And they spoke openly about the government's weakness and loss of prestige, and about the submission of Minister Nubar Pasha and the group of ministers to Sir Baring. Some papers filled with reprimands and denunciations of the ministers were seen thrown in some government offices and departments. Mustafa Riad Pasha came from his farm in Toud el-Giza and stayed in Cairo. The dissolute, the sycophants, and those with sickness in their hearts flocked to his door, realizing that Minister Nubar Pasha was inevitably dismissed. The movement appeared in the Khedive's diwan that day, and his messengers frequented Mustafa Riad Pasha's house for no apparent reason other than to spread rumors of Minister Nubar Pasha's intention to resign from the presidency, and the common talk that the British notables had sent a group of Greeks and Maltese spies to the southern provinces to ascertain the people's thoughts regarding the British occupation of Egypt, and other such nonsense for which God had sent down no authority. It was due to Sir Baring's cunning and strong will that whenever he sensed any inclination towards unrest among these weaklings, or heard their voices in their gatherings, or saw their articles in one of the opposing newspapers, he would contribute to Minister Nubar Pasha, ease his demands, and make difficult matters seem easy, as if to say, "Take it easy, for by God, we only brought your companion [meaning Mustafa Riad Pasha] after we had devised schemes and plots for him, turned our backs on you, and achieved through him what you could not endure." A friend told me that some of these young men were writing letters to some provincial governors and holders of diwan positions, seeking their favor and support for Mustafa Riad Pasha, and he did not shy away from it, nor did he see it as a flaw. Rather, when one of the country's notables or regional governors visited him, he would complain and criticize the ruling body for its weakness and lament the destruction that had befallen the country. He often spoke ill of the judiciary, saying they were inexperienced youths with no knowledge or practice in matters, so much so that people thought that if he returned to the presidency, he would bring relief to all creation and follow the path of truth in all his affairs. He said, "The zeal of these young men took hold, and their efforts succeeded, and people's hearts became troubled by Minister Nubar Pasha, or nearly so. Then Sir Baring resorted to a new approach and took the reins of power with an iron fist." He said, "It was as if he had an agreement with Minister Nubar Pasha that if he wished to implement any matter required by the control of the British occupation and the preservation of its prestige in the eyes of the people, such as introducing innovations contrary to their customs, or creating novelties that would lead to the decline of the influence of Egyptian rulers, or establishing new systems that would lead to the exclusion of the country's sons from employment, he would have all of this implemented through those whom those people relied upon and force him to act upon it." He said, "Minister Nubar Pasha's presidency this time was such that Sir Baring's word to him on matters of the country did not exceed the limits of advice and guidance, nor did it go beyond words of encouragement and motivation, except for what concerned Sudan, east and south. And when the minister saw him compelled to do something he wanted, he would dissuade him by the gentlest means."