New-York tribune., 1899-02-05

seventeen years. one was characterized BY
vagary OF sentiment and the other by moral
obligation and common-sense When Egypt was
invaded by Lord Wolseey's army the British
Government pledged Itself 20 withdraw its forces
order should be re-established. II
also sanctioned a scuttllng policy in conse-
quence Of which the Egyptian garrisons were
slaughtered and the soudan abandoned 70 fanat-
icism and barbarism. Both the fatuous pledges
for ultimate evacuation OF Lower Egypt and
the subsequent shameful retreat from the
soudan were due to false and slcky senti-
mentality The reconquest Of the Soudan and
the new arrangements made for It's government
as joint dependency Of England and Egypt
are proofs that the Gladstone pledges will never
be kept and that British policy on the Nile Will
be directed by common sense and moral obliga-
ton
The SOudan may not be worth what Il has
cost. but Eng.shmen can now think Of II with
out a sense OF shame. They have undertaken a
grea; work for civilization in the Upper Nile.
and their burdens are borne with light heart
and a good conscience The soudan was recon-
quered at high cost and England was willing 70
hazard a war with France rather than 20 give
up single swamphole at Fashoda. Who does
not know that the obligations incurred IN the
soudan are out OF all proportion 70 the CONNER
cial advantages derived from control of the Nile
Valley? Yet there are few Englishmen who
would be willing 10 exchange their present re-
sponsibilities and burdens for the immunity
from anxiety which they enjoyed when the Sou
dan was remanded 10 barbarism. They have
put one Of their best men there, and have armed
him with full responsibility at Khartoum. and
they are convinced that the work begun for
civilization by Lord Cromer at Cairo will be car
ried all the way up the Nile 70 the lakes. Senti-
mental regard for pledges which ought never 10
have been made and for the political freedom
OF native races incapable Of sef-government
have now given place 10 rational ideas OF con
quest and OF moral responsibility for the welfare
Of subject races. The truth has been learned
that no nation is justified IN invading a semi
civilized or barbarous country unless il is fully
prepared to remain and 70 DO good work ,or
humanity and progress Otherwise II would do
better 70 stay out altogether.
One leader may take a broad and another a
narrow view Of British interests and obligations.
but the trend Of public opinion runs steadily in
the direction OF reason and moral responsibility
Diplomacy is now more practical u its aims than
Il was when Egypt was invaded under pledge OF
self-denai and disinterested action. Lord Kitch-
ener is sent 10 Khartoum 70 govern the recon
quered Soudan, and a protectorate OF the Nile
Valley is virtually assumed In order 10 prevent
Interference from outside Powers. The justih-
cation OF the English invasion OF Egypt at the
time OF Arabs rebellion lies not In the pledges
which are still unredeemed but in the splendid
record Of administrative work under British
control The English people have made them
selves responsible for the future OF the Soudan,
and posterity will Judge them by the practical
work which is done for civilization and prog
ress. II there he a wholesome moral here for
American action in the Philippines ! shall not
be so obtrusive as 10 point Il out l. y. Z.