The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-10-29
A SCRAP OF HISTORY.


The announcement that the British
Cabinet has resolved TO proclaim pro-
tectorate over Egypt recalls some inter-
esting facts In connection with the re
cent history OF that ancient land.
In IT'S Bonaparte invaded Egypt and
at the famous battle OF the Pyramids
fought on July Esd. Of that year, the
French army OF IS 900 men, led by Bona
parte. overthrow the Mameukes. who
had been in control for two centuries.
Bonaparte desired TO destroy Turkish
rule in Asia as well as in Africa. so as
70 make possible an attack upon Europe
from the East as well as from the West.
But he failed Of his purpose and left
Egypt in the hands Of General Kieber,
who very soon died. and in 1901 the
French withdrew from the land leaving
the control TO Mahamet All. who was
raised to the rank Of Pasha of Cairo in
1904.
Mahamet. though nominally a vassal
OF the Sultan Of Turkey. acquired and
maintained substantial independence,
and being imbued with the European
spirit founded a vast number OF schools
and colleges and encouraged manufac-
lures and commerce. In 1890 he invaded
and conquered Syria and then revoited
against Turkey He defeated the Tur-
kish army In the battle OF Nizeeb, in
June. 1899 and two years later the pow
ers Of Europe interfered TO check his vic
t6rious progress The treaty Of 1871 es-
tabllshec Egypt as vico-royslty OF
Turkey. hereditary in The family Of the
viceroy. Nahamet became an imbecile
IN mis- ole age. and was succeeded by
Ibrahlm as regent.
Ibrahim lived only a few months. and
at his death was succeeded by Mahamet
AIS grandson hbbas Pasha. On his
death in 1854 he was succeeded by Said
Pasha, and Said Pasha was succeeded IN
1853. by Ismai Pasha, who in 1867 re-
ceived from the Sultan the title Of Khe-
dive which means king.
Ismail Pasha acquired great riches and
borrowed vast sums Of money for he
Improvement Of the country. Taxes
became so oppressive that the people re-
fused TO pay them. In 1879 they revolted
and drove the Kheoive from power.
lie was succeeded by Mohammed Tewfk,
who found the finances Of the country
I'm such confusion that he wa soon
Obliged to invoke the aid OF European
countries in order to meet the obligations
of the nation. 1t was then that the
British and French govornm nts were
practically given control Of all the
sources Of revenue. This course, how
ever, was so repugnant to the people
that in the spring of 1852. a revolt broke
out, headed by Arab Pasha, the Minis
ter OF War. Egypt for the Egyptians
was the battle cry. But the government
was supported and sheltered by the army
and navy Of France and Great Britain.
IN July the insurgents directed an at
tack upon the feet lying near alexandria
for the protection Of foreign interests.
on July 18th. the British feet in return
bombarded Alexandria. and two months
later the British army defeated Arab and
reinstated Tewfik The control of the
finances then passed into British hands
and British troops remained in possession
of the country. Then came the 1ormi-
dablo revolt of the Mahdl in the Soudan,
which threatened not only the power Of
hfrt
British as well as the Egyptian interest
in the Suez Canal. General Gordon
with a small British force was sent TO
the Soudan in 1884. but was inadequately
supported and was assassinated in Khar-
toum in January 1855
In this brief review we have followed
the narrative Of Johnston's Cyclopedia.
France I'm the meantime had withdrawn
ana Great Britain since that time has
practically exercised a protectorate over
Egypt, her claims never having been dis
puted by France until the Fashoda In
cident The British forces have recent
w taken Khartoun and avenged The death
II Gordon.
To proclaim q protectorate is a mere
matter OF form, but it will emphasize
Great Britain's position. Hereafter she
will lay claim to the Nile and the Nile
Valley and the nations Of the earth may
as well understand that she will defend
that claim at the point Of the bayonet.
with charming nonchslanee she tells
France that so long as Marchand remains
at Fashods, he will be treated as n for
eien visitor and every courtesy extended
10 him.
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