Government 1t assumes that
the Sultan by Sinking the responsibilities oil SOW
ereignity has forfeited his rights, and that Eng
land. if left by France and Italy to act alone
will acquire the right of controlling Egypt
in the future. 1t contends that formal engage
ments taken when the situation was wholly
different must now be abrogated and that the
Sultan and the Powers must be plainly told that
England intends to retain control OF Egypt
Mr.. Gladstone and his colleagues it says
"must yield to the compuison of events" II
this policy does not imply annexation out
right. it precludes the Sultan's suzerain rights
and points to British PIotectorate over the
lower Nile.
Now this is Jingosm, not incipient. but fully
developed; and up to this time Jingoism has
formed no part Of Mr.. GladstOne's foreign
policy. The principles which England has
steadily upheld in the protracted negotiations
at Constantinople and the foreign capitals
have been the restoration OF the status quo,
the recognition OF the Sultan's suzerainty and
the sanctity of European law. In an official
explanation of the bOmbald ment OF AleXan-
dria, dated July II, Lord Granville assured
the Powers represented in the Conference
that England had "no interests or objects in
"regard to Egypt inconsistent with those
. of the TEST of Europe or of the Egyp-
&" tan people" Its sole purpose, aside
from protection of the canal, the maintenance
of international engagements and the protec-
ton of British commercial interests was to
have the country swell and quietly governed
" free from Tie predominating influence of any
"sinqle Power" That is declaration which
cannot be reconciled with annexation or pro-
tectorate Mr.. Gladstone has committed his
Government unreservedly to a campaign
sanctioned by European law. In moving the
vote of credit he said: Whether England
goes TO Egypt alone or in partnership she
" will not go for selfish objects" Now the
course which The London Times i'll its i'll
timed spasm of prescience marks out Tor the
| Government involves remuneration OF pur-
poses which have been explicitly defined. 1t
implies moreover, selfish and ambitious de-
signs, which have been repeatedly disavowed.
We shall be sOrely disappointed II MIR. Glad
stone, acting upon this advice, violates his
pledges and trifles with his conscience.
That a new era of international ethics has
not opened we are fully aware. We acknowl.
| edge that there is rot great nation in Europe
whose history will not justify the policy OF
eouivocal diplomacy supplemented by con-
quest and annexation, and it is plain that prac-
teal difficulties may arise which may render
il imperative for the English Ministry tC
swerve from their present purposes ard t.
occupy Egypt permanently. Mr. Gladstone
has embarked on "A sea where he may DC left
at the mercy of the wind and tide. Yes; but
so long as he can do so. he is bound by every
principle Of national honor to follow the
course which he has marked ont for himself
in the sight Of Europe. Precedcnts will not b'
lacking, by which diplomatic duplicty and
ultimate conquest may be justified. Only las
year Tunis was occupied in utter disregard OF
pledges which France had made to Europe
But an English Ministry will have to reckon
with the national conscience-an exigency
which NJ. Ferry was not called upon to lace
and Mr.. Gladstone's strength with the peopl,
Is the reputation he bears as a Statesman
whose conduct is inspired and regulated by
high moral principles.
One of the precedents established by Lore
Beaconsield has been followed. Indian troop
are TO be transferred TO the seat OF war on tn,
Mediterranean. This is q secood proof tina