The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-12-10
ARAB IN EXILE.
a Visit to Egypt's Expatriated
Premier.
Whore French Visitor Found Him. and
How He Manages to Content Himself
During His Enforced Absence
From His Native Land.
[Cor. Paris Matin.1


Arrived at Colombo we set out for Mount
Aron TO visit the retreat OF Arab. Mr..
Henri Gigari, formerly an agent at Cairo Of
Rubbattino g. Co., who Is thoroughly ac-
quainted with the Arabic language, con.
sented to act as interpreter. While trav.
cling through this country so singuIarly
beautiful, | was almost tempted to envy
the fate OF the great Egyptian exile. This
sentiment grew stronger when our coach
man pulled up In delightful garden In
which the luxuriant vegetation of Ceylon
was displayed in all its splendor. Serv-
ants came to meet us, and, after having
taken our cards, conducted us to the ver-
anda, which was used as reception room.
OF Arab there have been great many de-
scriptions. II recall rightly, he has been
described as a man without education,
equally dull morally and physically. Ibe-
lieve have also seen pictures represent
ing him as half negro, with thick lips and
a low forehead. Nothing could be more
untrue. This Arab in whose presence we
found ourselves is man of tall
stature and majestic carriage. His
face, which is truly handsome,
with an intelligent forehead, is framed
In a lcng black beard, tinged with
gray, which gives HIN the appearance Of
patriarch. The ease with which he con-
verses and the affability Of his manners
denote in him the man Of the world. II I
did not fear to be guilty Of paradox in
regard to the prisoner Of the English, /
would say that he is an accomplished gen.
tleman.
Thanks to the good offices OF an inter-
prefer, the conversation did not languish.
While smoking manilas and taking coffee
n Ia Turque we spoke Of Ceylon, Of France,
and, above all, OF Egypt itself, the events
In which the ex-dictator followed with an
interest easily understood. "What does
your excellency think Of the war Of the
Mahdi and the result Of it?"
"The campaign of the Mahdi." he re-
piled, "must necessarily end In a reverse.
The ardor Of his troops will become worn
out in the face Of the nullity Of the results
obtained. The opportunity to march upon
Egypt is gone by and will not come
agr''"
4" you believe that Gordon will be able
TO oSo"~nrna the difficulties which surrannd
hint"
~ know Gordon" said Arab. "He has
extraordinary energy. l am convinced
that, unless there Is an accident, he will
put down the insurrection. As for the En-
glish, imagine that when they have paci-
fed the country, II they are wise, they will
allow II ell the autonomy possible. Egypt
enslaved would be Of less service to them
than Egypt administering her own affairs.
She is too near Europe, too directly In
contact with modern ideas, to permit Of
her being subjugated to a state Of vassal.
age like that of the principalities of the
rajahs. The movement Of all nations to-
ward total independence 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 private gentleman, and hai
with him his wives and children. Som,
OF the latter have been sent to Cairo u
pursue their studies. II material comfort
can stine ambition, Arab Is certainly Il
be pitied. Ceylon ought not to make him
regret Egypt, and his bitter bread OF exile
appears 10 be very much like cake.