CONTENTS

PACE THE ORIGIN OF THE KHEDIVIAL DYNASTY .... i

Egypt under the Mamelukes — Mahomet Ali nominated Pasha of Egypt — Story of his career — Massacre of the Mamelukes — Invasion of the Soudan — Reign of Mahomet Ali — Estimate of his character — His revolt against Turkey — Interference of European Powers — On conclu-

sion of peace Mahomet Ali surrenders Syria, and is declared by Turkey Hereditary Viceroy.

THE REIGNS OF ABBAS AND SAID 20

Character of Abbas Pasha — Introduction of railways into Egypt — Story of Abbas* death at Benha — Accession of Said Pasha — Catastrophe of Kafir el 2^hat — Issue of the first Egyptian loan.

THE SUEZ CANAL 25

Ferdinand de Lcssejis' connection with Egypt — British opposition to the Suez Canal — M. de Lesseps* character— <^oncession granted by Said Pasha — The Porte refuses to sanction concession as originally pro-

posed— Financial difficulties of construction — Corvee system forbidden — Award of Naj^oleon III. — Unfairness of award.

THE ACCESSION OF ISMAIL PASHA 47

State of Egypt on commencement of Ismail's reign — Personal character of new Viceroy — Temptations to which he was subjected —

The cotton boom during the Secession "War.

THE PURSE OF FORTUNATUS 56

Early life of Ismail— Visit of Sultan to Egypt— Title of Khedive granted — Change in law of succession — Lavish outlay both public and

private — Immense appropriation of lands — Amount of indebtedness.