1 8 EG\TT AND THE SOUDAN.

Egypt, instead of constructing the social edifice like a pyramid, upon its base, we have been rearing an obelisk which a single push may overturn. Our safety in Egypt is to do something for the people. That is to say, you must reduce their rent, rescue them from the usurers, and retrench expenditure. Nine-tenths of the European employes might probably be weeded out with

advantage. The remaining tenth — thoroughly efficient — should be retained; but whatever you do, do not break up Sir Evelyn

Wood's army, which is destined to do good work. Stiffen it as much as you please, but with Englishmen, not with Circassians. Circassians are as much foreigners in Egypt as Englishmen are, and certainly not more popular. As for the European population,

let them have charters for the formation of municipal councils,

for raising volunteer corps, and for organizing in their own defence. Anything more shameful than the flight from Egypt in 1882 I never read. Let them take an example from Shanghai, where

the European settlement provides for its own defence and its own government. I should like to see a competent special com-

missioner of the highest standing — such a man, for instance, as Mr. W. E. Forster, who is free at once from traditions of the

elders and of the foreign office, and of the bondholders — sent out to put Nubar in the saddle, sift out unnecessary employes, and

warn evil-doers in the highest places that they will not be allowed to play any tricks. If that were done it would give confidence everywhere, and I see no reason why the last British soldier

should not be withdrawn from Egypt in six months' time.

I hope you will explain that I did not wish to press my

opinions upon the public. I am very reluctant to say anything calculated to embarrass the government in a very difficult crisis;

but when you appealed to me I did feel moved at the thought of the poor Soudanese, whom I knew so well and loved so much; and I thought that for once I might, for their sake, depart from the resolution which I had formed in my mind to leave these things to be governed by the Higher Power which cannot err,

without comment on my part. They are a good people, the poor Soudanese, and if I can do anything for them I shall be only too