St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-01-24
CHAT WITH TEWFIK.

w
/ had the great pleasure of an interesting
tetea tete with the late Tewik Pasha, who
for ten years ruled over the destinies of
Egypt In the capacity of khedive 1t was in
the early spring of 1882, and his majesty had
then been ruling for the period of a year.
AT the time in question was attached to the
United States ship Nipsic as a midshipman,
having been transferred from the flagship
Lancaster short time previous. Affairs at
Alexandria between the natives and other
inhabitants, especially the English and the
Greeks, had been in very strained condition,
and a revolt was imminent at any moment
So Admiral Nicholson or sold Nick" as he
was called. gave orders for the Nipsic, then
lying at Villefranche, France, to proceed to
Alexandria at once and ascertain just how
matters Stood and protect, II necessary the
interests and lives of the Americans living
there. After voyage occupying three or
Tour days the Alexandria lighthouse was
sighted, and i'll a short time small boat
with the peculiar leg mutton sail so con-
spicuous in these waters came alongside and
the pilot came aboard. 1 will not attempt to
describe accurately the grotesque appear
ance OF this individual but that he was an
odd-iook1ng specimen with his swarthy
complexion, flowing garments and Oriental
H.
1t was the first time ever saw an Egyptian,
and with all the curiosity of child / 'sized
up" this Arabian knight. He impressed me
from the start as man who knew his bust
ness, and from the moment he assembled the
bridge and took his place beside the captain
felt that the Nipsic was safe In his hands
There is no harbor in the Mediterranean
more difficult of entrance than that of Alex
andr1a, but the pilot zig-zagged us through
the tortnous channel with as much ease as a
boy would guide bicycle through crowded
street. We anchored within sight of the big
white palace where the khedive spends the
summer months.
The same evening Capt Seeley directed
me 10 be prepared to go to Cairo the next
morning. but made no allusion as to what the
OBJECT OF the trip was to be, other than that it
was to be of diplomatic character, and that
IL would be necessary to go in full dress uni
form. In the morning party of officers made
up OF Capt. Seeley, Lieut.. Commander New
ell, Lieut.. Barnes and myself started for
the ancient city at the head of the Nile Be-
fore we had gonefar l learned that we were
to make an official call on the khedive, and
thrill of pleasure, mingled with boyish curl
oslty, took possession of me. We left Alex
andria at about O'Clock, and it was nearly
Arriving at the city, it was deemed adyisa-
BILE to wait until the following day before
paying our respects to the khedive in order
TO correspond with rule of ceremonial in
vogue with the palace. The day was spent
taking in the sights, and the following morn
Ing we started off at o'clock on a jaunt to
the world famed pyramids. We returned at
II O'Clock and on the way back drew up to
the Apdln palace. A dusky son of the Nile
met US at the door, with much obeisance and
the usual salaaming. Capt Seeley pre-
sented his card and expressed his desire to
see the khedige. His duskiness'' seemed to
comprehend what was wanted and bowed us
into the hall. which opened into eommo-
dious parlor, where we all TOOK Seats
After lapse of few moments the khe-
dive entered and greeted us all with gra-
clous smile and q hearty handshake, Capt.
Seeley Introducing each of US in turn. French
was the language spoken. This let me out,
as my knowledge of that polite lingo was
little rusty. though 1 could understand what
was said. So, like Brer Rabbit, laid low, and
said nothing. This gave me an opportunity
to silently measure Tewfik Pasha, or Tooth
pick" Pasha, as he has been humorousIy
called. A man of about forty years of age
took him to be, medium height, dark hair
and beard, the latter pointed and neatly
trimmed blue eyes, full of merriment: face
of strong character; forehead high and
Intellectual This was Tewfk as found him,
He was one of those men who make favor
able impression at once, kind of love-at-
firstsight- He seemed delighted to meet u.s.
The United States. he said, always occupied
warm place in his affections, and it was al
ways great pleasure to meet its representa-
tive officers. He astonished us all by his in
innate knowledge of affairs in our country,
and chatted entertainingly for an hour or
mole On matters of interest, particularly to
Americans He referred to the paucity of
our naval forces, and inquired why it was
nation or our Importance did not possess q
navy in keeping with its high dignity and
national grandeur. Mr.. Newell announced
laughingly that we were too poor, and could
not afford it.
The khedive, quick as q flash, made an
swer: Egypt will lend you what money
you need" A sickly smile greeted the khe-
dives sally, for we could not conceal our
humiliation at the dig" Even Egypt was
aware of our national weakness After a
short private confab between Tewfik and the
captain our party withdrew highly pleased
with our visit.
forgot TO remark that during our call the
customary refreshments, coffee and cigar
cites, were served, and it was between sips
and puffs that the conversation was carried
on. l never drank such good coffee or