Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-29
Radical British Press Declares
Egyptian Speech Harmful.
HAD DISPOSITION TO HELP
Utterances, However, Said to Make
Task More Difficult.
WAS FEARED IN ADVANCE
BritiAh Administrators Reported to
Have Been Anxious to Head
Or Speech.

LONDON, March %. Former President
Roosevelt's address before the students of
the University OF Egypt yesterday has at
tracted considerable comment here, where
| there is difference OF opinion as to the
| good or evil effects of his plain talking.
| In denouncfng the assassination OF the
| late Premier Boutros Pasha Ghai Col.
| Roosevelt did not nince his words with
| a view to avoiding offense TO the nation
alists, a great many of whom have openly
sympathized with the assassin.
! The radical press today takes excep-
ton to Col. RooseveIt's remarks, and
even the moderate Westminster Gazette
says editorially:
"DisQuisitions upon the readiness or the
reverse Of Egypt for self-government,
while permitted TO men without great
position, are perhaps better hushed within
the breasts OF ex-presidents'
Meant to Be Friendly.
Recalling Mr.. Gladstone's pronounce
ment in regard to the early indiscretion
of the present Lord Halsbury-"Mistakes
which are pardonab,e in a private indi-
vidual become scandalous in an ex-solici-
tor general'-the Gazette recognizes Mr.
Roosevet's desire to be friendly and help
full. to Great Britain, but says that his
pronouncement is not calculated to make
easier the path Of the government In
Egypt
highly laudatory Of the fearless declara-
tions: The Pail Mall Gazette considers
that the American statesman has done a
service not only to the Egyptians but to
the cause of human progress throughout
the world. TIE paper adds:
M Roosevelt is providing our pulling
sentimentalists Of the Keir Hardie breed
with healthy spectacle of the represent
ative of the greatest democracy in the
world giving pseudo-democracy sound
trouncinE.'
The Evening Standard warmly approves
the address as THE wise wor0A of a
great statesman.
Couldn't Head Him OF.
: CAIRO. Egypt March 29.-It is de-
clared today that efforts were made to
persuade Col. Roosevelt not TO discuss
political questions in the addreas which
he delivered yesterday at the University
Of Egypt.
1t was feared beforehand that Col.
Roosevelt weuld make undesired refer
ence to the assassination OF the late Pre-
mier Boutros, and to the nationalist agi-
tation, which is now under way. 1t is
stated on excellent authority that Prince
Fouad, who, in addition to being the
president Of the university. is the khe
dives uncle. was nervous before the ad
dress was delivered, and tried to induce
Sir Eldon Gorst, the British agent, to per-
suade the distinguished visitor to avoid
political topics but Sir Eldon refused
Other efforts. it is reported, were made to
bring influence TO bear upon the lecturer
to tone down his utterances. but appar
emily they were without effect.
Sympathizers Also Denounced.
Col. Roosevelt not only denounced the
assassination Of Boutros with character
istic vehemence. but denounced with
scarcely less vigor the assassins them
selves and their sympathizers, among
whom are included virtually all the men,
bers OF the Young Egypt party. He told
the Egyptians. in effect, that they were
as yet unfit for self-government
1t would have mattered far less to the
lecturers hosts had he not been treated
since his arrival here one upon whom
they delighted to shower conspicuous
honors. He will be regarded generally
by the nationalists as the mouthpiece OF
the British regime. the representatives
OF which will get all the sting that the
former President has stirred up.
Apart from this aspect 1t was a power
ful speech, and except among the respop-
sible men. who fear its consequences, is
regarded as a remarkably able perform
ance By those who heard w. II was
greatly approved by the mass of those
who listened.
Papers Defended Crime.
To those who have not closely followed
the Egyptian question the impression
that his utterance is likely to produce
among the nationalists can scarcely be
realized. But as the nationalist news
papers have defended the crime since 1t
was committed, it Is not to be supposed
that the members Of their party greatly
enjoyed the words OF Col Roosevelt At
the same time ii was noticeable that SIR
Eldon Gorst seemed to grow more un-
comfortable as the denunciaton contin-
ued, and lie made his escape from the
hail almost as soon as the lecture was
ended. 1t was evident to all who know
Egypt that Roosevelt has got a surpris-
insly broad grip Of the situation here,
and uttered freely the opinions thar the
British ofYicials hold but keep silent
about.
Publicly, the address. which was en-
Enthusiastically applauded by the bulk of
the audience, has caused sensation. 1t
plea ses the average British resident I'M
| mensey. and Roosevelt as a consequence
ia a greater hero in their eyes than he
ever was before today. But there are
just a few who nurmur, Save us from
| our friends