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 abandoned?" "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 piecemeal 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 Governorgeneral of the Soudan, with plenary and uncontrolled powers.

He could do a great deal, although the weakness of the executive 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 communications between the Soudan and Egypt." "But, Khartum? Will that be taken at route?" "Not at all. It is quite possible