11 OCTOBER 1884, Page 3

It is demi-officially stated that Lord Northbrook has recom- mended

the total abolition of the Egyptian Army, and the substitution for it of armed police. The object is to save 2400,000 a year, but Nnbar Pasha and the Egyptian Ministry resist,. The advice is sound, if we are about to protect Egypt; but if not, it is a little curious. We are to withdraw, according to Lord Hartington, and the Egyptian Army is to be disbanded according to Lord Northbrook. Between the two measures Egypt is to be left defenceless, to be conquered by the Mahdi or the Shereef of Mecca, or anybody else who feels inclined and can raise a fighting force. What with the Bondholders and our own double purpose of abandoning Egypt and restoring her finance, we shall stumble into some deep hole before all is done.