436 THE STORY OF THE KHEDIVATE.

be paid directly into the Treasury, instead of into the Caisse de la Dette. Yet, when this was done, and was met by a protest on the part of the Continental Powers, England gave way at once, and compelled the Egyptian Ministry to cancel their orders.

"I have" — Nubar has often said to me — "to assume the responsibility for a policy which I did not originate, and often did not approve. If the policy succeeded, the British authorities in Egypt claimed the credit If it failed, it was I who bore the blame."

I do not believe myself that at this, or any later period, Nubar ever seriously tried, or even wished, to get rid of the British occupation. But he did undoubtedly wish to modify its character in the way I have already indicated. The chief champion of the direct administration of the country by British officials was our Consul-General. In consequence, two very masterful wills came into conflict ; and even if Sir Evelyn Baring had been a far less able man than he is, his will must inevitably have won the day, having, as he had, and has still, the army of occupation at his back. To my own knowledge, Nubar appealed to the British Government to allow himself and his fellow-Ministers wider authority than that which they possessed under the system of administration favoured by our Consul-General, and stated that if a higher independence of administrative action were not accorded to him, he must resign his