The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-05
A VISIT TO ARABI PAsHA.
What the Exile Told "a Frenchman Who
Visited Him in Ceylon.
Correspondence of the Paris Matin.

Correspondence of the Paris Matin. .
Arrived at Colombo, we set ont for Mount
Aron to visit the retreat of Arab. Mr.. Henri
Figari, formerly an agent at Cairo of Rubbati-
no Y Co, who is thoroughly acquainted with the
Ara0ic language consented to act as interpreter.
While travelling through this country. so sin
guiarly beautiful. L was almost tempted to envy
the fate of.the great Egyptian exile. This ZEN
timent grew stronger when our coachman pulled
npEin a delightful garden in which the luxuriant
vegetation of Ceylon was displayed in all
it's splendor. Servants came to meet us,
and. after having taken our cards,
conducted us to the veranda, which was used as
a reccption-room. OF Arab there have been a
great many descriptions. If | recall rightly, he
has been described as Il man without education,
equally dull morally and physically. I believe I
have also seen pictures representing him as a
half negro, with thick lips and a low forehead.
Nothing could be more untrue. The Arab in
whose presence we found ourselves Is a man OF
tall stature and majestic carriage. His face,
which is truly handsome, with an intelligent
forehead, IS framed in a long, black beard,
tinged with gray, which gives him the appear
ance of a patriarch. The ease with which he
converses, and the affability of his manners. de-
note him IL man of the world. If did not fear
to be guilty of o paradox in regard to the pris-
oner of the English, | would say that he is an
accomplished gentlemen.
Thanks to the good Offices of an interpreter,
the conversation did not languish. While smok-
ing manias and taking coffee a la Turque, we
spoke of Ceylon, of France, and, above all, of
Egypt itself, the events in which the ex-dictator
follows with an interest easily understood.
What does your Excellency think of the war
of the Mahdi and the result of itW
THE campaign of the Mahdi," he replied,
must necessarily END in a reverse. The ardor
of his troops will become worn out in the face OF
the nuliity of the results obtained. The oppor-
tunity to march upon Egypt is gone by, and will
not come again"
DO you believe that Gordon will be able to
overcome the difficulties which surround himN
Il know Gordon" said Arab. He has ex-
traordinary energy. l am convinced that, unless
there is an accident, he will put down the insur-
rection. AS for the English, l imagine that
when they shall have paeifed the country. if
they are wise, they will allow tall the autonomy
possible. Egypt enslaved would be of less serv-
ice to them than Egypt administering her own
affairs. She is too near Europe, too directly in
contact with modern ideas, to permit of her be-
ing subjusated to a state of vassalage like that
of the principalities of the rajahs. The move.
ment of all nations toward total indepence may
be checked for a time, but sooner or later, it will
begin again"
Here Arab closed the conversation. We could
see that he enjoyed perfect liberty. He lives
like a private gentleman, and has with him his
wives and children. Some of the latter have
been sent to Cairo to pursue their studies. IL
material comfort can stitle ambition, Arab is
certainly not to be pitied. Ceylon ought not to
make him regret Egypt, and his bitter bread Of
exile appears to be very much like a cake.