PROBLEMS. 57 CHAPTER XV.

PROBLEMS.

On the arrival of Lord Dufferin at Cairo, two main courses were open to the British Government : To leave Egypt to govern herself ; or to govern it for her. England tried a compromise : she would govern Egypt through Egyptian officials. Under the first, the Khedive would have been re¬ established together with the Government of Riaz Pasha, and the country would probably have soon lapsed into the same condition in which it was before. Under the second it is difficult to say what would have taken place —perhaps some awkward questions might have been asked by European powers. Under the third—the one adopted—there arose constant conflicts between the English and the native element.

Since the rise and fall of Arabi the problem had become infinitely involved, and the conflicting elements still survived. First of all, the finan¬ cial difficulties were enormously augmented, (1) by the destruction of property at Alexandria, and the awards of the indemnity commission ; (2) by the prolonged endeavours of Egypt to hold the Soudan and to suppress the insurrection in that region ; (3) by the precautionary measures which must be taken in view of this danger ; (4) by the excess of ordinary current expendi¬ ture over revenue; and (5) by the necessity of undertaking works of irrigation.

Then came the insurrection, and the problems became even more intricate. England desired Egypt to relinquish the Soudan and stick to her eastern seaports—a policy naturally most advantageous to English commerce ; Egypt on the other hand wished to keep the Soudan and give up the eastern ports, for the ports monopolized the trade which would otherwise have gone to her great cities. In this contest, however, Egypt had to give in, and it was resolved that the Soudan should be evacuated.

But the Mahdi at El Obeid, and Osman Digna in the region of Tokar and Sinkat, were investing Egyptian towns and massacring Egyptian garrisons. Now England gives in and adds to Egypt’s feeble exertions by sending her own troops.

But affairs look very threatening near Khartoum, so England sends help again in the form of General Gordon.

Now Gordon is hemmed in ; the Mahdi is growing invincible ; Khartoum is likely to fall at any moment; and the insurrection attaining incredible proportions. What is to be done ?

v D