ye ae ~~ + gah 7 PA eee ae The British Campaign in the Soudan. 127 Having taken entire possession of the country, avowedly not as aconqueror but expressly as a friend and_ protector, solely to defend her ally the Khedive against his rebellious subjects, England became in equity Egypt’s guardian, and as she had rendered her defenceless, she was bound by every consideration of justice to shield her from all harm.

How had she come to occupy such a position after her repeated declarations that the Suez Canal was the only British interest involved in Egypt, and that so long as it was safe, England would decline all interference in Egyptian affairs ?

She had been driven step by step, almost unwittingly, to assume this rédle by the pressure of British bondholders numerous and powerful enough to control both Parliament and ministers. England’s attitude at this time was tersely described by Hon. Henry Labouchere, the eminent M. P. and also editor of Zruth, in these words: “Why are we in Egypt? Tar sHyLock MAY HAVE HIS POUND OF FLESH !”

Two courses were open to England.

One was to frankly assume a protectorate and to govern Egypt directly, either continuing the Khedive in his réle of a mere figure-head or else removing and pensioning him off like.an Indian Rajah.

The other was to limit the sphere of British action to securing the Khedive’s power until he could re-organize his own army and consolidate his government. This ob-. ject once attained, he should have been left free to govern Egypt in his own way, providing only for his compliance with the obligations he had contracted.

But just at this time commenced that astounding series