4 50 nuiteriul out of wLicli the native public service is made, there can he no doubt that a considerable number of higlier posts must inevitably be filled for many years to come by Europeans, thus providing promotion for the existing generation. It is true that in proportion as the quality of the younger Egyptians in the service improves there will be less need for new recruits from Europe. This, however, will not affect the position of those already employed, and a reduction in the number of Europeans to be taken in future will ensure that the few who are selected can be sure of opportunities lor making a satisfactory career in this country. It must nevertheless be borne in mind that success for the European in the Egyptian service depends in an even greater degree than elsewhere upon the merits of the individual, as the only justification for the employment ot‘ non-Egyptian officials is found in their possession ot qualities which do not exist amongst the natives of the country. Hence a high standard is expected of the Anglo-Egyptian officials, and those who can support this test need be under no apprehension that their Avork will not be 23it)perH appreciated or in due course rewarded. Apart from the ordinary professional and technical qualifications necessary for any particular department, the Englishman Avho would make a successful career in this country should have the vocation for dealing with Orientals; and those who do not possess this vocation, or who have not the perseverance to cultivate the qualities which can supjjly its place, must not be surf)rised if they remain behind in the race.

The chief qualifications necessary for those who have to deal with Oriental races are briefly as follows : In the first flace, a knowledge of the vernacular is indispensable in order to understand and keep in touch with the }Deople. The transaction of business through interpreters is, as all who have Avorked in the East know AA'-ell, an unsatisfactory ]5roceeding, and greatly increases the danger of falling into the hands of unscrupulous subordinates—a risk to Avhich Englishmen are specially liable. Secondly, one of the jnost essential requirements is to be able to sympathise Avith the feelings and ways of thought of the people—I Avould even add their prejudices. In his last report on EgyptLord Cromer laid great stress on this point, and I venture to recommend my felloAv-countrymen here to refi’esh their memories by reading again his Avise counsels on this subject. Lastly, success in Egypt depends upon the possession of tact and the poAver of self-effacement, and unlimited patience—indispensable attributes in the very difficult task Avhich is set before Enghshinen in this country. More Avill be effected by the exercise of these qualities than by gmng too free a rein to the impulses natural to eager and energetic natures.

Lest it should bethought that any of the aboAm remarks imply a lack of appreciation on iny 2)arfc of the services rendered Ijy the great bulk of the English officials in this country, I hasten to acid my conviction that they are carrying out their mission, under circumstances of great and iuo’easiiig difficulty, Avith great zeal and devotion. I am cjuite conscious of the severe trials to Avhich tact and temper are often exposed by the peculiar conditions under which they Avork; I fully recognise the general measure of success Avith Avhich their efforts have been attended, and I trust that they Avill not alloAv themseHes to be discouraged bv the never-ending obstacles Avhich impede the accomplishment of their task.

The greatest of these obstacles at the present time is, perhaps, the general Avant of confidence in the intentions of the occiqyying Power, which preAmils amongst the unofficial upper and middle classes in this countiy, and causes every proj)osal brought foi-Avard by the Government to be AueAved in a hostile, spiiit. The chief reasons for this unsatisfactory stale of aflaii’s are, in my opinion, the following: In the first place, a great part of the press, uatiAm and English, too frequently publishes articles and letters, generally anonymous, Avhich can have no other effect than that of stirring up bad blood betAveen the English and the Egyptians; secondly, want of sufficient knoAvledge and inherent mistrust appear to jut almost insuperable obstacles in the Avay of the population comprehending that the British GoAmrnment are actuated by disinterested motives in the exercise of their control over the affairs of the country; and, lastly, the unrestrained criticism of a few individuals, based on the assumption that Great Britain should occupy Egypt for her OAVU benefit, is not only in itself unedifying, but sets an exceedingly bad examp)lo to those in Avhom Ave ai’e endeaAmuring to encourage the good old-fashioned virtue of respect for authority. In spite of these difficulties the only sound course, in my opinion, is to persevere on the lines already laid down, namely, that British intervention in the affairs of this country is directed to the sole end of introducing and maintaining good administration, and gradually educating and accustoming the EgyjDtians to carry this on for themselves. The Englishmen engaged • Egypt, N<». 1 (1007),” p. 100.

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