Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-01-10

Inc hhedtves Dcath ana the PoWefss
In consequence Of the death OF the Khe-
dive OF Egypt ws may expect during the
next few days 20 hear numerous exciting
rumors from London. Paris, and Con-
stantinople. IL not from other European
capitals. Already It Is surmised that
France will seizo the occasion TO reopen
the whole Egyptian question and demand
government fer Egypt with French rep
resentation in IT, while on the otacr hand,
it seems decided that England will insist
that TewrrK's son. Prince AsBAs. upon
whom the succession devolves, IL old
enough TO rule for himself. There can
scarcely be doubt tina. France viii be
heard from in troublesome way in the
crisis. especially through Constantinopie.
The situation presents an opportunity for
reviving French intrigue at the sultans
court that will hardly be ignored. and ss
natural copcomitant OF this intriguing
may be anticipated m effort to reassert
Russian influence in the Bosphorus. Inc
outlook. therefore. points TO interesting
complications.
Nevertheless IL Is pretty sofe 10 conclude
that when matters have adjusted them
selves or been adjusted. as the case may
be, Great Britain will not have relaxed one
whit her grasp upon Egypt. Whether
Prince AsBAs assume the rulership untrarn-
melled by anything resulting from French
demands OF for diplomatic reasons some
recognition OF French claims be extended,
British occupation Of the land of the
pharaohs is u permanency. France may
be given the shadow-though that is not
probable-but England will hold the sub
stance, and English influence will con-
tinue to predomiuate in Egypt. These
conditions are not only essential from the
standpoint OF finance a, involved IN the
relations Of the British taxpayers to the
Egyptian debt, but are necessary for the
keeping open of England's communication
with her Eastern empire and Southeast
African possessions, and for the reconquest
Of the Soudan. which Is ono of the GER
tainties of the future.
Aside from this. however, when it comes
squarely to meeting the issue the Porte
cannot afford TO antagonize Great Britain,
and dare not advance a step beyond the
line that may be positively defined by
SALISBURY. No one knows better than the
Sultan that TEwFIK, who was the most en-
lightened. not 10 say most civilized, ruler
Egypt has had for years, was credited with
an ambition to play the role of MgHEsEr
ALI. He appreciated his obligation to
England and was in sympathy with Eng
lish ideas, and Prince AB3is Is said to be
of similar mind. What with the dissen-
sions existing in Islam and the prestige OF
England in Mohammedan countries. should
the British Government see fit to encou-
rage that ambition in TEwTIXs son and
support his designs with British arms, the
lease of life Of the present Turkish dynasty
could not be long. That the British Gov
eminent might see fit 70 10 do IS by no
means beyond the scope Of possibility,
seeing the tremendous interests the British
taxpayers have, not merely in Egypt, but
in the immense possessions that country IS
the key TO. Stranger things have happened
than the transfer of the Sacred Banner
back TO the land once dominated By the
Mamelukes.
Nor is there any reason to doubt that
SALIsBUBY's policy in respect Of Egypt will
be sustained by the Triple Alliance. In
addition to the fact that whatever coarse
he may decide to pursue will be opposed
TO the aims of the common enemies of the
Dreibund so far as Europe is concerned,
Germany and Italy have an interest IN
common with Great Britain as regards
the approaches to the East African coast.