Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-26
FOLK ON EGYPT

Joseph W. FOLK, Whe u employed as special counsel
for a group of Egyptian nationalist. has Just made a
statement with reference to Egyptian affairs, before the
senate committee on foreign relations. Nj. Folk de-
nounces British rule in Egypt. and declares that in that
country Great Britain has played the part Of a highway
man.
1t is interesting to recall that only a few years ago
another American. better known than Mr.. Folk, and
with abilities greater than Mr.. Folks. made some obser-
vatlons on British rule in Egypt In an address which
provoked much comment. The late Theodore Roosevelt.
on his way home from the African hunting grounds.
spent some time in Egypt, and observed at first hand
conditions there with which he was already familiar az
a reader and as a student OF public affairs. A little
later. in an address delivered in London, he discussed the
British policy in Egypt, spoke in terms of unhounded
admiration Of what had been accomplished under Brit.
ish rule for the betterment Of the condition Of the Esyp-
tian people, and tempered his praise with a word Of
criticism to the effect that there had been evidence of
late OF a weakening of the former firm policy which was
bound to undo much of the good that had been done.
He declared that what was needed was the continuation
OF a vigorous policy OF development and a stern repres-
sion of the activities of political malcontents who tor
some time had been showing unusual activity.
The feature which attracted general attention was
the apparent tactlessness Of Col. Roosevelt, who, a citizen
OF another country, presumed. while an honorsd guest Of
the British people. to instruct their government in the
fSttoA Ai"ANo VI Ss uut4Ce. 4Ae punt OF n
was somewhat hlunted when it was learned later that
the Egyptian portion Of the address, II not suggested in
the first place by the British colonial minister. had been
submitted to and approved by him in advance Of It's de-
livery. The Egyptian nationalist faction. riding on the
crest OF the wave OF comparative prosperity which had
coma to their country as a result of the new order intro
duced by the British, had made appeals which in some
measure had influenced British sentiment at home, and
the minister in charge, though thoroughly In sympathy
with the policy enunciated by Roosevelt, had felt IL nee
have his own views placed before his public as those Of
such an able and distnterested outsider as Roosevelt was
known to be.
The political situation in Egypt, like other political
situations. is full Of complications. The vhole thing
cannot be reduced to = brief formula and interpreted off,
hand. But two things in" connection with it may we'll
be borne in mind. First, the condition Of the Egyptian
masses today is imneasurable to anything that they have
enjoyed since history began to be written. The people
are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and are
more nearly approaching the conditions Of civilized life
than they have ever been before. Second, for whatever
OF prosperity the Egyptians enjoy they have to thank
neither their own initiative nor the leadership Of their
politicians, but the guiding hand Of the British govern
ment. Let that hand be withdrawn and the Egyptians
the great masses, will revert to something approach
ing the status which their ancestors occupied under the
Pharaohs, and from which no succeeding generation of
them has been able to raise itself by its own unaided
efforts.