New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-19
ARAB, THE EGYPTIAN.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE EXILED pAcpI
IN CEYIION

| IN CEYLON.
The world has almost forgotten the existence -
Arab Pacha. Only q few years ago be was a 0eu,.
OF International importance one OF the most taedI
perscnagcs Of the day. In his desperate attempt AZ
revolution he changed the political map Of Africa ana
set at work diplomatic influences In Europe that win
remain potent for many years to come. And then
he became a prisoner of war. and was borne awsv
into Cngalese oblivion. There he has dwe for YEAR,
in q pretty roadside bungalow between Colombo ana
Mount Lavinla, almost forgotten. save when chanc.
visitor rediscovered him and received from him a
primitive appeal to be conveyed 10 the deaf ear, A
the British Government one Of the latest Of thess
visitors was Mr. Clement Scott, Of The London D,i,v
Telegraph" who did not, however, see the hmou.
Pacha at the latters home. but received him A
guest Of a day at a hotel ut Newrya Ella. Indes6
Arab no longer lives in the bungalow near Colombo
The damp air OF the shore impaired bis health s.
a short time ago he went to live with fellow exile a
Handy: and from that place be came to see Mr. scstt
at Newrya Ella.
The English traveller found the Egyptian to b. q
tall wesct up. gravefaced ana eminently sola,.,,,
man. Arab Is only fifty one years Of age. but bs
looks ten fifteen years oder. His hair AMI beaa
are completely gray. and rapidly turning to Whit.
His face expression Of resignation and ~.
ness, and his eyes dimmcd and filmed with m
pending cataract. The form Is not bowed or bent
but sim Grm ana erect, and II did not require two
gances That be man Of strong determine.
ton. y could not help smiling a he took out hS
watch when I arrived. and gravely complmented m
on my military puncuality. This habit Of punctualtv
Is one ! have forgotten said he. though thu
days of parni,s over forever Gravity OF d.
mesnor. dignity Of bearing. solemnty OF mannr,
With II certain ripple Of gen'leness In the stream Of
his conversation these my first impressions a
Arab Pacha. the Egyptian and had no reason IN
recall them ut any period OF the interview
After dinner they retired 10 a quiet nook and the
exile proceeded 10 relate 10 Mr. Scott with elaborap
detail the whole story Of his life-of his career a
q soldier, OF HIS sudden connection with the revo-
uiOnary PARTY, OF the tricks that played on
him by those he most trusted. OF his loyalty to those
whom he served and OF whom he might have been
rid had ne chosen 10 be disloyai they dwelling
with some bitterness his betrayal 10 the English
before Tel Kcr and celebrating every scene in his
soldiers lfe as well emphasizing his strict devotion
through good report ana III report the Egypt that
he loved Much OF this DETAIL" says Mr. Scott
~ would Willingly have spared this too conscien.
tious reciteri In fact, ! ntmaied much to hts
SON. who interpreted TO ever. word and sen.
tcnce OF his fathers story. But Arab was fixed IN
his deter nnatlCn to tell his story I'm his own way
lie had thought II out before he me; he he'd
hearsed 1t In his own mind ana he determined
to make a clean breast Of 1t. sparlns and hiding
nothing
at wouIi not do at ills late date to tell the story
OF the Egyptian Instruction, even in Arab Pacha's
own WORDS because Il would scarcely help his cause
whethe: be was betrayed or net between the
affairs OF Alexandria and Tel-el-kebr Is immaerfal
now. What Is Ear more material Is the present
attitude OF Arab toward the English Government
and his petition for their mercful consideration.
that he has reflected In exile and thrown him.
self absolutely on English generosity. Arabi's
ward no oiiSh 4; far I
could gather II. precisely this lie believes-con-
slienously believes-thit the occupancy OF Egypt
by the English has been wholly for the advantage
Of his country. IN fact said Arab to me-. with
marked gesture. 'ihc English have done everything
for Egypt that | would have done lad been In
power. They have eXccIted all that could have
propheSed would happen had Egypt been ruled by
one Of her own sons. All that fought for was
Egypt fer the Eg,plisns. and this policy the English
have endeavo-ei 10 carry out. | ventured To
touch with some dcEcacy on the immediate situation
and the cause for the Interference OF Lord Cromer
with an official appointment Arab was perfectly
familiar with the cause OF offence lie Knew ns
man. .welI,' said I. Arab answered, Had been
in power / should have done the same Tho
English have never yet made mistake. so lar a
see-this was Arabis answer. II was strange TO
hear man whose offence virtually caused the
English occupation vigorously maintaining the neces-
Al the end OF the interview the soldiers voice ALTERED
Nv friend,r said he" my friend. tell the English
people that | am an old man. Ola before my ume
Tell the English people that have been ten years
In eAlle. ana that am broken down In health. nnns
for anything but reflection on the past. incapabis
of dishonesty or dishonor. Tell tho English people
that you have looked into my eyes and seen them
cloudci with the shadow that will soon close TO ITEM
the light OF day forever
And what would you suggest about the fd'ure'-
The fuurc!r and here lis strong voice hi'ered
again. Il want 10 die among my own people.
want to Egypt and those love before the iast
hour comes. Il The English Government would ailow
but The friend OF England. l would consent TO be
put under police or military silrI,ilihce ind W r.
port myself To whom,Ocvrr should be- appointed ~,
the purpose. ! would undertake on my honorLano
nothing whatever TO do with politics In any snaps
or form. | have done with polite, As ! nave done
with var. I want to return To Egypt-there 10 ivy
IA private gcn'l.nan ana There TO Ole ainons ~;
" lch has treated me with such mc!fiiui considrrs
ton. 10 you confie ms hopes and my prayers
| have been punished and have suffered. nave
p stei nardon. and still. knowing IN" English. ask
it Was quite I. O'Clock in the morning. says Mr.
Scott when We parted after this remarkable inter-
view Tn. old was deeply moved, and was
rot l.;tc Impressed by his s0lemniiy and earnest
ness. . .,,.,,
:. The next morning the s!sncc OF the Mountain
Hotel was disturbed by three male voices Calling Oh
Allah To answer their prayers Arali tncha, Tue
Egyptian Mahomet Bcy. his son. and Ahmed tehmy'
the Old soldier. Joining In suppicauons TOT w
lvarancc from captivity. We parted as we mst-SSn
the doorstep Of the Newrya Ella Hotel Arab fas sn
had Icnpscd into the old tignfsd ana solemn s, m
ner lie shook hands with me with stately eor,al's:
and mi hand hi, feZ. "A soldier, 10 s1u'c -