The Atherstone, Nuneaton, and Warwickshire Times. — 1882-12-09 (Atherstone, Warwickshire, England)

THE FATE OF ARABI. One feels inclined at first to smile at the farce which has just been concluded at Cairo. ARABI, the arch traitor and revolutionist, the man who defied the power of England and all her allies, whose conduct risked the peace of 'Swope, and for whose blood Eastern diplomacy was loudly crying, has been brought before a Court Martial and disposed of in just five minutes. Tried, condemned, sentenced, in less time than it takes to write the statement. There is something about the whole proceedings inexpressibly ludicrous. We were prepared for almost anything in an Eastern Court of Law, but until a few days ago, when the secret leaked out through an inspired telegram, surely no one could have expected such a denouement. It appears that Attain was charged on two indictments, one with being a rebel,: and the other with being an incendiary and a murderer. An arrangement was effected between the English and Egyptian Governments and ABABI's counsel, that if the prisoner would plead guilty to the minor indictment charging him with being a rebel, the more serious charge— which, if proved, would have cost him his life—would not be proceeded with. It was manifestly arranged also what the sentence should be. And so the farce was acted. ARABI was brought up, charged, pleaded guilty to being a rebel, and was sentenced to death. His judges then went to lunch, and afterwards another farce was performed. The prisoner was again brought up and informed that the KHEDIVE had graciously mitigated the sentence to perpetual banishment, ARABI to retain all his possessions and emoluments. And so we have a case of a prisoner smiling when he is sentenced to death, and the Judge winking at • the prisoner when he pronounces the sentence. It cannot be said that this is a dignified ending of the matter, though probably, it is the best that could happen. However we may feel inclined to view the whole matter as a joke, it must not be forgotten that the result is probably not rowing to a desire to shield Insist, but to avoid international complications. There is a. doubt that had the trial proceeded some very compromising and unpleasant disclosures would have resulted, and might have rendered still more difficult the onerous task of settling the permanent government of Egypt and the relations of that country with European nations. We cannot forget also that the result is one evidently brought about by one of the shrewdest and most astute diplomatists that England possesses. Even if Lord DITFIBRIN did not propose this compromise, he manifestly consented to it, and therefore, we, who only partially know the circumstances surrounding this escapade of ARABI'S, may I fairly be satisfied. Political expediency requires that this course should be pursued, ..aad therefore, what can • „ • inst it? If political expeolioticy • the ing of man's life e :ht be but here the motile • ••• satisfy the *gency I of the hoar. !"1- no dash!, he true riming Of tbt solemnly , *eyed before the artial at Cairo. B'ome Englishmen may see in the result a poor satisfaction for the expenditure of life . end treasure which England was called upon to make. We may call to mind that this man's acts caused many of our brave countrymen to be buried in Egyptian graves, but would his death form any recompense 1 The fate of Anent is not worth considering. What we have to reflect on is what would be the result of the case being heard, and of the disclosures which would assuredly have been made. This is the purpose of the compromise, and not the saving of ARABI'S life. We have not, Amid never had, any sympathy with