The rumours that France means mischief in Egypt have gathered
strength all the week. It is alleged that the French Ambassador is about to make a formal demand —or to support Turkey in making one—that the British Government shall fix a definite date for the evacuation of Egypt. Russia is to endorse that demand, and then it is supposed Lord Salisbury, with Ireland, and Burmah, and Egypt upon his hands, must yield. The Paris correspondent of the Standard even alleges that the advisability of war with England has been pressed upon M. de Freycinet, and plans drawn up showing how this country can be injured in the Mediterranean. Malta, says another account, is to be attacked, and a cotes d'armie landed in Alexandria. If any such plan is to be tried, Italy will have her chance of retaking Savoy ; but in spite of the hectoring of the French Press, which even accuses us of stirring up China to quarrel with France about the position of Catholic converts, we are unable to believe the stories afloat. What have French peasants to gain by a. war with England, or the French Army, or the French holders of Egyptian bonds P That M. de Freycinet, in his desire for a Russian alliance, may have agreed to worry Great Britain, is probable enough ; and also that be would fix on Egypt as, the weak place ; but the step from that to a serious menace of war is a long one. One thing, at all events, the French Premier may rely on. If he offers such a threat, the British people, little es they want Egypt, will insist on keeping it, We
cannot fight Europe, nor is Egypt worth the effort; but no Power short of Europe will be allowed to employ menace.
