New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-21
DIPLOMATIC FOOTING.

The POrtes reply to the Powers is charac-
teristic What was required was definite
answer to the invitation to send Turkish troops
to Egypt. After protracted delay the Snltan
expresses qualification on learning that the
Powers hav unequivocally recognized his SOW
ereignty, and then proposes new conference
wherein his Government may be represented.
His purpose is plain. 1t is to waste time. A
new conference will cause delay and add to
the embarrassments of England, and after
weeks have been spent in discussing the con-
ditions under which Turkish intervention can
be permitted by Europe the Porte will decline
to act under the limitations which may be pro-
posed. Meanwhile, Arabs army will be gain
ing recruits every day and the difficulties OF the
situation will be UNNECESSARILY increased. a
straightforward answer would have enabled
the Powers to authorize England to suppress
the revolt with the aid of France. But the
Sultan has no desire to have decisive action
taken in Egypt. He looks upon Arab not only
as Mussuman hero in North Africa, but as
serviceable ally who has been acting in cOlu-
sion with the Turkish Pachas and has added
fresh importance to the worm eaten throne OF
StambOul. In no other way can he aid and pro-
tect the Egg ptian rebel effectively as by pro-
longing the period of inactiOn and suspense
That the Sultan has no other object in view
than delay is evident from the shallow pretext
on which the demand for a new conference Is
based He agrees to send a representative
now, although lie has stubbornly refused to
take part in The previous negotiations. Ills
consent is grounded on the Difference which
has been shown to his rights ana sovereignty.
Now the objective point of English and French
diplomacy during the negotiations OF the last
six months has been tie maintenance OF
TewGk on the throne under the conditions de-
fined and sanctioned by the Sultans frrnans
When NJ. Gambetta was disposed to act indie
pendently of Constantinople, Lord Granville
restrained him by reminding him of the Sultan's
suzeranty and when England seemed sus-
picious of Turkish Intervention, France urged
the necessity of recognizing the sover-
eign rights of the Porte. The European Pow
ers in all their correspondence and negotiations
in relation to Egypt have unreservedly con-
ceded the Su,tan's authority, and have only been
anxious to have him exert it in the right dlrec-
ton and under proper restrictions. The cvi-
| dences Of Difference to its rights and sover-
| eighty were not wanting when the Porte was
asked, first, to attend the conference, and,
secondly, to restore order in Egypt.
Can Europe allow the Sultan to trifie with
its patience in so critical an emergency Can
| England stand by aud listen to the idle chatter
of diplomacy, when every day of inactiOn rem
dcrs the campaign which lies before her more
| formidable and creates fresh disturbance in
her commercial empire? Arabs soldiers have
already ceased to desert hini. Delay has en-
| bodened them, and scouts and skirmishers are
reported to be approaching the ruins of Alex
| andria. The Bedouins, also, ale said to be
swarming about his standards. Hesitation and
| delay have already multiplied the dangers and
difficulties of invasion. Has not the ii me gone
| by for diplomatic fooling'