New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-21
TOPICS IN THE BRITISH CAPITAL.
InY CABLE TO TIE rRIBuNE.i


Yoxnoy. Jan 2O-The chief topic of interest off the
week relates to the reconstruction of Egypt and the
nnblieation of French official views on the English
pocy. Mr.. Gladstone is struggling to avoid a
nrotectorate. The French persist in questioning
the dsinterestedness of the English The Tories are
less dissatisfied with Mr.. Gladstone's policy and
beieve it will be impossible to avoid
q nroteetorate They blame the Government
for not openly avowing that circumstances may
compel England to remain in Egypt. They con-
sider Mr. Gladstone's generous project relating 10
the navigation of the Suez Canal sufficient con-
cession to secure the complete adhesion OF tho
Powers to any torn of settlement in Egypt, even
annexation outright They complain that Mr.
Gladstone has taken no precautions to secure the
ultimate supremacy of the British influence In
Egypt. 1t is contended that If the
programme of various reforms, as Of
ficially published, be honestly carried out,
there will be nothing to prevent the Egyptians be-
coming the tools of European intrigue, when left
entirely alone.
THE MINISTERIAL ARGUMENT.
The Ministerial answer obviously is that the time
for withdrawal from Egypt rests with the British
themselves; that even when their army of occupa-
ton returns from the Nle years may elapse before
there can be a complete withdrawal of the British
from the administration and that, meanwhile the
Egvptian connection with Turkey may have under
gone a radical change through the inevitable
collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
RECEPTION OF THE NOTE.
Europe now possesses complete knowledge of the
English aims In Egypt. The reception of the Note
has been everywhere friendly save in Pans. Tur
kew NAV protest that the Suez Canal scheme on
oroaches upon the sovereign rights of the Sultan;
but the French attitude is the only matter of con-
Germ to England. 1t seems impossible to satisfy
Premier Duclerc for Lord Granville has offered him
fair terms In the proposed arrangement in the field
of finance. The French hankerng after the status
ouo ante deprives the Duclerc Ministry of British
sympathy. Premier Ducerc's declaration that
France will maintain freedom of action" is re-
garded here as meaning freedom of intrigue" IN
Cairo.
1t ought not to escape observation that Lord
Granvilles Suez navigation scheme may become a
precedent for the Panama Canal
THE BLUNDERs IN FRANCE.
The French method of graphing with the present
internal difficulties of the Republic is another con-
spicuous example of the absence of sagacity IN
Government circles. 1t also affords evidence
that Gambettas death was terri
bic loss to France. The prevalent
opinion here is that the French Government
attached too much Importance TO Prince Napoleon's
manifesto and NJ. Floquets and the Governments
bills are alike censured.
The scare regarding the Legtimist plot rests a
slight basis and Is exaggerated by the authorities
in order to forward a scheme of ostracism.
PRINCE KRAPoTKINEs PUNISHMENT.
Again Prince Krapotkine's punishment might
eminent, but was unworthy of a Repub-
lie. Possibly this matter was arranged
with Russia. 1t Ia interesting TO
note that Mr.. Joseph Cowen sent his private secre-
tary to Lyons with money to assist in the defence
Of the Prince and to provide for the Princess
LORD HARTNGroN's SPEECH.
English politics are dull Lord Harrington
opened his Lancashire tour with an able defence of
the Governments policy. On Irish affairs he was
particularly emphatic against further concessions
10 agitation either in land OF in local Government
questions. With Home Rule he will make no par
ley. The tone of the speech generally is against
special legislation for Ireland and in favor of the
main tenance Of the authority of the Crown. The
Radical press is crying out about this, Non pos
sumusy' and is predicting that events will make
Lord Harrington march onward.
RUMORs OF IRISH PLOTS
As yet the public have no safe information as to
the reason for the arrests in DdbliD a week ago.
There is story told to-day of two plots
to assassinate Mr. Forster and startling revelations
are promised at the magsterial inquiry this after
noon. The assassination committee is strongly
suspected. The arrests clearly arise from inforna
tion obtained in the investigation of the Phenix
Park murders. The energy of the authorities and
the action of informers fast demoralziDg con-
spirators.
PREMIER AND APPOINTMENTS.
There is good news from Cannes respecting Dir.
Gladstone's progress He is clearly recovering his
ability to sleep. Before leaving England the Pre-
mier completed the reconstruction of the Cabinet
and filed the vacant bishoprics with Canon Will
kinson and DR.. Lewis, both High Churchmen. The
appointment Of Mr.. Brand to The Ordnance Depart
nent absorbs discontented Wing; the appoint
ment OF Mr. Cross TO the India Office satisfies the
Radicals and even the Tories con;cnted on &C
sount Of Mr. Cross's known business qualities and
courtesy.
THE CHANNEL TUNNEL.
The revival of the Channel tunnel scheme ismerely