The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-03
ENGLAND AND THE EAST.
Annexation of Egypt-The Euphrates Railway
and It's Value to the Empire.

Annexation of Egypt-The Euphrates Railway
and Its Value to the Empire.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
LONDON, Oct. 2-The Bulgarian episode is
but one link in chain of incidents about which
neither Germany, Austria, France nor Italy
onght to be moro concerned than England. Al
ready established in Batouln, Russia, once mis-
tress of Bulgaria. will not find it a difficult task
to absorb the whole eastern coast of the Black
sea- seize the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus and
strike a blow at Armenia. British statesmen
cannot shut their eyes to tho rapid
ity with which Russia is consol-
idatiug her annexations in central
Asia, developing her means of communication
and pushing forward her outwcrks. In consider
ing the contemporary action of Russia in Bull
garia, Roumania, the Caucasus, central ASIA
Corea and in the Pacific, they readily perceive
that the day cannot be far distant when England
will be compelled to give up much of what she
calls her own, or make determined stand
to retain it. 1t is generally believed
that the only safe policy for England
is to actively prepare for the defense Of
her Indian possessions and abandon Turkey to
her fate The annexation of Egypt by England.
on the ground that it would be strategical and
political advantage, which was very popular
idea few days ago, has been abandoned, as
Egypt is now considered too dear at the price of
$500, 900, 900 and probable # the British
colors we're run up once for all at Cairo, Eng
land would have to take over the Egyptian debt,
Gl00, 000, 900. besides giving Russia France and
Turkey an opportunity to embarrass her. which
would be quickly seized, especially by Russia
and France British statesmen just now
consider that it is infinitely more important TO
perfect and guard their ways of communication
between England and her possessions in the East
than to complicate matters by permanent ac-
QUESTION of Egypt. In this view the government
is recorsdering the projected Indo European
railway along the valley of the Euphrates and
the shores of the Persian gulf. 1t would save.
between England and India in distance,
1000 miles, and reduce the time for
mails from twenty to ten days.
troops could be sent from England to Kurracheo
in fourteen days, and there would be immense
saving in the cost of transportation An enemy
advancing toward the northwest frontier Of
and generally it would give England the first
strategical position in the world. Easy of de-
Tense itself. the. Euphrates railway would
facilitate British protection of Asia Minor.
The length of the railway would
be about 920 miles, and the capital required I'M
der $50, coo, 000 The line would traverse some
of the most fertile soil in the old world now ~
ing waste in Syria and Mesopotamia, which, I'M
der Englands protectorate, might, like eastern
Europe and the United States become granary
for England. Three years ago. during the Russo
Afghan war scare, Lord Salisbury made the fol-
lowing statement regarding this railway In the
House of Lords:
Tho popularity of this scheme and the great atten
ton given to it, are only some of the many signs
which should make her Majestys government con-
slider that the subject of connecting the Indian ocean
and the Mediterranean Is of the most Important
questions of the day 1t is therefore matter for
which her Maicstys government win be held largely
responsible by the publicf they do not adopt at an
early period policy to which they are prepared to
adhere and one which will respond to the feelings
entertained by the public of this country.
These words leave no room for doubt as to the
conclusions Of the present government and tbs