Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-12-28

CAIRO, Egypt.-We were fortunate
in being in Cairo on the day that the
Khedive Abbas returned to his capital
after an absence of several months. He
rode in an open carriage preceded and
surrounded by mounted officers and FOL
lowed by several hundred English and
Egyptian soldiers. He bowed pleasant
ly to the right and left, and while there
was no great enthusiasm, the people
lined the sidewalks and seemed pleased
at his return
The government of Egypt almost
aefies explanation. Some people tell me
that the English rule here. some that
the khedive rules, and some That the
country is subject to Turkey. o. We
Phariohs! o, Rameses the Great! 10
think Of Egypt in such plight!
With nv British friend, Professor
Jackson. of Montreal Canada, l looked
at the Yorkshire regiment OF good Ola
England, stationed in the citadel 25O
feet above the city, and as we watched
fine handsome soldiers marching along
the ramparts, he joyously exclaimed
that 1t was the finest sight MS eyes
ever rested on. And resting WITHIN the
EngIand's great cannon commanding the
Nile and the entire city.
Who rules Egypt? For an answer
Professor Jackson pointed to the fort'
Along the streets, in striking uni
form, full of dash and color with gils-
tening bayonets and with faces beamlng
with pride like that of school poy'
marched the Egyptian soldiers-Nubi-
ans. Soudanese, Abyssinians, Arabs
Turks and what-not-some black, some
brown, some nearly white.
Who rules Egypt? My dragomen
guide told me with unsophlstieateo
pride, that the khedive did and tnat
these were his fine soldiers.
In reality. so far as can learn,
Egypt pays to Turkey tribute annually
to the amount of $S,5oO,Oo0 and there
Turkish power seems to stop.
The Knedive Abbas sits on th7
throne, performs many duties pertain
ing to his office and is supposed to
rule.
But back of the throne is the strong
power of England, represented for many
years by Lord Cromer. and more re-
Gently by Lord Gorst.
His highness, Abbas Hilmi, is the
enth in descent from Mehamet Ali, was
born in Cairo, 35 years ago, and mas
occupied the throne since 1892. He Is
highly educated according to the Eu-
ropean standard, and in his private and
public life has shown ability and Wis
dom. Although according to his relig-
ion he is entitled TO four wives, yet no
IS married to only one. a Circassian
woman. He has six children. His
skin is white His dress is European,
except that he wears the tarboosh In
place of a hat.
In administration, he has six native
ministers, and six English advisers
There is a legislative council of 30
members. The people elect 16 and the
khedive appoints one. This council only
has advisory authority.
lShiek ell Islam is the ecclesiastic au-
thority over the priests and practically
of 90 per cent Of the population
The army, composed of English and
Egyptian soldiers, is under the com
mand of an Englishman. But back or
the throne is ~the strong power OF
England represented by ner consul
general, Lord Gorst.
Throughout the ages, Egypt has
been subject at different times to the
the Romans, the Saracens. the Turks,
the French and for the last century by
Mehemet Ali and his descendants.
Ali was of lowly birth, his father
being a poor Albanian fisherman. He
had no education, but he rose rapidly
i'm the army of Turkey, married into
prominent family and was appointed III
command of the army at Egypt
When Napoleon left Egypt In 1905
the Mamalukes rebelled against the
Turkish governor. The INSCRIPTIONS
Ali saw his opportunity. Cairo is for
SALE" he said land tine strongest
sword will buy it,"
Calling into a conference 400 Of the
celebrated cavalry of the Mamelukes,
he betrayed them. They were nne
fighters and they made magnificent
appearance as they rode on their Ara
bian charges into the citadel unmind-
full of the doom that awaited them. AS
soon as they were inside the gates, they
were shot down.
After this for 40 years, until his