Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-08


which his work as Christian missionary has
identified him-a history whose course no
person, probably, has followed with greater
interest-he speaks strongly OF the vast I'M
provement which has been Effected IN the
condition of Egypt by the present khedlvc'
and especially of the incalculube beheiits
conferred by the International Tribunal and
the Anglo-Fleuch Control. These changes,
though begun under the previous khcdive,
were rendered comparatively in, iiec,ivt by
his persistent refusal to surrender the cnur-
people through his possession OF the landsand
OF the means of transportation aud irrigation,
and his operations as II merchant. All these
revenues and powers the present khtdivc II,
once surrendered upon coming to the Vice
royshp, and Is was the universal testimony
of Christians aud Syrians in the East that
Egypt had never been 50 well governed so
progressive, peaceful and prosperous, IA dur
ing the last three years. A fixed tax for
every person was substituted for the old
modes of unlimited eXtorlion strict justice
was done in the International Tribunal in all
cases in which any other person than an
Egyptian was party, so that natives would
often sell their claims to Il foreigner in order
to get them tried in that court over two
thousand government schools were establish
cd throughout the country, and full protcc.
ton and much assistance were rendered TO
missionary work
But now enters the disturbing element.
The prosperity of Egypt began 10 be an eye
sore to the Sultan of Turkey, He saw the
country increasing in wealth and able to pay
a large revenue, and yet himself deriving no
advantage therefrom. The Mohammedans
also were growing restless under Christian
control. 1t was at this time, according to
Mr.. Jessup, that the Sultan began to sow
the seeds OF disaifecton and religious
hatred among the more fanatcal of the Mo-
hammcdan officers, chief of whom in fiery
zeal and religious prejudice was Arab Pacha,
the leader of the present revolt. Mr.. Jessup
quotes n gentleman personally known to
him, who heard Arab at public service in
mosque at Cairo, lifting both hands high,
cry out: "Allah grant that ! may see the
streets run with the blood of Christians"
Thus was kindled the flame which was soon
to break forth with ungovcrnable fury. Mr..
Jessup says that the result was not unforc-
seen. Even before the first outbreak great
numbers of Christians and Europeans fed the
country. Then came the outbreak. Life and
property were no longer held sacred Arab
and his hordcs ovcrran the country; thou
sands of fugtives fled to Syria and to various
parts of Europe, glad to escape even with
the loss of all their earthly goods. In short,
an utter abandonment of Egypt TO the worst
and iiercest Mahommedan tarbarism was the
only alternative when Great Britain utter
fcred.
What, now, might have been the result
had she held aloof Tho wild career of the
insurgent Mohammcdans would have receiv-
ed no check, and the peaceful valley Of the
Nile would have been visited by reign OF
terror unsurpassed in the annals of history
property, as well as life, would have been
everywhere destroyed civilization with
all its ameiorating influences, would
have been crushed out, and blood-red
barbarism would have stood exultant
over the ruins alike of religion and society
the worlds commerce would have been
checked, and the pathway between Asia and
Africa blocked up by an unrclentng savage
ry. The promptness of England's action pre-.
vented all this. While France stood hcsita.
ting, and the allied powers of Europe were
calmly waiting to see the breach close up it.
self, England stepped in and by sheer force
drove back the rcbellious mutinecrs and put
IL stop to the carnage and riot which ravaseC
the land. For what che has done she dc
serves credit for what she might have done
or may do she certainly has right to ex
pect the best Interpretation from her critics
A fair and open and courteous criticism OF
her policy she has earned, and is not afraiC
to meet. The Eastern question is, practical
ly, hers to decide, and if her statesmen pur
sue the policy which at present marks the
action, the Egyptian imbroglio will sooi
cease to exercise the devious Ingenuity o
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