THE COUP D'IlTAT. . 207 of the year, and enter on the second part of its labours, \ that is, on the investigation of the causes which, under ( Ismail's reign, had brought Egypt to the verge of \ bankruptcy. The Ministry would possibly have done more wisely if they had obtained the consent of the Powers, to whom the Commission owed its existence, to its adjournment for an indefinite period. This was the opinion of some of the Commissioners, and notably of Major Baring. The two leading members, however, Mr. Rivers Wilson and M. de Blignieres, were of a contrary opinion. They regarded the prosecution of the inquiry as essential to the success of their Ministerial policy. Believing, as they did, that they could, in case of need, rely on the active support of England and France, they aimed at curtailing the personal authority of the Khedive by introducing a number of reforms, required, as they held most justly, in the interests of Egypt, as well as of her creditors. These reforms, however, could only be carried, if at all, by enlisting public sympathy on their behalf, not only at home, but abroad. In order to excite the requisite sympathy, it was necessary to make public the extent' to which the ruin of Egypt was due, not only to Ismail's extravagant expenditure, but to the way in which he had abused his authority as an absolute ruler. For this purpose, no better machinery could be devised than the existing Commission of Inquiry. It is very easy to be wise after the event, and it should also be borne in mind that Messrs. Wilson and de ; Blignieres were placed in an exceptionally difficult