LORD DUFFERIN'S REPORT. 33' earliest period possible, it followed, logically, that\ there must be a native army in Egypt possessing \ the power to maintain order at home, and to protect the country from any attacks oil the part of the semi-savage fanatical tribes which roam about the desert regions lying east and west of the Nile valley. The experience of the past had shown that an Egyptian army, commanded by Egyptian officers, was a source of danger to the State. Lord Dufferin, therefore, advised the Khedive to place the native Egyptian army under the orders of an A English commander, supported in the higher ranks by a staff of English officers, who were, in military phrase, / ** seconded" by the British War Office. As a matter of necessity, the Khedive accepted this advice, and proceeded to offer the Commandership-in-chief to Colonel Valentine Baker, who, by reason of his great professional repute, and dt the gallant service he had rendered to Turkey, in the war with Russia, was an extremely popular personage in every Mahometan community. After the offer had been accepted and the appointment announced, the British Government suddenly discovered that "the Nonconformist conscience " disapproved of an officer with Valentine Bakers antecedents holding a position of authority in a country where British influence was paramount.

In deference to popular sentiment at home, the Khedive was advised to cancel Baker's nomination, and select Sir Evelyn Wood in his place. The advice was accepted with great reluctance ; and,