49+ THE STORY OF THE KHEDIVATE.

question at issue between France and England passed out of his hands into those of their respective Governments.

Lord Salisbury showed great judgment in declining to enter into any abstract discussion upon the question of the Egyptian title to the Soudan, I confess that if the controversy had been submitted to any court of International jurists, the verdict would, in my opinion, have been in favour of the French contention. On the other hand, whatever might be the legal strength of the French case, equity was obviously on our side. England had made public her intention of restoring the Soudan to Egypt, and had commenced a campaign for this avowed end and purpose. The attempt therefore of the French Government to forestall the action of England by sending an expedition secretly, in order to occupy a position which would have given France the command of the White Nile, was a distinct act of hostility.

Lord Salisbury was thus justified, in principle, as well as in policy, in confining himself to repeating in diplomatic language the phrase ascribed to Marshal MsLcMshoUy yy staSy jy resie. The French Government were politely informed that we had got possession of the Soudan in conjunction with Egypt ; that we intended to keep possession ; and that, if needs be, we were prepared to uphold our claim. As soon as it was understood in Paris that England was really in earnest, the French Government gave up the point in dispute, and issued orders