OPINIONS OF THE EX-KHEDIVE. 3

might have been avoided if the railway from Suakim on the Red

Sea, to Berber on the Nile, had been completed to the Soudan; and it was false economy that led to the abandonment of the scheme by the Control. The manner of sending the troops to the war had also, his highness contended, materially helped to the

disaster. " Arabi's disbanded soldiers were sent up to reinforce

Hicks Pasha like so many malefactors, deprived of their arms,

dishonoured, and often led by officers who were forced to accept the task as a punishment, or even a form of exile. How could

they fight with the material he had? I am not surprised at the

calamity which has overtaken Egypt." To the question, " But does vour highness think the Soudan should be at once aban-

doned?" "Certainly not," answered Ismail; "for the moment

I think every exertion must be put forth to secure the part of the country still in the possession of Egypt, and the question of reconquest should be postponed till the enterprise can be undertaken in a regular and organized manner, and not piece-

meal as a solitary and adventurous enterprise. Unless a stand is made it is impossible to foresee the possible consequences for Egypt. I think, in view of the present crisis of affairs, one of the

princes — e.g. my son Prince Hassan — should be named Governor- general of the Soudan, with plenary and uncontrolled powers.

He could do a great deal, although the weakness of the execu-

tive at Cairo might certainly impair his chances of success.'*

" Might I ask," continued the interlocutor, "if your highness thinks English troops could be sent to the Soudan at the present

juncture?" "No," answered Ismail; "such a step might involve

still greater evils. Egyptian troops, if well officered, arc best

suited for the work of pacification." Ismail feared that a spirit of disaffection was rife among the Bedouin tribes of Egypt. " What, then, about the next move of the Mahdi? Will he descend upon

Lower Egypt, or will he remain where he is?" "The Mahdi," said Ismail, "will probably advance from Obeid upon Dongola, and from Dongola to Berber, where he will entirely sever com-

munications between the Soudan and Egypt." "But, Khartum? Will that be taken at route?" "Not at all. It is quite possible