The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-03-29


versity of Egypt was delivered to-day,
and it may safely be said that many of
those who are responsible for the pres
ent government Of Egypt are wishing to-
night that it mad not been.
1t is stated on excellent authority that
Prince Fouad, who, In addition to being
the president of the university, is the
Khedive's uncle. was nervous before the
address was delivered and tried TO induce
Sir Eldon Gorst, the British agent, to
persuade the distinguished visitor TO
avoid political topics. but Sir Eldon re-
fused to interfere In any way. Other ef-
forts, il is reported, were made 10 bring
influence 10 bear upon the lecturer to
tone down his utterances. but apparently
they were without effect.
Col. Roosevelt not only denounced the
assassination of BoutrOs with character
istic yehemence, but denounced with
scarcely less vigor the assassins them
selves and their sympathizers. among
whom are included virtually all of the
members Of the Young Egypt party. He
told the Egyptians in effect that they
were as yet unfit for self-government
Powerful Speech.
Apart from this aspect 1t was a power
ful speech, and, except among the respOn-
sible men who fear for its consequences,
is regarded as a remarkable performance
by those who heard It. II was greatly
approved by the mass Of those who
listened.
The audience included about all of those
who are prominent in the intellectual and
political life OF Cairo. Besides President
Fouad, who introduced the speaker, and
other Egyptian princes. there were pres
ent the ministers and many ex-ministers
of the government, in addition TO the Dip
lomatie corps and Sir Eldon Gorst him.
self There were many ladies of high
standing in attendance. Very few OF the
students were present. however, 1t being
assumed that the nationalist had warned
them 10 remain away.
Col Roosevelt began his address with
some pleasant compliments to those re-
sponsible for the university. and followed
by pointing out the possibilities of such an
institution to influence the character Of
the nation and its people
Soon he launched into the heart OF his
subject Substantial education. he said.
whether OF the individual or OF the whole
people, was obtainable only by a slow
process. not by a single act. No one. he
added. was educated by a curriculum.
Similarly the mere gift of q paper ex-
animation did not make a people fit for
self-government. Seif-government was
not matter of a decade or two, but OF
generations. Nobody could give self
government any more than they could
give the individual self-help.
Quotes Arabian PrOverb.
Everybody he continued, must help
himself. remembering the Arab proyerb.
God Is with the patient man i he knows
how TO wait
A great section of the audience applaud
ed heartily at this sally. but a consider
able section remained significantly silent.
Col Roosevelt seemed to notice this. for
he abandoned the reading OF his address
for a time to inject the statement that
the most unpleasant truth was safer in
the long run than the most palatable
falsehood.
Then, resuming his manuscript. the
Illustrated the uselessness OF
mere paper constitutions when the peo-
pie are unfit for self-government by
to the history of the govern
ments of North and South America. The
essential quality of an independent ma
ton he pointed out was not the hasty
grasping after power. but the steady de-
of the love of justice, fair
play, self-reliance, and moderation. This.
toe. was received with silence by the Sec
ton Of Nationalist
The lecturer then denounced the murder
Of the late premier. which he termed a
greater calamity TO Egypt than it was
to the victim. Emphasizing his words
with a heavy blow of his fist on the table
and speaking in deep. solemn tones. Col
said;
ANY of the accomplices of the assas-
sins who either directly or indirectly
melted the commission of the crime, by
act. word, or deed. ought TO be arraigned
On the same criminal charge"
Effect Cannot BE Realized.
To those who have not closely followed
he Egyptian question. the impression
that this utterance is likely to produce
ar.ong the Nationalist can scarcely be
realized. But as the Nationalist news
papers have defended the crime since it
vas committed. 1t was not TO be sup
posed that the members of their party
greatly enjoyed the words OF Col. Roose-
relt
At the same time. 1t was noticeable
hat Sir Eldon Gorst seemed to grow
more uncomfortable as the denunciation
continued, and he made his escape from
he hall almost as soon as the lecture
vas ended Il was evident to all who
Snow Egypt that Roosevelt has got a
broad grip of the situation
lere and uttered freely the opinions that
he British officials hold but keep silent
about
Publicly the address, which was en-
applauded by the bulk of
he audience, has caused a sensation. II
,leases the average British resident i'm
nensely, and Roosevelt, as a conse-
Iuence, is a greater hero In their eyes
han he ever was before to-day.
The ex-Presldent took luncheon to-day
With Rev. DR.. Watson, head Of the Amer /
can Mission here and afterward opened
school for girls.
He was the guest of honor at q great
banquet given tonight by Prince Fouad