We note with great satisfaction that a movement is op-foot
to bestow some special mark of the national gratitude on Lord Cromer, and that it is suggested that this should take the form of a money grant. We very much hope that the Government will propose such a grant to the House of Commons, and that Lord Cromer will not veto the scheme. It is no secret that Lord Cromer is anything but a rich man, and, though he never encouraged undue lavishness or extravagance in the style of living adopted at the British Agency, his official salary only just enabled him to keep up the large establishment required by his official position, and to meet the great calls made upon the purse of one who wee not only the actual ruler of Egypt, but also the head of the British colony in Cairo. Lord Cromer's friends have felt for many years that his salary ought at least to have been as large as that of the Governor of Madras (28,000) or the Ambassador in Paris (210,000). Yet, as a matter of fact, it was only 26,500, and this though Cairo is an exceedingly expensive place in which to live according to the European standard. Lord Cromer's feelings in the matter made it impossible to suggest an increase of pay for the British Agent during his tenure of the office, but we think it is only right that the whole matter should, on a new appointment, be carefully reconsidered.
Previous page
