The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-15

Fortunate visitor. He then made a sign to me
to sit down, and resumed his reading. His
friends and former colleagues, Mahmoud -Sami,
Yacoub-Sani, Ali Fehmy. Abdelar- Helmy NAH
moud- Fehmy and Tuba Osmat, who reside with
him, looked askance at me, hut neither spoke nor
moved. Meantime, the canvas brought US coffee
a la Turke, and arranged the cushions When
we had slipped our coffee, and, as the sun was
disappearing behind the house. Arab shut his
book dismissed all his attendants, and, handing
ing look | expressed my happiness at seeing
him IN such good health ''Yes God be thanked.
am very WELL he replied, and he added: The
climate is so good!
/ could not help thinking that the monthly
pension of j 900 rupees allowed him by the En-
glish government, had more to do with his con-
tentment than the climate. After had inquired
about all his household, expressed my wish to
learn his opinions on the recent ronts in Egypt.
Through the web of oriental decentralization
which he was careful to wrap round his answer,
l could clearly perceive that he was thoroughly
posted on the Egyptian national agitation against
the English.
81 am greatly discouraged, he said. 81 am in
receipt of information which shows the Egyptian
population are profoundly excited against the
English. / do not think the latter can remain in
Egypt If they continue the indecisive policy they
have pursued since Tel-elKebir. The violent
annexation OF the country, sustained by the
presence OF numerous army corps, can alone
secure Egypt to England. AS to reforms, they
are growing more and more difficult. l do not
think the English ever seriously dreamed OF any
reforms at ALL and the only thought and care in
the minds of the swarms of civilians sent into
Egypt from India was how long they could hang
on to their exorbitant salaries" He stopped
and his face suddenly grew clouded.
What do you think Of the Mahdi!" l asked
him brusqueiy Ehe correspondent had not
then learned Of tina fall of Khartoum.)
At mention of the name he uttered several
loud mach-allalis, and his eye that had grown
dark and saddened, frightened up and flashed
''The Mahdi" he exclaimed and his voice grew
rapid and precipitate; 1.-The Mahdi WELL firmly
believe that he will be master of Khartoum any
day he peases, and his victorious army will de
feat the English and rout them into lower Egypt
It will not be possible for British domination in
the delta to; resist the series Of checks and de.
feats that will be inflicted on it, and it is whom
God will permit to re-estabish order in the
streets of Cairo and Alexandria.
However, can only praise the English" he
continued, after a moments silence, for the
manner in which they have treated me- But L
rendered them great service in consenting, at
my trial, to acknowledge myself guilty of rebel
lion, while God knows all! Here all the Mussul-
mans love me and throng round me. To them
belong science and wisdom and the knowledge
of the morrow. Their eye is alert for the reform
of Islam that. is desired by the Snoussi and
preached by the Mahdi- And this country of
India will be the land of the resurrection But
/ am only giving my simple impressions, as
gave my word and honor to keep aloof from all
political intrigue, and do not even wish to
know the relations that exist between the Mus
sulInanS of India and those of my own country
am resigned to remain all ray life in this island
of Ceylon which was Adams place of exile, af-
ter he was expelled from paradise"